REASONS TO BUY
Incredible traction
Easy conversion to heel-strapped sandals
Decent foot security
No drop footbed
REASONS TO AVOID
Toe straps can cause chafing
Minimal arch support
Astral Filipe Review
This amphibious flip flop offers incredible traction whether in wet or dry environments, and can be easily converted to a fully strapped sandal
Credit: Zach Lovell
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 20, 2025
RELATED: The Best Flip Flops for Men
Our Verdict
The Astral Filipe provides some of the best traction we've ever seen in a flip flop, particularly in wet environments. Astral has become a leading manufacturer in the water shoes department, and some of their same designs have made their way to sandals, with G.15 Rubber™ + Flex Grip™ outsoles boosting confidence on even the most slippery of surfaces. Uniquely, the Filipe also comes with a pair of straps to quickly be converted to a full-strap sandal with excellent heel security. A few of our testers did comment on some minor chafing with the toe strap, and there isn't much arch support, but raised edges along the outside of the footbed and under the toes increased foot security and support. If you prioritize grip in a flip flop, the Felipe might be your next footwear, but check out our full article on men's flip flops to see other options that are worth considering.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We wore the Astral Filipe fording rivers, lounging on the beach, and even used them for hikes, all in the name of gear testing. We found this option to be a truly stand-out model for those needing the best in foot security and unconditional grip.
We had loads of fun testing these high-traction flip flops, even taking them where open-toed footwear isn't recommended.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
The Astral Filipe is a comfortable flip flop, though not everyone will find its footbed or toe straps to be the most inviting. With a very slight arch support, those with medium to high arched feet are less likely to find these to be as comfy for long days and those with sensitive skin might experience some chafing from the toe strap. However, there were other redeeming qualities in this metric that aided in the Filipe's overall score.
The Astral Filipe features a Level Footbed® construction, which we found to be more pleasant and more stable for hiking and moving through uneven ground when compared to some models with significant drop from the heel to the toe. Additionally, the robust mid and outsole provides improved comfort while walking over sharp rock or rough ground. The raised edges along the outside of the footbed and under-toe ridges also cradled our feet nicely, keeping them from sliding off the footbed. In conclusion, the Filipe will feel the most comfortable for those who don't need the highest arch or the most supple toe straps.
We appreciated the flat foot bed for long days on the go, though some of our testers had to get used to it.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Support
These sturdily-built sandals offer excellent support overall. As previously mentioned in the comfort metric, the Filipe utilizes a flat footbed and raised edges, which particularly helped boost its level of support. While the lack of a real arch reduced its score, this model still came in above average.
Many of the flip flops we tested for this review had particularly flimsy midsoles, making us nervous on more strenuous hikes or carrying a backpack, but the Astral Filipe is particularly hardy in the outsole and midsole. When paired with the aforementioned Level Footbed®, those of our testers comfortable with minimal arch could keep these on all day, even taking them on more adventurous fly fishing missions and white water boating.
While there isn't much of an arch to speak of, the raised edges of the footbed and the robust sole construction boosted the support scores of the Filipe.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Traction
Traction is the strongest metric for the Astral Filipe, without a doubt. With phenomenal grip on both wet and dry surfaces, this flip flop model came in at the front of the pack. When considering that heel straps can be added, which come included, we couldn't ask for more from a flip flop sandal.
We sized up this metric a couple of ways. First, we looked at the traction of the outsole of the Filipe on a wide variety of surfaces, then we examined the security of our feet on the footbeds while moving through uneven terrain. The Filipe handled everything we threw at it, and the G.15 Rubber™ + Flex Grip™ gave us confidence on wet docks, rocks, and muddy gravel. During fly fishing outings, we added the sandal heel straps and enjoyed some wet wading, with the Filipe gifting decent grip even on the river bed. Not every shopper will need the best in flip flop traction, but for those that do, this is likely the best option.
These performed incredibly well across river beds, dry rock slabs, and anything in-between. Simply put, these should be your next pair of flip flops if you need something that can go anywhere.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Versatility
We appreciated the all-arounder capabilities of the Filipe, with great performance in traction, allowing them to be used for hikes and a variety of more involved activities. The style isn't the most eye-catching, but we found these to work just fine for many around-town evenings.
Where the versatility of the Filipe really stood out was its ability to be turned into a fully-strapped sandal, making for a truly genre-bending flip flop. Some might call it cheating, but these easy-to-install straps do come included. As long as the minimal arch works for your feet, these can do it all.
With the quick and easy addition of a heel strap, these flip flops can be your do-it-all open-toed sandals, making them as versatile as it gets for this class of footwear.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Style
The Filipe isn't going to come in first place in any fashion shows, but we polled our friends and family during testing to get their opinions on aesthetics. These came in slightly above average.
The Filipe is only available in two colors, seagull gray and space black, so it's limited compared to many other models that have a wide variety of color options. Having said that, we found both colors to offer a nice look for recreational or social settings.
While these all-terrain flip flops can handle rugged outings, they also belong pool-side on a casual day or around-town for a dinner gathering.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Should You Buy the Astral Filipe?
We can't emphasize enough how helpful it is to have heel straps that can simply be added to flip flops when needed. When paired with its dry and wet traction performance, this is the all-terrain model flip flop. We also appreciated the value of the Filipe when considering it can be used in so many outdoor applications.
What Other Flip Flops Should You Consider?
If the low arch is a deal breaker, look at the Olukai Ohana for another highly capable option with improved arch support. If you're needing something a bit cheaper, consider the Teva Mush II, which is half the cost.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Astral Filipe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Traction |  Best Overall Flip Flop |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best on a Tight Budget | |
| Price | $79.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $80.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $34 List $34.00 at Amazon | $25 List $24.99 at Amazon | $50 List $34.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This genre-bending flip flop can be quickly converted to a full-strap sandal, also offering some of the best traction we’ve seen yet in this class of footwear | A sandal that’s bound to be your next go-to flip flop if you prioritize support and durability | A comfy model that’s half the cost of the competition, offering great value for shoppers needing a pair of flip flops for everyday use | These dirt-cheap flip flops are great for shoppers who prioritize price first and foremost | A slip-on that offers iconic style on a budget with a customized fit |
| Rating Categories | Astral Filipe | Olukai Ohana | Teva Mush II | NeedBo NDB | Cushionaire Lane Co... |
| Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Versatility (15%) | |||||
| Style (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Astral Filipe | Olukai Ohana | Teva Mush II | NeedBo NDB | Cushionaire Lane Co... |
| Footbed Material | 60C closed cell EVA foam | ICEVA | EVA | EVA | Leather, cork |
| Sole Material | G.15 Rubber™ | Rubber | EVA | Rubber | EVA |
| Strap Material | Synthetic leather, nylon, and polyester | Synthetic | REPREVE recycled polyester | EVA | Vegan upper |
| Measured Weight (per pair) | 15.9 oz | 18.7 oz | 6.45 oz | 11.0 oz | 22.1 oz |
| Available Sizes | 8-14 US | 7 - 18 US | 7-16 US | 6 - 17 US | 8 - 13 US |
| Animal Products | Not Specified | No | No | No | Yes |
| Percentage of Length as Toe Box | 18.7% | 17.0% | 20% | 17.2% | 17.3% |
| Measured Length | 11.2" (Size 9) | 11.8" (size 10) | 11.25" (size 9) | 11.6" (size 10) | 11.5" (size 10) |
| Length of Toe Area | 2.1" | 2.0" | 2.25" | 2.0" | 2.0" |
| Unique Features | No-drop footbed, includes accessory straps to convert to fully-strapped sandal, non-marking razor siped rubber outsole | Quick drying lining, non-marking rubber outsole | Quick drying toe webbing, fast molding EVA, very low weight | Wide sole to accomodate wider feet | Moldable cork and leather footbed |
—Zach Lovell
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