Flip flops: yea or nay for everyday
July 25th, 2008When I say “flip flops”, I’m not referring to stylish, structured, thong sandals. I’m talking about the ones with spongy, rubber-like soles and a rubber or canvas upper. When I was a child we called these “slops” (a well deserved name in my opinion). I fail to understand why they seem to be so extremely popular.
I’m all for casual thong sandals, but cheap, rubber flip flops look inappropriate and sloppy in everyday settings. Give them a miss unless you’re at the beach, lounging by a pool, relaxing at home, walking in a monsoon downpour, or waiting for toe nails to dry after a pedicure. You can do better. J Crew’s leather capri sandal is a good alternative.
I suspect I’m in the minority here, so please come to the defense of the flip flop if you think they have their merits. I doubt I’ll budge.
July 25th, 2008 at 7:47 am
I COMPLETELY agree! I grew up with flip flops only being sold at drugstores and they were referred to as “shower shoes.”
July 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Down with foam flip flops! I agree that the should not be everyday shoes. These shoes look the worst as they age and get dirty, and the material they are made with don’t help your look be put-together at all!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:57 am
I’m with you on this one, Angie. Something like the jcrew one you linked to is about as casual as I’ll go. This is something that was strongly engrained in me as a child even to the extent that I was never allowed any type of shoe that didn’t attach to the heel or ankle in some way. My only exception is that I own something like this:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/dp/30148539/c/3.html
strictly for around the house, going to yoga, and going to the pool. No foam soles for me!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
I am definitely with you on this. I have a pair strictly for beach and similar occasions, and even then I dislike them. In fact, on a trip to a mountain lake cabin I wore a pair on the beach that is exactly like J Crew capri sandal in gold leather,
and got mercilessly teased about my ‘city fancy’ flip-flops as opposed to the plastic foam ones everybody else wore .
July 25th, 2008 at 8:02 am
These are NOT for everyday! it would be very inappropriate to wear
other than as you’ve suggested! A nice pair of sandals would be
much better…
thank you for pointing this out to those that actually think flip flops are
or should be a everyday every where shoe!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:08 am
I had to laugh when I saw the title of this post. I completely agree with Angie that these are not everyday shoes…yet I do wear them almost every day for some period of time. In Southern California they are a footwear staple. Some people wear them far too frequently, however, bypassing cute sandals in favor of flip-flops. I don’t wear them to work, don’t wear them in the evening, etc. I wear them to Pilates, to the beach, perhaps running errands. Probably more often than I should, but you just get used to them!
Believe it or not, the rubber/foam really is more comfortable than a leather sandal. Havaianas and Reefs are the best.
So, I will never give up my flip-flops, but I do try to only wear them when appropriate.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Flip flops is a good name because they can be noisey when you walk in them. I’ve also heard them called go-aheads because walking backwards is tricky, and sometimes navigating stairs is awkward. These are the reasons I keep my pair in my beach bag.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:18 am
Yea and nay, Flip flops are a yea when worn at home, going to yoga, to get a pedi, etc, but they are a nay when I’m running errands or doing anything social. I live in AZ where we have a monsoon season, if I wore my flip flops during a downpour I would slip and fall, the rubber soles seem to create a slippery surface. I don’t even wear the flip flops around the pool. Too slippery.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I agree that one should not wear flip flops except in the most casual settings. Last summer, I found some Bass flip flops that have an arch support and are completely water proof. They are not foam, but some other sort of almost tennis shoe material. They are absolutely brilliant on the beach.
Also, I know it’s a double standard, but if it’s a nice flip flop, I think guys can get away with wearing them with nice linen pants. I think it looks kinda sexy.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:26 am
I wear what you are calling “stylish, structured thong sandals” all the time - literally almost every single day. Cannot imagine being without them. Open my closet and you will see many, many pairs. Cool, comfortable, great looking with most outfits. I could be the “thong queen.” Having said that, along with everyone else I do not think the old rubber flip-flops belong anywhere other than the beach, pool, locker room, etc. Too many other choices when going out. Give me a great thong sandal, though, and I am there!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Those J.Crew sandals are very pretty!
Thong sandals aren’t comfortable for me–never have been, probably something about how my toes are arranged–and I find it somewhat difficult to walk in mule-type shoes (shoes or sandals that don’t have at least a sling back), and the foam rubber of shower flip flops makes my feet sweaty. They’re not exactly stylish, either, so I can think of few shoes LESS worth wearing than flip flops, for me. But like Tanya, I want to avoid getting teased for my strange preference for sandals made from leather, so I’m trying to figure out some ultra-casual summer shoes.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:47 am
Hate ‘em. With a flaming passion. There’s no excuse for their existence.
July 25th, 2008 at 8:50 am
I never owned a pair of flip flops until I came to the US for college, and I saw almost everyone wearing them. They looked so comfy and easy, that I became another person wearing them. I think they are worn so much because they practically go with all the extreme casual wear that people like to dress with here. Obviously, the look achieved is super casual….and one that I have outgrown. I understand why people like them but now that I can afford to buy all kinds of great shoes, I only wear flip flops for the pool. I have fond memories of all my college flip flops though! good and comfy times!!!
July 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I find them extremely painful to walk in. I don’t know how anyone else does it! I own a pair of foam-type shoes for the beach, but they are slides, not thongs. Those are comfy, I admit. But even then, I switch out of them immediately as soon as we get back to the car, if we’re going anyplace else.
But alas our house is full of flip-flops…. my teens adore them and have multiple colors and styles. They are both on swimteam, so flip flops are an absolute *must* for walking around icky lockerrooms.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:05 am
The general rule for me is: flip flops are deck shoes. Pool deck shoes. You can take a shower in them.
I am not above wearing this variant in all black for a nip out to the corner store, but I don’t mistake them for real shoes.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I have a few pairs of these, and I love wearing them in the summer. I generally wear them on my walk to work - definitely not at work though! I have relatively fussy feet, so wearing my heels or flats isn’t really an option.
Oh, I just noticed my boss walking around in them! But we’re a small company of about 6 or 7 employees and he owns the company, so I guess he can do whatever he wants!
Anyway, I do tend to wear my ballet flats if I’m going out somewhere, but flip-flops seriously are comfortable. I’ve tried some like the J Crew ones you pointed out, but the hard soles don’t flex with my feet. And I’ve found that straps like that actually cause blisters on the top of my feet. I swear by Old Navy flip-flops b/c they’re the only ones that don’t cause that.
So, in short, even though I know flip-flops aren’t on the forefront of fashion, they do fill a void in my shoe collection caused by a lack of comfortable walking shoes. Oh, and I think they look a lot better than wearing white tennis shoes with a business suit for the walk home!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:15 am
another one for down with the flip-flop and yes to the structured sandal!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:25 am
There is a special place in my heart for flip flops (when I was growing up we used to call them *thongs* LOL) because the night I had my first date with my husband, we met at a very casual outdoor patio bar. He had on a funky shirt, jeans and flip flops. This was eight years ago in Seattle and before anyone else wore them at all. I thought it was just so COOL that he wore these strange and basically totally inappropriate shoes out on a date.
Then I figured it out that he’s a surfer. We both surf now and wear the higher quality Reef brand flip flops at the beach. I also wear mine to and from the coffee shop early in the morning, the playground with my child, the grocery store and other quick errands. I would never wear them out to eat, shopping, or to any appointments.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:26 am
Okay, though I’ve so far been known as the queen of fab flats in this crowd, I will stick up for flip-flops. I own a pair from J Crew similar to the one in the third photo but in yellow with red and white, and they are on my feet right now. I wore them to drop my daughter off at camp, and I’ll also wear them to run errands later. I do not wear them to work, nor to go out in the evening. And I still prefer flats and sandals for most occasions even on the weekend. But there are many times when I do grab my flip flops because they just feel so very airy and light and signal S-U-M-M-E-R to me. I won’t give them up!
July 25th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I wore flip flops with rhinestones one year in college. Because I thought it would make me look more girly. But I do HATE them with all of my heart. Especially because the reason I stopped wearing them was when I snapped my pinky toe. Sorry for the graphic description, but it is accurate.
They are not safe.
They are not appropriate for most anything.
And I completely agree with you.
Plus, there’s the whole “I hate my feet” hangup I have to get over.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Despite me being pretty young (just finished freshman year at college), I am against flip flops, even though most people my age can’t seem to stop wearing them from their feet from spring all the way until fall.
I think there’s something super sloppy about shoes that “flop” on and off the bottom of feet everytime one takes a step. It’s an irritation of mine that’s kind of like someone consistently snapping and crackling chewing gum very loudly. America’s teenagers today think that flip-flops are completely acceptable footwear, and they fit in very well with the overly-casual wardrobe many wear. I will admit to wearing them around the beach and my own dorm or while showering, but they will never take the place of my beloved gladiators or flats.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I HAAAAAAAATE flip flops! The sound they make is awful too. I think they symbolize the laziness of American dressing. People wear PJs to the grocery for goodness sake - it’s a visible decline and it makes me sad.
I do, however, own a pair of Okabashi flip flops. I wear them on the beach and to take out the dog. They have a solid bottom and arch support. Makes me a hypocrite, but at least I don’t wear them to work, right?
July 25th, 2008 at 10:02 am
I agree, Angie. I own a few pairs of flip flops (we call ‘em floppers in my house.) The ones I own are a step up from the rubber “shower shoes”, maybe a little embelishment on the straps, or leather straps etc. I wear them around the house, to the mall to get a pedi, and I bring them with me if we are going to be doing an activity that involves the need to athletic sneakers….so I can take off my socks and sneakers and let my feet breathe on the way home. I do find them very comfortable though. I couldn’t imagine life without them, but they are not appropriate for may situations.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:23 am
In my family flip flops are a part of life and we have them all over the house, some at the front door, some at the back door, maybe a pair in the car (you get the idea). Reefs are very cushy and comfy. Walking on foam rubber just says summer. I recently bought a different brand at an outlet store in the mall that are very thin and hard and for those I say, why bother.
I don’t try to dress up flip flops. They have their place and don’t make the transition to business or dress up, IMO.
I haven’t tried a pair of those frog clown shoes, or Ugg boots, because I’m afraid of getting trapped into the comfort of those like we are with flip flops.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:25 am
we also call them slops because when we visited south africa, which is a surf country, the restaurants doors all state, “no slops”.
our children wear them, by skechers and reef.
i wear donald pliner thongs i guess, my version of a flip flop. i don’t even find the reef ones that comfy.
i am so tired of seeing flip flops everywhere. i overheard some ladies talking about how they bought all these colors of them at target. whatever they feel cute in!!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
I totally agree. I have a cheap pair of spongy rubber flip flops that I wear around the house, but I don’t wear them out in public!
For public places, I wear these: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7.....701066917/ and I absolutely love them. They have alternating mother-of-pearl triangle shells and thin silver cylindrical beads in a nice neutral tone that goes with everything.
Those J Crew sandals are really cute, but I’m not a big fan of “light colored” foot beds because they show dirt too easily. I just hate to see a beautiful sandal ruined by ugly “toe” mark smudges in them - that I find impossible to keep clean. Just a summer pet peeve of mine.
The ones I linked to above are from Payless - Montego Bay Club for about $10 or so. LOVE them! I couldn’t find them on the Payless website, but I just got them about a month ago.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:43 am
This summer I bought a pair of patent thong sandals, they are essentially dressier flip-flops. I haven’t worn them much because the clip-clop sound I make with them drives me batty!
I don’t wear the rubber flip-flops anywhere except in the locker room, and I find them very uncomfortable. I think I will get the foam slippers, would be nice to have something that’s comfortable for the locker room and the beach.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Ohhhhhh, I’m in the minority here. I just love my cheap, rubber, Wal-Mart/Old Navy Flip Flops. . . . like someone else said, they remind me of summer!!!! And living in Pittsburgh, our “summer seaon” isn’t that long. Since I’ve been a little girl, I’ve worn flip-flops. I wear them with my casual walking shorts and I actually have worn them to an amusement park - and they were more comfortable than sneakers!!! I know they aren’t as fashionable as some other shoes, but they definitely have a spot in my heart!!
P.S. I think a flip flop is much more appealing than those blocky birenstocks!!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Amen to the blocky birkenstocks!!! Bleck! Living here in the Seattle area, a lot of people DO wear those things and I think it just looks awful.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:04 am
As a former swimmer, flip flops are a must. I think flip flops look comfy and casual with a pair of jeans, but I try not to wear them with skirts or dresses.
Right now, flip flops are waiting to be replaced by the right flat leather sandal. I have no qualms wearing them though. My flats started giving me tan lines.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:05 am
I grew up in flip-flops…to the detriment of my feet. I’m no expert, but I always attributed my wide feet to not wearing real shoes while growing up. I have wide feet that are hard to fit into normal-sized shoes. I think the only woman’s shoes I find in D width are some running shoes….most women’s shoes are Bs with some Cs. I always joke that they are great for swimming.
I graduated from high school in Pago Pago, American Samoa, and either you wore flip flops or you went barefoot. Most of the natives were barefoot! I don’t remember the Principal of our school wearing shoes…or the Governor of the island, for that matter. I can’t imagine wearing shoes there, it would have been too uncomfortable….sweaty and gritty.
However, in Atlanta, Georgia, I would never wear flip flops to work. If I had a pair, which I don’t (my dog thinks I buy them just for his chewing enjoyment), I’d probably wear them to the grocery store and maybe to our favorite pizza restaurant….but that’s about as public as I would get with them.
Usually, I try to hide my big feet in shoes.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:18 am
I agree with Angie that plain old rubber flip flops are only OK to wear around the house or at the gym, beach, or pool. They just look sloppy anywhere else. However I do have 2 pairs that seem to fall between ordinary flip flops and thong sandals. They have the foam rubber soles but the top surface is covered in a suede-like fabric and the thong part is ornamented with beads and shells. They are actually quite pretty so I have been using them as sandals and have worn them to casual occasions and errands.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Quite a few flip-flop lovers. I see some making the cut to “errands” and “walking long distances”. Interesting.
I am surprised at how many of you find flip flops comfortable. I find them very uncomfortable. I don’t mind the look of a sweet Birkenstock instead (used in the same settings as flip flops that I mentioned in my blog). Must be my Euro upbringing. My Dad used to wear his with socks (poor thing). If I had to choose, I’d take a pair of Birkenstocks over flip flops. But that’s with a gun to my head. I shan’t ever be sporting either.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I agree about the rubber flip flops being for the beach. They were an absolute must have when I lived in Hawaii, however! My leather shoes molded in the closet there with the extremely moist climate. But they wear out very quickly…and get stinky too! The flip flops I own now I love and are my warm weather wear around the house shoe. They are black leather Tribeca’s that I got at the Nordstrom’s sale last year…very stylish, like no other I’ve found. I wanted another pair, but they didn’t make them this year!
July 25th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I think they look dodgy. The only thing worse is those damned Birkenstocks and Birkenstock looking sandals with whites socks. I would seethe EVERY time I see that look.
July 25th, 2008 at 11:52 am
I don’t find flip flops comfortable and only own one pair I got to wear in questionable showers, however I wore them everywhere as a child. My mother found them preferable to seeing me barefoot. I did yard work in them until I put a pitch fork through my foot while wearing them. Now I do Flylady’s lace up shoes for around home. A painful lesson.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
I use flip flops for my my travel ” slipper.” They are lightweight, can be stuffed into any little cranny of my suitcase, and are great to wear iaround a hotel room.
Other than that, they’re good for pedicures and that’s about it.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Crocs, rubber flip flops, birkenstocks — all the same to me! I prefer a nicer flipflop for the beach, like the one pictured. But really, I’m very much an urbanite and so only make it to the beach once every 2-3 yrs, when on a resort vacation.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Maybe I’m in a terrible minority, but I’m a little shocked at how much everyone is dissing the flipflop. Certainly, you need to wear it appropriately, but during the summer they’re the only thing I wear (mostly) for two main reasons.
1. my feet are as wide as all get out, and I simply don’t have the money to spend more than 20 or so dollars on “everyday” shoes. While I would love to wear nicer sandals or leather flip flops, more often than not they make my feet look idiotic as they squish out the sides of strappy sandals or are simply just wider than the sole of the “nice” flipflop.
2. I work as a swim instructor. Even if I’m going somewhere afterwards (unless it’s a formal event that does require a more formal shoe,) I’m going to go run errands in my flipflops because I don’t want to be dragging a nice shoe around in my swim bag where more likely that not it will be destroyed.
It’s just a piece of rubber on someone’s foot–I suppose I don’t see the reason for such massive HATRED of the style.
(this does not, however, excuse flip flops at weddings, formal dining establishments, etc. But I’m not sure that wearing flip flops to the mall is such a horrible fashion faux pas as it’s being made out as. Yes it’s more casual–but there are days for more casual!)
July 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
They’re incredibly bad for your feets.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
LOL. I love those you posted from JCrew!! I admit, as I have on my white rubber flip-flops (from JCrew, ironically) that I feel like when I’m at home with my 3 kids and supervising them out and about around the neighborhood, a rubber “slop” is as good as anything. In the summer, I live between my house and the pool, so they just make sense. (For the record, I draw the line at Crocs.)
But I see your point. To go to the mall or dinner, there are better options.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
I always live in flip flops in the summer, which was conflicting with my new goal of dressing myself better. I agree that the foam ones are nasty and was about to give up on all flip flops only to discover Rainbow Sandals (http://www.rainbowsandals.com/). These flip flops are leather and SO COMFORTABLE. They have excellent arch support, I feel like they hug my feet as I walk (and I walk a lot). I just bought a pair of Privo Oso flats and am having trouble switching to them because my arches feel like they’re floating defenseless after being spoiled by my Rainbows. I plan to buy many more pairs of these flip flops and will continue to wear them every summer.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
i LIVE in flip flops - but structured, leather ones. the plastic ones make it look like i’m 12 and bumming around on a summer day because my mom won’t let me ride my bike to the pool. leather ones (like my everyday aerosole ones) make me look like a hip young mom.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Sounds like I’m the only one so far who doesn’t own a pair of flip flops (I don’t think Sal does either). Wow. I wouldn’t have guessed that.
A simple leather thong that’s shaped like a flip flop is not what I ‘d call a flip fop. It’s a thong. They’re super in casual settings. I like them on both men and women. Sort of like a very simple, flat gladiator. Does anyone see what I mean?
July 25th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I was just mentioning this the other day! My hate of flip flops has grown to that of my hate of Crocs. I think they just scream “I’ve given up!” Plus they aren’t comfortable (at least for me). I do own a pair to take out the dog or walk out to grab the paper, but they never leave my yard.
Angie, I’m with you.. when I think “flip flop”, I think of the rubber type that you wear to the beach. I have no problem with a nice thong or gladiator style sandal. I even own some!
My biggest pet peeve with the rubber flip flop is when people wear them in an office setting. I just want to rip them off their feet and “flop” them over the head with them!
Don’t even get me started about sweatshirt hoodies
July 25th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Angie, I will make sure you will never to have to see me in flip flops
But since we’re on a shoe rant, let me chime in with my own peeve. I’d take a pair of flip-flops to any occasion over a pair of Teva sandals which are EXTREMELY popular in Seattle, and which I don’t just see at work, in restaurants and other social places (constantly, on both men and women) but even spotted at a wedding last year. Yikes. http://www.teva.com/ProductDet.....y+Rugged+2
I’m sure there are Teva lovers on this forum as well, and I sure don’t mean to offend any. You can love and praise the Tevas and rant about my flip flops in exchange, ok?
Peace.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Ha Antje!
You are unfortunately right about the Teva-wearing-epidemic in Seattle. I’m finished at the thought of seeing them at a wedding. Tevas are the Summer equivalent of running shoes. They are gear. Not so fab to wear gear unless you’re engaging in a sporting activity. I’m with you that flip flops are prettier than Tevas. Absolutely.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I am sorry but I LOVE flip flops. I think they are very comfortable. I have been wearing them in the summers for my whole life. I don’t wear them to work, but I do wear them alot of other places–to the grocery store and the gym.
July 25th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I love my flip-flops! For gardening when it’s hot outside and taking out the garbage. LOL I have some girlie pink ones from Lands End with a nice athletic sole for gardening a pair of tres ugly but comfy Teva flip-flops that I keep by the back door for taking out trash and recycling.
But I wouldn’t be caught skeletal wearing them beyond the mailbox.
I will wear dressier leather flip flops or slides out and about on weekends, but I would never ever wear them to work. I won’t even wear dressy sandals to work, except on Fridays. Toes just aren’t professional in my line of work.
And I agree with the rampant shoe trauma in Seattle. The crocs, birks, and Tevas need to GO. And don’t even get me started on Ugg boots in winter, let alone during summer with shorts!
July 25th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I personally have no fashion-related problems with flip-flops. To me, the J.Crew sandals and other similar thong styles look just as casual despite the difference in material. Flip-flops definitely have their place. I have lots of college-age friends who wear them and look great in them. My little sister’s signature shoes are pink flip flops and hot pink stilettos.
On the other hand, I have my own reasons for not wearing flip-flops or thong sandals of any kind. 1) I have to scrunch up my toes to keep them on, and that makes my feet cramp. 2) They rub blisters between my toes. And 3) if my feet are not well supported I feel like they are going to spread out and grow almost as wide as they are long. I’m a size 5 ½, so my feet aren’t very long. My mom has gone up a whole shoe size from walking around barefoot and in flip-flops, and I don’t want to go there. Yup, I’m strange, but there you have it.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
Flipflops are the shoe equivalent of a bikini to me. There is virtually no place for them outside of the beach, poolside, or the privacy of your own home. I wear them at home in the summer, but that’s it.
Flipflops are as bad for your feet as they are inappropriate. The “fancy” kind might look a bit nicer, but they’re just as unhealthy and probably a lot more uncomfortable than the foamy type. There is absolutely no shock absorption, and the lack of ankle support causes your ankles to rotate around which is not good for your feet. I have seen the soles of flipflop wearers in NYC, and it’s a ghastly sight. If you’re going to be running around on concrete and in the subway, allowing that much of your foot to be exposed is a crime. Not to mention having nothing more than a sliver of rubber, foam, or leather between your foot and the pavement juts sounds REALLY painful.
Flipflops are great for the beach. They let your feet breathe in the heat, they’re waterproof, and sand doesn’t get caught in your shoe. But the same things that make them perfect for the beach make them totally inappropriate for city walking. Once you start seeing a dirt-encrusted footprint embedded in your flipflops, you ought to just toss them. Yet somehow most people don’t. This kind of poor hygiene never seems to be acceptable except in the case of flipflops. Boggles the mind.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Tevas: I have a pair - got them two years ago - but they are for boating (you can velcro them to the side of the boat), wading in lakes (mucky bottoms), or similar activities. Just like my Uggs are for shoveling snow/commuting in snow (then switch out of them once you arrive).
Thongs: I do like the thong look, but I should share a pic of my left foot… and what looks like it’s going to be a permanent scar from a pair of thongs I wore just twice this summer. I don’t know why it is, or what it is about the shape of my feet, but this style just doesn’t like my feet.
Maya: I like your flip-flop/bikini analogy!
July 26th, 2008 at 8:19 am
While I think flip-flops remind me of college students and aren’t particularly nice, I’d wear them over Birkenstocks any day of the week. Well-kept flip-flops have a certain sexiest to them than most ‘comfort’ sandals don’t. I’ve tried several sandals this summer and had to send them all back because they look too dowdy and suburban for me.
That said, I only wear black or dark brown Reefs. Reefs actually have some arch support, are of a higher quality, and last longer than the kind of flops (or “slippers” as they say in Hawaii) you find at a drug store.
However, you are right, I generally don’t wear them for longer distances than the coffee shop or grocery store. However, I have been known to wear them at a BBQ.
July 26th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
It really depends on where you live and the climate, along with the mindset. Flip flops are in style in places like Southern California as well as Hawaii
And, just think, how cute does Jack Johnson look in them? I live in mine personally, but I tend towards the cute ones made by Roxy or Sanuk. My feet are always nicely cared for and I have nicely manicured nails. I really don’t see what the big deal is about flip flops. I mean, they aren’t probably in style in places like NYC, but I don’t really care. I’m not a VOF (victim of fashion). I have my own personal style that I love. My feet and body actually do worse in high support or cushioned shoes. I save the supportive shoes for working out and mostly, I go barefoot or wear flip flops. Of course, I work at home running my own company so I have that luxury…Ahhh, this is the life 
July 26th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I grew up in Hawaii and lived in flip flops (we call them slippers)! We wore them to school, beach, shopping and movies. I don’t think they affected my foot size, I have a size 5 1/2 normal width foot size. I “graduated” from the $3.00 Long Drugs store slipper after I moved to Seattle. I currently own several pairs (Teva brand) in a variety of colors and styles to “match” my casualty outfit. (I don’t think Angie has seen them.)
http://www.teva.com/ProductDet.....el=Olowahu
and
http://www.teva.com/ProductDet.....model=Mush
While I still wear them all over in Hawaii, in Seattle, I wear them around the house, to the park, and on runs to the grocery store, etc. They are very comfortable.
Hm, I don’t like the Tevas on the link that Antje sent. Never have - maybe it was because they didn’t have them when I was growing up.
July 27th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
As an Aussie, I am quite shocked at the loathing of what is probably our national icon as far as footwear goes. Thongs as we call them are seen in all sorts of places, on all sorts of feet and yes…horror…at well to do restaurants or events. Why? I think it’s because they reflect our culture…so relaxed and at times, yes bordering on apathy.
Such serious comments. Lighten up! If you feel comfortable in them, wear them everywhere I say. In such gorgeous colours and prints and adornments, they are fun and cool….slashing years off your age and attitude! Versatility plus.
Long live the thong….ooops Flip Flop….and lighten up!
Anita.
July 27th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Add another Aussie to the mix!
Honestly, I’m astounded at how many people loathe thongs (flip-flops). And that astonishment is only outweighed by the further astonishment that thongs have become a fashion accessory in the first place. Gowing up, they were a Summertime staple. Even now, I have a couple of pairs on the go in Summer: one is the classic rubber all-purpose type, and the other pair are a little more up-market leather number.
They’re a part of my culture (just like Anita said) and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, to make a moderate story even longer, add me to the number of thong-lovers!
July 27th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
I find it hilarious that the offered alternative to the $5 flip-flops is a $54 pair of shoes.
I don’t understand the hate of the flip-flop either. I like flip-flops, mostly the higher-heeled wedge ones, but I have some regular ol’ Old Navy ones, and I like those too. I don’t wear them to weddings. I don’t wear them to work (because I work in an office, but if I was a lifeguard, I would). I do wear them to the mall. I do wear them out to eat (at Chipotle or Noodles). I don’t like those dressy ones, because they have NO arch support, no flexibility, and tend to be really narrow. I have super high arches, and wide feet (which, by the way, don’t come from being shoeless any more than having thick hair comes from the shampoo you use. It’s genetic people…read a book). I say, wear nice shoes for nice occasions, but for casual shoes, wear whatever’s comfortable. If that’s flip-flops, great! If that’s stilettos, more power to you.
July 29th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
I have a pair of flip-flops, which I wear to the pool with my children. That’s it. For casual summer footwear, I prefer sandals (gladiator, thong). They just look nicer, in my opinion. I cannot tell you how many people I see in flip-flops out and about, far away from water. Ay.
July 29th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
The trouble with flip flops is they were brought back in style earlier in the decade. I agree that they are sloppy. I’ve worn them a few times this summer I must confess. I have a few pairs I haven’t worn and most likely won’t. Flip flops are over and probably will continue to be with the rise of gladiators, etc.
July 30th, 2008 at 7:30 am
If you live somewhere extremely hot and/or humid (such as southeast Texas where I live), flip flops are heavenly. It’s just practical.
July 31st, 2008 at 7:38 am
[…] you from wearing a bit of a heel if you can run around in them. You know I draw the line at flip flops unless you’re in the appropriate […]
August 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
I love flip flops and I will never give them up. I get excited the day it is warm enough out to start wearing them because it means summer is finally here. I even love the sound because it is the sound of warm weather and casual days in the sun. I’m not a fan of the really thick soled ones cause they are harder to walk in and I typically will only wear high quality ones so that my feet get enough support. My favorite are from Abercrombie after I tried on my niece’s. (the only thing I’ve ever bought in that store.) But based on what I’ve read here, I need to visit JCrew.
I’ve tried the fancy “thongs” but the bottoms are always about a millimeter thick and kill my feet. It is like walking directly on the concrete.
I don’t understand why people gets so upset over what other people have on their feet. I think the gladiators are hideous but I’m not going to sweat about it, I just won’t wear them. And what is wrong with looking casual to go to the store in flip flops, shorts and a tshirt? The idea of dressing up to go grocery shopping is just confusing to me. I don’t care if I just went to the gym, if I need to run in and grab something, I won’t give it a second thought. It isn’t a fashion show, it is groceries.