During the 20th century, flip flops become a major fashion accessory with annual sales of women's flip flops reaching $20 billion. They're now available in lots of materials and heel and wedge heights. Some even claim to reshape your legs and bum!
As a shoe technology expert with years of experience in the industry I decided to write a short article to guide you through the various style and fashion choices available so that you make the right choice when shopping for Flip Flops.
Origins
This relaxed form of footwear is actually the oldest form of shoe known to man, with evidence on cave paintings that prehistoric man wore their own version of them! More recently they have had resurgence but from very humble beginnings.
Many people consider Brazil to be the 'birthplace' of the modern-day Flip Flop. Here, they were easy to make from simple materials and the shoes of choice for the very poor, retailing for only few dollars in the slums and shanty towns. From these beginnings their popularity spread throughout the country until strong Brazilian brands such Havaianas and Ipanema emerged and now lead the way.
The Height of Fashion
With flip-flops now having reached mainstream fashion, most women admit to having at least one pair. For many women they are 'the shoe' of the summer season, with ladies buying them in a host of colours, finishes and heel heights so that they go with every outfit in their wardrobe. They also cater for every pocket, with prices ranging from a few pounds to over $250 for a pair of Gucci flip-flops! At the same time they have been known to come as a free gift in some magazine publications!
Are They Good for You?
With sales now overtaking the sports footwear market, it is important to assess what affect this footwear has on our feet and general health. Since they do not have fastenings or tight pointed uppers you would assume that they have fantastic foot-health benefits. Furthermore, brands such as Fit Flops and Sketchers Shape Ups are marketing their Flip Flops for their toning qualities to the legs.
With my experience as a footwear technologist for the past 10 years I'd follow a general rule when choosing your Flip Flops - the cheaper they are, the more damaging they are likely to be.
Research has shown that very flat, non-supportive versions made of poor, cheap materials do adversely affect feet, legs and back development in women especially when worn for prolonged periods of time.
Many cheap styles offer no support to the inner arch and heel and do not possess any shock absorbency. This is leading to foot problems for a growing number of people. The best advice if you already have 'problem feet' is to stick to good quality brands like Riders, Ipanemas and Fit Flops as these offer extra support and protection. Even if you don't have foot or leg problems, keep your wear of Flip Flops to just a few hours every day, rather than day-in-day-out, particularly when walking long distances.
Also regularly replace them to ensure that the soles do not get 'flattened' during wear which will reduce the amount of support they can offer.
Buying Flip Flops On line
When buying Flip Flops on-line, use websites who have done the work for you, offering a good choice of colour, brands and materials. They should have them in the colours and finishes that go with most of your wardrobe. Some also advice on how the they fit, so that you can ensure that you are buying the correct size for your foot.
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