Thong Flip

Thong Flip

Why The Flip Flop Is The Ideal Shoe For Summer

Perfect for the summer, men and women alike love wearing flip-flops. There's now versions for all customers; from the very low-cost basic styles right up to top of the range fitness shoes. Some traditional brands are also offering these for the first time, in an attempt to gain a share of this ever increasing market.

The basic design couldn't be simpler - it's a sole, usually made of plastic, with a toepost and strap attached. However, in recent times, the flip flop has seen a major make-over. Many flip flops now offer fitness soles which claim to give you a work-out while you walk and help to build muscle tone. Since the first fitness-style ones were released, many brands now offer their own versions of these, with their own similar soles.

The Ugg-style boot may be a million miles away from a flip flop, but many of these boot manufacturers also realise that they are missing out on a large chunk of the summer footwear market. Several have now released their own versions of these, including some with sheepskin linings.

One of the nations that's keenest on this style of shoe is Australia. Known as 'thongs', these shoes have almost become part of the natural dress. Due to the mild climate and heavy concentration of the population leaving near the coast, the thong is perfect for the ozzy lifestyle.

Although flip flops have traditionally been seen in beachside souvenir shops, their status has been raised to that of a sought-after fashion shoe, and you'll now find them in almost every footwear retailer, right up to the exclusive boutiques.

The most expensive pair of production flip flops is believed to cost around USD$400, and is made of crocodile-skin. However, in 2004, jeweller H Stern released a single pair that sold for USD$17,000.

Another budget-busting pair was encrusted in crystals and had a price tag of $1,800.

The flip flop was first seen in the western world late in the 1950's. They were inspired by the traditional Japanese style-sandals, with New Zealand being the first country they went to before spreading right across the World.

Other footwear manufacturers have released their own take on this design. In addition to the fitness shoes and sheepskin-lined versions mentioned previously, you can also purchase them as eco-friendly shoes, made of entirely-natural materials. There's also washable flip flops from some manufacturers; ideal if you're wearing these down the beach - just put them in the washing machine at the end of the day.

Definitely a sign that summer is here, you can guarantee that the flip flop will be seen adorning many peoples feet as soon as the weather warms up.

About the Author

Carl Fraser is Managing Director of Totally Commerce Ltd, owners of
http://www.TotallyShoes.co.uk
- Retailers of leading brand footwear in the UK. Totally Commerce Ltd also operate several other websites in different business areas.

Flip Flops? Or thong foot wear. Do you like the fashion trend of them?

It used to be that only people in tropical climates wore them all the time. Otherwise, you only saw them at the pool, beach or shower. Now they're everywhere! At work, at play, at dances! Pediotricians say they bad for your feet. Do you wear them everywhere? Do you think they're fashionable? Or not? Are they masculine on guys? Do they represent sloviness? Let me know. 10 pts for best answer.

I have a pair because they are handy, I think they're ok for wearing occasionally and at the right times, like at the beach, the pool or on really hot days. They look ok on guys but usually only the black or brown ones. I don't think they look very stylish though, they are extremely casual. I hate the way they're everywhere now, EVERYBODY here (Australia) seems to have a pair of Havaianas thongs, and they wear them all the time - even through winter. What the? I need two pairs of socks and some boots to keep my feet cosy in winter and these people are getting around in thongs? For god's sake people get yourselves some real shoes, they are better for your feet, more stylish and can be just as comfortable.

Thong Flip