I hate flip flops. I despise everything about them. That stupid thing that goes between your toes. The weird way they make you walk. And what about stacked or platform flip flops? Ick. I’m not going to pretend like I was never like most folks, stocking up on the $2 rubber shoes in every single color whenever I had the chance, because I did. Oh, I was bad. I used to wear flip flops with nice dresses, jeans, to work, to church… Heck, at one time, in my mind, flip flops were the epitome of versatility.
After almost a decade of living in Philadelphia, and 5 years of traveling to and from work on public transportation, flip flops lost their luster to me. Maybe it was the raggedy heels that I’d see on a daily basis that turned me off of flip flops. Look, when you’re walking in the concrete jungle in flip flops, your feet are going to take a beating. No matter what you do, if you wear flip flops regularly in the city, your feet are going to get dry, cracked, and dirty. From my own experience, it took months and months of intensive treatment after wearing flip flops every day one summer to get back to the days of soft, supple feet. Oh goodness, and I don’t even want to talk about that obnoxious flip floppy sound they make when you walk…
I understand the appeal, though. Flip flops are easy. They’re inexpensive. They (appear to, but don’t) go with everything. If you’re going to the beach, hanging out around the house, or are running a quick errand, by all means, wear your clip clop flip flops. If you’re headed out to dinner with your man, or out shopping with your girlfriends, hang the flip flops up and give these alternatives a try:
Thong sandals: Although they still have that dreaded toe thing, thong sandals are typically more sturdy than flip flops. They have a strap around the ankle that provides support, and are just as versatile as flip flops.
Gladiator sandals: Trendy, yet still casual, gladiator sandals can add an extra oomph to a simple outfit in the way that flip flops never could. Dress them up, or dress them down, they might take a few seconds more to put on than sliding on your trusty flip flops, but it’ll be worth it!
Wedges: If you absolutely must slide into a shoe, give wedges a try. They are a lot more sturdy than flip flops, and even a tiny wedge gives your booty and legs a little pop.
How do YOU feel about flip flops? Are they your go to shoes? Are you willing to give one of these alternatives a try?
The space between mah toes is sensitive. If I can’t find a pair with fabric between the toes, I can’t get them. Also, I own one pair. ONE PAIR OF FLIP FLOPS. They are for use after pedicures and at the pool. The end. I hate the sound (but yes, they ARE convenient. OK, wait, yes, I have worn them to a quick grocery store run. Or to the playground. But it’s the weekend. I have no use for them otherwise.) I also have very narrow feet so I can’t do most that just slip on like the Naturalizer Pengo (it’d be too hard trying to keep them on.) The Matt Berson’s are cute though (thanks for this!) Truth be told, I’m just a heels girl. It feels weird to walk in flats when I’m used to being in 4″.
I have one pair, too, and if I put them on, we KNOW there is a problem! Oh, you narrow feet women do have it hard, but you can wear flats from the Gap or J.Crew, and your foot looks amazing. As for the heels…I can’t do it. I like my feet to be super comfortable. I do need to step my heel game up, though…
i rarely wear sandals too. my feet as are pale as as as oh heck, as i am.
Haha! You would look cute in sandals! Pale feet and all!
I wear them to the pool and home. I dare not wear them in public as I am not the most gracious in them, I will fall and falling at 50 is not pretty or good for the bones! That Naturalizer wedge is a great choice, I can’t wear real flat sandals either, kills my arch.
That’s the other thing, flip flops kill the arches! Thank you for giving me another reason to hate them!
Haha! I feel you on the socks! I carry a pair in my bag because if I go to the movies, or anywhere that’s cold, I’ll throw those bad boys on in a minute!
But you love real shoes more. You can’t fool me, Amy!
I think flip flops are great for kids. Well, not really, but it sure helps things go faster when we’re trying to get out of the house!
oooh I love the wedges … I was addicted to flip flops at one point and I to had them in every color. I think it changed for me when Old Navy had the $1 sale and people were going bananas over them. I hate crowds and people were out of control. Like they were buying lottery tickets or something. I’ve not bought them since. I have a few pairs from when I stocked up that I wear to the beach or around the house, but I don’t wear them out and about. My feet were always nasty looking anyways. Who wants that?
I have coworkers who wear sandals similar to the Pengo wedges. They sound worse than flip flops in the office, as if they are sticking to the bottom of their feet. Schlerp-schlerp-schlerp past my desk all day long. It’s called foot powder, people. Use some! Quit being disruptive with your footwear.
Unlike you, I have always hated and never worn flip flops. So I don’t need to give the other shoes “a try”. I wear them.
OMGosh…I HATE flip flops, too! I have never stocked up on them in every color, though, because I’ve despised them since I was like 7.
I KNEW there was a reason that I love you, Greta! #greatminds