https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 07:51:53 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-978077 Fri, 12 Jul 2013 12:34:18 +0000 Kristin L 978077@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never heard of the Oluki band. Thanks Azirphale!&nbsp;</p> <p>I love flip-flops (or flat thong sandals). I've had leather Rainbows, Reefs and Chacos and they have all been good to my fussy feet with high arch. For me, they're great for just doing errands in the spring, summer and early fall (guess my dominant season ).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976878 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 14:43:51 +0000 Aziraphale 976878@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hil: I got Olukai ones! &nbsp;I'm new to the brand, but I really like them. &nbsp;Mind you, for that price point, they had better be good. &nbsp;:-)</p> <p>Inge, thank you for those links. &nbsp;I read them with interest. &nbsp;So it seems that I should actually be calling my nice leather flip flops "flat thong sandals" to clear up any misapprehensions. &nbsp;:-) &nbsp;For the record, though, this post wasn't directed at Angie specifically, but more at the whole forum. &nbsp;I've been reading this site for a few years, and although I can't point to any specific post, I <i>know</i> I've read a lot of negative comments about flip flops! &nbsp;Also Uggs and Crocs. &nbsp;But while the latter two, for me, fall into the "gear" category, I do think that you can find some properly stylish flip flops. &nbsp;Er, flat thong sandals, that is. &nbsp;;-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976857 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 14:34:53 +0000 VernieJane 976857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have also finally opted for a pair of "good" flip flops--the kind you can't wear in water. Normally I have strict guidelines for choosing flip flops, such as the part between the toes must not be stiff, but rather woven fabric. They don't hurt like the plastic or rubber toe thingies. Also, they have to have some kind of arch support, and be somewhat cushy. I used to always go for the same pair of Reefs year after year, but I found that they always turned my foot black. So despite their unequalled comfort, I have given up on them and opted for a NEW pair this year! <br />I got this pair of flip flops from <a href="http://www.spartoo.co.uk/Columbia-b23-women.php" rel="nofollow">Columbia</a>, they are called Tilly Jane 2. I got them in the<a rel="nofollow"> </a><a rel="nofollow"></a><a rel="nofollow">sales</a> online! They are black leather and the insole is cushy and breathable. They aren't quite as elegant as I'd like, but they are perfect for wearing to the office in the summer (it's fairly casual yet smart). I do have one complaint though: the toe thingie does kinda hurt! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976803 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 13:56:09 +0000 ManidipaM 976803@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In India, practically everyone, and their great-grandmother-in-law, wears flip-flops at least at home. Some wear them to work! And that's a lot of 'some' in this huge country. For one thing, the rubber and plastic ones are pretty indestructible---a big plus for the lower middle classes and less privileged, in our climate and general messy environs. For another, being able to wash it is a big plus, again thanks to said messy environment.</p> <p>They are called Hawai chappals here, for some reason. (It's odd because Havaiaanas only just turned up a couple of years ago here, and are considered ridiculously expensive by most people.)</p> <p>I confess my house slippers tend to be flip-flops in summer, and I wear them to beaches and pools too. But they aren't my first choice because of the toe post issue---hard to find comfy ones. However, they do let me grip them, unlike other slip-on shoes.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976636 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:35:06 +0000 Lyn D. 976636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear 'FIT-Flops' in warmer weather to walk the dog in.<br />They are actually proper work-out shoes that look like Thongs but have a thicker sole. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976635 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 10:26:23 +0000 Inge 976635@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a big fan of the plastic or rubber&nbsp;ones (unless it's for the pool, beach, etc.), but like many of you&nbsp;I think a leather thong style can look very stylish indeed.</p> <p>Oh and just for the record, I'd like to add that the misunderstanding that Angie doesn't like thongs at all continues to live on although that's not the case at all. See these two blog posts, for example:-)</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/25/flip-flops-yea-or-nay-for-everyday/">http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-everyday/</a><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/02/the-gladiator-thong/">http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/.....tor-thong/</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976624 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 09:51:07 +0000 Hil 976624@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have a birt of a thing about flip flops (they're often called slip slops, or just slops here in SA) - I don't find the thing between my toes comfortable and I find they're often to narrow for my toes and it feels like my little toe is falling of the side. I do have a comfy white and pink pair that I wear when we go on vacation or on summer days by our pool but as far as casual sandals go, I prefer on that I can just slip my foot into. Something like this: <a href="http://www.olukai.com/Product_Featured_Kamola_20190-4034.aspx" rel="nofollow">http://www.olukai.com/Product_.....-4034.aspx</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle/page/2#post-976542 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 04:47:43 +0000 CocoLion 976542@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too love my flip flops. And I also have been known to wear Birkenstocks. Which brings me to a question: which is higher on the style hierarchy? Flip flops or Birks? And where do clogs fit in the scheme? One more: can you EVER create a stylish outfit with an unstylish shoe like a clog? Or is it game over as soon as you put them on? Hope that's not too much of a derail. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976532 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 04:24:35 +0000 Aziraphale 976532@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Florence -- ah, got it. &nbsp;So it's simply a case of you having a poison eye for the thong. &nbsp;We all have a poison eye for something! &nbsp;:-) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976276 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:17:06 +0000 FlorenceFearne 976276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yeah, it's the between-the-toes strap that sets me off.&nbsp;&nbsp;Like I said, I really can't rationalize the idea that a leather wedge heel is somehow equivalent to a pair of those&nbsp;$2 pink foam numbers.To be honest, I've found almost all flip flops terribly uncomfortable,&nbsp;and have gotten vicious blisters from trying them, so I&nbsp;suspect I'm just&nbsp;projecting my personal hatred onto a large population of perfectly decent sandals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976274 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:16:20 +0000 Caro in Oz 976274@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear Birkenstocks so my opinion doesn't count </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976271 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:13:46 +0000 Diana 976271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shape is flattering to those of you who actually have arches and nicely shaped feet. On me, they just let my feet do their pancake duck foot thing. </p> <p>My toes can't handle the post and my arches can't handle the flatness. Also, I'm fairly certain that wearing flip flops (they were Tevas, so not the terrible no support ones) constantly that summer I had the broken toe precipitated my first bout of now recurrent plantar fasciitis (although the uneven gait from the broken toe didn't help either). Anyway, I've sworn off of them for life. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976267 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:09:57 +0000 Aziraphale 976267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK Florence, is it just the bit between the toes that you take exception to? &nbsp;My one pair of proper sandals have a heel strap with buckle, a 3" wedge heel, and a strap that goes between my first two toes. &nbsp;They are not particularly casual. &nbsp;They certainly, to me, don't seem like "one step below" an actual sandal.</p> <p>ClaraT, glad you liked the thread. &nbsp;That's an awesome story. &nbsp;I might start calling them thongs, just to see what my kids do.</p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976258 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:01:32 +0000 Suz 976258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the V shape is flattering. But I can't wear them because they're uncomfortable. The toe thing, first of all. But also the clenching. True, I haven't tried one with arch support...but most shoes with arch support fail to fit my actual arches (which are higher).&nbsp;</p> <p>I grew up calling them thongs, too, and still do. And my 13 year old thinks this is hilarious. &nbsp; :-)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976254 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:59:53 +0000 ClaraT 976254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol Re: thongs. I recently mentioned that I needed new thongs and the 3 teenaged boys in the car looked so uncomfortable, and I started laughing so hard I almost had to pull the car over...oh, gosh, it makes me laugh all over again to think how awkward it was as i tried to explain what i meant while snorting and crying with laughter. Priceless looks. One boy tried to be polite and said that his mom also wore that kind of underwear. Usually it's me being shocked, so I appreciated being the inadvertent shocker for once.<br /> I love my FitFlops. Podiatrist approved (for me by mine) and I can walk miles in them. No idea why they don't rub me. Anyhow, thanks for this thread. So many funny comments. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976246 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:52:23 +0000 FlorenceFearne 976246@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess I'll be the lone voice of dissent here. To me, flip flops are what you wear to use a public shower. Or maybe to walk on the beach.&nbsp;But no matter how much you jazz them up, I just don't see them as a real shoe. When they're made of leather, with a solid sole, and maybe a heel, they still feel like they're a half step below an actual sandal. I can't actually give any rational basis for why the presence of a strap between the toes suddenly renders a perfectly nice sandal unwearable, but I guess it's just one of my personal pet peeves.&nbsp;</p> <p>Also, for me thong will always be underwear. So when some nice lady says something about her thongs, I suddenly envision her in multiple layers of skimpy undies. Ha ha.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976240 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:45:53 +0000 ironkurtin 976240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wear flops every day.&nbsp; And my feet are really not the best part of me.&nbsp; It's over 100... everyone can deal.</p> <p>And yeah, I grew up calling them thongs too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976209 Thu, 11 Jul 2013 00:21:10 +0000 Aziraphale 976209@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Elpgal, I hesitated over the price too. &nbsp;But I was hell-bent on finding a replacement for my beloved yet destroyed brown leather Reef flip flops, and these ones were even better. &nbsp;I loved the look and feel of the natural-looking, slightly distressed leather, both on the footbed and the thong bit. &nbsp;I took a risk and brought the black-and-tan ones home. &nbsp;They turned out to be so comfy that yesterday, when I stumbled across brown ones, I bought them on impulse.</p> <p>Rachy, it's weird how some people get a raw spot from the thong and other's don't. &nbsp;I never seem to, but I've got friends who can't wear them for exactly that reason. &nbsp;Maybe it has to do with the shape of your toes.</p> <p>Glory, no kidding! &nbsp;"Thong" has taken on a very specific meaning! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976176 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:50:05 +0000 elpgal 976176@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a coincidence! I had a chance to try these when I was dropping off another pair of shoes for a replacement footbed. I loved them but hesitated because of the price and unfamiliarity with the brand. Glad they have your stamp of approval! I"ll look for them online. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976143 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:20:22 +0000 rachylou 976143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hmm. Ok, my first thought is we're really talking about thong sandals and I don't know when they started being called flip flops - but I've noticed they're called that now.</p> <p>My second thought is I used to wear them in Jamaica. They're a proper shoe, esp. in a climate like that. I wouldn't go to my government job in them, but for going about one's daily business - to market, etc. - perfectly fine.</p> <p>My third thought is I stopped wearing them because the thong part inevitably rubs my foot raw and starts to hurt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976138 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:15:46 +0000 Glory 976138@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My DDs would shriek with laughter if I called them thongs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976137 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 23:14:45 +0000 Aziraphale 976137@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting how some of us abbreviate it to "flips", and others say "flops". &nbsp;</p> <p>Suzyq: my mom calls them "thongs", too, but I always put that down to her being English. &nbsp;Are you English? &nbsp;Or did we used to call them thongs in North America, too?</p> <p>Claire -- Lol, <i>flip flops are practically a religion in Phoenix</i>. &nbsp;You could name it. &nbsp;It could be the&nbsp;Phoenix Church of the Sacred Thong. &nbsp;(Although that sounds vaguely naughty...)</p> <p>AJoanna -- I can see why they're not the greatest for your feet. &nbsp;Sometimes I notice myself gripping a little with my toes if I'm walking fast. &nbsp;Mind you, the better they fit, the less you tend to do that. &nbsp;They don't make my feet sore, but then I do wear proper arch-support ones, and I don't do any serious hiking in them or anything. &nbsp;</p> <p>Moe --&nbsp;my last pair was a brown leather Reef pair. &nbsp;I loved them!</p> <p>OldMsThrifty -- Yes, whole families wear them here too. &nbsp;My kids learned to walk in them when they were three! &nbsp;I've noticed that you can buy "training strap" ones for toddlers, although we never had those.</p> <p>Marit -- you're not alone. &nbsp;A significant number of people cannot stand the feeling of the thong between their toes. &nbsp;I think you either love it or hate it! &nbsp;(I can sort of relate. &nbsp;I'm not a fan of a strip of fabric wedged between the cheeks of my bottom....the OTHER kind of thong). &nbsp;:-)</p> <p>&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976124 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:59:40 +0000 AviaMariah 976124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I buy a pair of &nbsp;nice, quality flip flops every summer. &nbsp;The last few have been Abeo and they have great arch support. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976115 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:53:37 +0000 marit 976115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm picky about flips simply because I usually can't handle the post between the toes. I do have a pair of Reaction beaded thongs with a flat cork footbed that are super comfortable, but that's the only thong style I've managed so far in my shoe collection; although I just got some new Melissa butterfly flips that have a toe post and I think they'll be okay (I haven't put them through a day's wear yet). For actual flip-flops, I do have a couple Ipanema pairs that form a toe loop with crossed straps that I love - a flattering look on the foot and I think they're slightly nicer than the cheap foam style. I have a casual lifestyle and dress casually; they are quite suitable and practical for me. In fact one of the most important criteria for my shoes is how easily can I put them on &amp; kick them off? - because I drive barefoot &amp; am barefoot in the house. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976081 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:12:04 +0000 always trying 976081@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Everyone here wears all kinds of flip flops everywhere-whole families, even toddlers go everywhere in them.&nbsp; I personally prefer the sports ones Niki, schetcheres etc.&nbsp; that I wear a lot.&nbsp; I change into running shoes, sneekers, etc. for dog activities as they are much more conducive to running in, but otherwise live in them all summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976075 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:08:27 +0000 Moe 976075@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love them! I just ordered some brown leather reef flip flops for my MOTG capsule </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976073 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:07:58 +0000 suzyq 976073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm old enough to call them thongs, much to my daughter's delight and embarrassment.&nbsp; The Olukai look perfect for summer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976066 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:02:09 +0000 Anonymous 976066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Flip flops are practically a religion in Phoenix. Hubs even has a "dress" pair. Both of my kids are lifeguards so they work in flip flops every day. My son spent $60 on his to get some really good arch support. Mine stay by the back patio for home use though. A few years ago I started feeling a lot of foot pain from that "curling motion" that Kim was talking about, so I switched to thong sandals with an ankle strap. I can't wear any type of mules or slides now, either, which is too bad because I really miss the "easy on, easy off" aspect of them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976058 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:55:01 +0000 Susie 976058@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No worries on the dissing! Should I admit that I even have a pair of Croc flip flops?! But those are basically summer house shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>Good point, Glory! For our 4 day weekend, I took 4 different pairs! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/in-defense-of-flip-flops-thongs-for-a-casual-lifestyle#post-976056 Wed, 10 Jul 2013 21:54:25 +0000 Ajoanna 976056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pretty flip flops make me think of beaches, summer, and most importantly, not being at work, so they are a win in my book, as long as the occasion is super casual. <br />Although I have to agree with Kim's therapist and say that I know they're not good for my feet. I can only wear them for a few hours before my feet feel strained and tired. </p>