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.

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: http://www.olukai.com/Product_.....-4034.aspx

I'm not a big fan of the plastic or rubber ones (unless it's for the pool, beach, etc.), but like many of you I think a leather thong style can look very stylish indeed.

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:-)

http://youlookfab.com/2008/07/.....-everyday/
http://youlookfab.com/2006/06/.....tor-thong/

I wear 'FIT-Flops' in warmer weather to walk the dog in.
They are actually proper work-out shoes that look like Thongs but have a thicker sole.

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.

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.)

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.

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!
I got this pair of flip flops from Columbia, they are called Tilly Jane 2. I got them in the sales 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!

Hil: I got Olukai ones! I'm new to the brand, but I really like them. Mind you, for that price point, they had better be good.

Inge, thank you for those links. I read them with interest. So it seems that I should actually be calling my nice leather flip flops "flat thong sandals" to clear up any misapprehensions. For the record, though, this post wasn't directed at Angie specifically, but more at the whole forum. I've been reading this site for a few years, and although I can't point to any specific post, I know I've read a lot of negative comments about flip flops! Also Uggs and Crocs. But while the latter two, for me, fall into the "gear" category, I do think that you can find some properly stylish flip flops. Er, flat thong sandals, that is.

I've never heard of the Oluki band. Thanks Azirphale!

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 ).