Picking a Great Pair of Flip-Flops
by Sandy Fitzgerald
Slap-slap. Slap-slap. Slap-slap.
Don’t know what that is? It’s that all-too-distinctive sound the perfect pair of flip-flops makes, and if there’s one sound that means summer, it’s the sound of flip-flops!
There’s a lot to like about a pair of flip-flops, and not much not to like. After all, they’re comfortable, easy to put on and off, they keep your feet cool, and they’re so casual.
And the great thing is that they come in all kinds of colors and styles, and for just a few bucks, you can build up a wardrobe of summer shoes that will match just about any color you’re wearing.
Of course, just like anything else, flip-flops vary widely in quality. You can wear the simple rubber ones, such as Old Navy puts on sale for a couple dollars a pair, or you can get high tech with flip-flops made by most makers of athletic footwear, such as Lands’ End, Nike and more.
But what should you buy?
If you’re looking for some quick sandals to put on to go out on the porch or wear out in your back yard, the $2 rubber flip-flops are just fine. However they won’t give your feet much support, so it’s not smart to wear these kind when you go shopping or driving. Your feet will become tired if you try to do much walking in cheaper flip-flops, and driving in them? You may as well be driving in your bare feet, which you know is never a great idea!
The higher end flip-flops, which can cost nearly $100, are engineered with side supports, arch supports and ensure that your feet not only will be cool, but you’ll feel like you can walk a mile in them.
So what should you look for?
Mainly, you want sandals that will be comfortable, no matter what you’re paying for them. Try them on, even the cheapies. Make sure they feel good between your toes and don’t rub anywhere else, or you’ll get blisters. Try to walk a few steps in them and make sure that they’re not so big that they’re flopping instead of flipping.
And most of all, save these for casual wear, no matter how much you paid for them. Flip-flops are really not suitable business attire, no matter how casual your office is!