Beach Wear: Flip Flops

About Flip Flops

Some people call them flip flops, others refer to them as thongs, or simply as sandals. No matter what you call them, this summer footwear is one part of your swimwear ensemble you definitely don't want to be without.

Thongs are easy on and off sandals that are typically worn at the beach or pool. This footwear is characterized by a simple strap that begins between the big, and second toe, and branches off to either side of the foot in a V shape. The soles are usually made of rubber or neoprene, but may be made more fashionable with the addition of other materials such as fabric, leather, and bamboo, just to mention a few.

For Women

Popular women's styles include:

• Nubuck sandals from Life Is Good are sturdy and water resistant, making them the perfect candidates for beach wear.
• Mystique beaded flip flops are casual, yet sexy, and a great example of how a few beads can really spice up your thongs.

For Men

Popular men's styles include:

• Celso Thongs from Nike are fairly utilitarian, but they serve the purpose well. The neoprene uppers dry quite quickly, making them a good choice to wear around water.
• Leather Flip Thongs from Chaco are a bit more upscale, and will take you around town as well as the beach.

For Children

Children's thongs are available in a wide array of designs, usually including popular characters such as Spiderman, and Dora the Explorer. The materials of choice are rubber and plastic, and these thongs are usually quite inexpensive as well. Havaianas, and Skechers also have a great selection of kid's thongs.

Protecting Your Feet

Flip flops are functional as well as fashionable, protecting your feet from a number of hazards you may encounter at the pool, beach, and anywhere else that you may be tempted to go barefoot.

Burns

Burns can be a major concern during the summer season as the sun bakes down all day long. Of course, we all think about protecting our skin with sunscreen, and coverups, but neither of these items are useful for protecting our feet. Sand, asphalt, and cement pavement can all become dangerously hot surfaces when the weather turns toasty, and walking on them barefoot can actually result in some uncomfortable burns. Flip flops provide protection for your soles while still letting the rest of your feet breathe.

Cuts

Nothing can cut short a day of swim fun faster than a nasty cut on your feet. The foot is a tough place to keep a bandage on, and it's not a good idea to go in the water with an open cut either. Flip flops can protect your feet from sharp shell edges, and any other debris you may not be able to see hidden just under the sand.

Fungus

Many pools and beaches offer facilities to change, shower, and use the restroom, and though they are convenient, these places are great harbingers for bacteria and fungus. Walking into one of these areas barefoot is like walking into a mine field- you have no idea of what your feet might be encountering.

Athlete's foot is the most common fungus found in shower areas, and it is highly transferable, easily surviving on damp surfaces until the next host comes along. Once you contract this fungus, it's difficult to get rid of, and the itching, burning, and peeling can drive a person crazy. You can avoid this nuisance by wearing your flip flops any time you enter pool/beachside facilities, especially while you're showering. Your sandals will quickly dry in the open air and sunshine, and you won't have to worry about the health of your feet.

Fun Flip Flop Crafts

A quick look in retail stores, and on the internet quickly reveals that there is no shortage of fun and fashionable summer footwear, but there are other alternatives for defining your own style.

One of the hottest current fads is to buy inexpensive thongs and decorate them yourself. This can be carried out in dozens of ways, and here are just a few suggestions.

• Rag ties are fun and extremely easy to add to the straps of your flops. Choose some cotton material in different shades and patterns that will compliment your swimwear, and cut into seven by one inch strips with a pair of pinking shears, then tie them around the straps with a square knot until the straps are completely full.

You can trim the ends uniformly to the length you desire, and now you have a great looking set of flops that are extra comfy as well. You can also substitute ribbon for the material.

• Beads are another great way to decorate your thongs. You'll need a needle and strong cord, as well as beads with a hole big enough for the cord to pass through.

Begin at one end of the straps, tie the cord on with a square knot, and begin adding beads to the cord, wrapping it snuggly around the strap as you go. Be sure to use smooth beads in the areas that rub against your feet, and add flashier shaped beads only at the outside strap areas. When you reach the far end of the strap, tie off with a square knot and you're finished.

• Silk flowers, and sea shells also make great add-ons for your flip flops. Simply hot glue them to the straps anyway you think they look good, and you have your own exclusive designer footwear.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we've convinced you that your summer footwear is as important as the type of swimwear you choose. Flip flops are fun, functional, and a must have accessory this summer.

External Links

• Sunfitters Flip Flops and Water Shoes for sandals and related beach accessories.
• DIY Network flip flop craft.
• MyCraftBook.com, more thong decorating ideas.
• Altrec.com, men's and women's footwear.
• FlipFlopStyle.com, for flips and related beach accessories.