Today, there is divided opinion about this unique footwear when we talk about flip flops. Few adore the footwear but only reserve its use for casual meetings and informal dressing. In contrast, some adore it and see it as versatile footwear for any occasion or dressing, formal or informal.
If you belong to the category of people who do not rate flip-flops as footwear or formal outings and dressing, you are lucky to have stumbled upon this article. Why? Because it outlines what many do not know about flip-flops and why you and everyone need a pair of flip-flops. So, ensure you read to the end for more eye-opening information.
The History of Flip Flops
It might surprise you and many others that the design for flip flops (a flat sole with a y shape string) started in a different century than this one. Instead, its existence spans millenniums, as findings have shown it to have been around 4000 BC. Hence, flip-flops have been around for over 6000 years in total.
At this time, they were worms of different cultures, and the materials used to make them were different. Wood was the material used by the Indians; the Egyptians used Papyrus and palm leaves; Rice straw was what the Japanese and Chinese used; rawhide was why was used in Africa, and other materials were used across various cultures. Hence, popularity has been a trait of flip-flops for years. However, it is essential to mention that each material used in making this footwear was what each culture was rich in at the time.
Furthermore, back then, flip flops design existed in varieties asides from the materials used in making them. The design in this context refers to the Y-shaped strap attached to the sole. Some cultures placed the design such that one strap divided from and covered the big toe from the other toes; others placed the strap to divide from the middle toe and cover more than one toe. Still, the idea was simple to conveniently hold the foot and protect against diseases or injuries from walking barefoot.
Similar to how their styles were different among many cultures, we’re their names. For example, flip-flops are particular to the Germans, and Zori or Jandals (Japanese Sandals) are particular to the Japanese. Even within cultures, the design for flip flops varied; the Egyptians had specific t royalty and designs for commoners. The designs specific to royalty featured higher soles and had designs on them. In contrast, the common folks used low-soled flip flops varied with no design. The use of rubber or plastic to produce flip-flops did not start until the 19th century.
How Flip Flops Became a Popular Fashion Statement?
As mentioned earlier, flip flops are one of the oldest footwear designs that ever existed, but they were not considered a fashion statement in all the years of their existence. Because they were mainly a measure to protect the feet from diseases and injuries, they became a fashion statement following the war.
The Zori played a prominent role in flip flops becoming the fashion statement it is today. US soldiers returning from WWII brought home some of the items they saw, with the Zori being one of them. The shoes arrived in California, and when the residents saw the soldiers using them, they liked the design and its appeal. Gradually, many people started to own a Zori until it became an unofficial fashion wear in 1960. After many designs started to arrive and it became global fashion wear. Hence, the Japanese Zori inspired the modern theme style of flip-flops available today(where the Y-shaped strap covers the bug toe).
The Best Flip Flops Today
There are many producers today, but the Ola Havaianas thongs stand out. They are one of the original producers of flip flops after it became an unofficial fashion wear, and have been going strong since then. If you are looking for one of the best flip-flops today, the Havaina thongs are what you need.
Why Havaiana Thongs (Flip Flops)?
As stated above, they are one of the best flip flops around, but here are 6 top-notch reasons highlighting why you need a pair of Havaianas thongs:
- Simplicity: This reason only needs a little explanation because the design itself explains this. The Havaianas thongs and flip flops feature a simple design; thus, you will not have trouble choosing the perfect footwear for your outfit. They also feature simple colors, like black, that can be worn with any outfit. Hence, Havaianas thongs are your footwear if you desire simple and unique footwear.
- Comfort: The level of comfort you get in flip-flops is second to none, but the comfort experience depends on the flip-flops themselves. Havalana things are your go-to flip flops for high—level comfort, as they offer your feet maximum comfort and protection.
- Beach Friendly: It is often challenging to find the ideal footwear for the beach, as you need footwear that will improve your beach experience. This challenge is why you find many on the beach without proper footwear, as it is the easy way out. However, not wearing footwear on the beach is not hygienic or safe because of injuries. This challenge exists when you do not have flip-flops, as their unique properties make them beach friendly. Hence, with Havaianas thongs (one of the best flip flops), you can enjoy your beach experience while being safe.
- Versatility: Some utilities of flip flops many are familiar with are worn at home, in bathrooms, and around wet environments like swimming pools. However, only a few know that they are perfect for beach outings and can be worn to formal meetings. Formal meetings? Yes, there are various designs today, and some complement formal dressings. One of these designs is the Havalana things; thus, there are more reasons to get one.
- Color Pop: When we say classic footwear, flip flops are that footwear, as they possess this unique style that gives them a classic aesthetic. This aesthetics is improved by the fact that they exist in different colors (particularly to Havaianas thongs), thus, allowing you to wear flip flops with colors that complement your outfit.
- Easy to Maintain: Compared to other foot wears, flip flops are the easiest to maintain, as they do not demand any sophisticated maintenance procedure. A simple rinse in water and dry will keep your flip-flops looking neat and refreshed. Maintenance is also inexpensive, as you do not need to spend much to have your flip-flops looking their best.
Conclusion
If you ever needed reasons to own a pair of flip flops, especially Havaianas thongs, this article has outlined six reasons while providing insight on where flip flops came from.