Meet the new sole-mates

Sonali Seth

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Most of us have worn flip-flops at some point in life. The humble V-shaped rubber straps attached to a cushioned foot-bed have always been a staple, casual footwear. These seldom last a full season and the new ones have to be purchased each summer. But nobody minds, as these are inexpensive and can be bought from any footwear store. 

However, times have introduced us to some pleasant changes. In the last few years, designer counterparts of the simple flip-flops have entered the market. Though the lowly ones still flood the market, the high-end branded versions are doing brisk business around the world, be it in New York, London, Milan or Delhi or Mumbai for that matter.

These are the preferred footwear of those who can afford these. Simple in design, these are available at leading fashion outlets like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, Niemen Marcus and are often supported by Hollywood and Bollywood A-listers. 

Style statement

Flip-flops have become a fashion accessory of significance. Leading luxury labels like Ralph Lauren, Armani Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Burberry, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Diesel, Nike and others are transforming this basic footwear into a glamourous accessory. 

 Fashion brands have come up with interesting designs of flip-flops that are not only meant to be worn in bedroom, but also on the beach, swimming pool and also for occasions like Saturday-night get-togethers and picnics. There are special flip-flops for rock climbing and water sports and then there are those made to pair up with shorts and jeans. 

These flip-flops look best with casuals and are a perfect summer wear. Though these come in all colours and designs, bright hued and sporty styles are particularly popular this season. 

Variety in designs

Once made of rubber, foam and vinyl, today these come is different materials like leather, denim, cotton, suede and, of course, rubber. There are trendy platform ones, rhinestone-encrusted flip-flops and those embellished with sequins and coloured stones. 

Also available in the market are flip-flops with bold Hawaiian prints and beautiful wildlife designs and some are even trimmed with ribbons and stylish knots. These come as flats or with heels and platform soles and the outlandish ones are decorated with buckles, crystals and flowers.

This fashion accessory doesn’t always come cheap. Though you can still pick a pair from the street for under Rs100, the stylish flip-flops from top-fashion brands like Burberry and Valentino come with price tags, which are sometimes upwards of Rs 15,000 a pair! 

Fashion critics say that the popularity of flip-flops is due to the endless possibilities these offer to wearer. These can be encrusted with jewels, crystals, arches, heels and embroidery. The versatility and popularity of flip-flops make it an accessory you can wear all round the year. While most are flat, some special styles have curvy or wedge heels, favoured mostly by the young.

Such is the popularity of flip-flops that America has started celebrating the National Flip-Flop Day on June 19. This year, a number of companies led by the chain of Tropical Smoothie Cafes gave away freebies to people, who came shopping wearing this minimalist footwear.  

The origin of flip-flops can be traced to the Japanese zori which are sandals made with sponge-rubber soles and a strap between the first two toes. Like the zori, the flip-flops too have made the leap from bedroom to city sidewalks and fashion catwalks.

On the fashion list

At the recently concluded Berlin Fashion Week, designers had a surprising number of models parading up in flip-flops much to the delight of the elite audience. Clearly what was once a fashion faux pas is slowly making its way up the trend ladders around the world. The footwear once derided as rubber chappals is creating waves at fashion shows.

Gone is the sloppiness of the designs. Now with summer dressing becoming a balancing act between practicality and style, these are arguably the perfect warm-weather footwear. These are breathable, comfortable and smart. 

Today, the sheer variety of flip-flops available in the market is staggering. There are durable and rugged models made by the likes of Bata, Hush Puppies, Dr. Scholl and others and then there are the Havaiianas and Crocs and finally the uber-trendy flip-flops by iconic fashion brands that can cost a pile. The choice is yours. Wear your style and follow your budget.

The flip side

These may be trendy and make a fashion statement but some doctors are advising against the overuse of flip. They say that these can cause problems, ranging from stubbed toes and cuts to injuries and stress fractures. According to podiatrists, these are not good for people who walk a lot or have a poor posture or suffer from chronic knee problems. Flip flops can cause muscle injuries, ligament sprains and even tendinitis due to lack of arch support. 

According to a study conducted by the Alabama University in America, wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. In fact, when you wear flip-flops, your toes need to work harder to maintain the grip, which over the time can cause a medical condition called hammertoe. 

Another study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association found that kids who jogged in flip-flops had greater forefoot inversion as compared to those who ran barefoot. It observed that flip-flop wearers always exerted higher pressure on the feet than athletic shoes. But the good news is that doctors are not saying a strict no to flip flops. They are advocating restraint. Wearing them for short walks or for a social occasion won’t do much damage but excessive use would invite all kind of foot problems.