Flip flops

The history of footwear, which we now call "flip flops", dates back to Ancient Egypt, then the fashion for them spread to Ancient Greece and Rome, where the poor wore pairs made of straw and papyrus, and the rich from rawhide, and only then they ended up in Southeast Asia and, in particular, in Vietnam.

But, as it turned out, these shoes are considered traditional not in the aforementioned countries, but in the Land of the Rising Sun. From time immemorial, it was in Japan that shoes with a gap between the toes were made. The prototypes of the flip flops were called zori and were made from rice straw and wood. Inhabitants of Japan wore them, wearing them on special cotton tabi socks, in which the thumb was separated from the rest. Dzori became famous in Europe only after the Second World War. Since then, Western fashionistas happily wear imitation of such shoes, only made of rubber and plastic.

Modern flip flops, also called flip flops or flip flops (because of the sound made when walking), are light summer shoes without a back, a kind of fully open sandals. They are kept on their feet thanks to two special straps connected by a vertical bridge in the area of ​​the thumb and forefinger. Flip-flops are quite versatile, they are worn with pleasure by both adults of both sexes and children. And today it is customary to wear them on bare feet without socks. Most often, these shoes are used on the beach, pool, sauna or steam bath.

If once flip flops were just cheap rubber slippers for the bath and the beach, today they have become an organic part of the trendy summer look. There are many different models, differing in material, color, finish, shape of the sole.Flip-flops are classic, urban, sports, beach, home, casual, massage and even "evening" with lavish décor.

The soles of classic flip flops are made of soft rubber, and their upper, as a rule, has no decoration. For the production of sports flip flops for the pool, not only rubber is used, but also silicone, which will not lose its strength under the influence of chlorinated water, as well as such material does not slip, and it is convenient to put it on a wet foot.

Beach flip flops stand out with rich shades of base and top décor. Casual hiking flip flops are often made from leather because the natural material keeps your feet from sweating. At home, leather flip flops are also preferable, preferably with an orthopedic base for better relief of the foot. In hotels, light terry flip flops are not uncommon, and disposable Izolon flip flops will come in handy on a tourist trip and at a doctor / beautician's appointment.

For discerning fashionistas, not so long ago, flip-flops with a ring fastening under the thumb, flip-flop sandals with a heel and even flip-flop boots have appeared. For those who are not particularly fond of flat-soled shoes, there is a choice between flip-flops with heels or wedges (platform). In such shoes, the legs get tired less, and due to the thickening of the sole of its owner, they are protected from all kinds of irregularities that occur on the way.

In general, fashion trends in footwear are directed towards intricate decoration and play with shapes. Manufacturers decorate flip flops with rhinestones, stones, metal rivets, flowers, apply prints, inscriptions, drawings to the sole. Leather models are decorated with weaving, embroidery, multicolored stitching and appliqué. Recently, rectangular, square and even diamond-shaped flip flops have been presented to the attention of fashionistas.

Hand-made fashion is in vogue, and needlewomen like to choose flip flops as a creative object. Experiments result in ethno-style shoes wrapped in a bright satin scarf, as well as glamorous sparkling models with pearl-like trimmings.

As a material for the production of flip flops, rubber of various qualities is most often used, from the cheapest, designed to be worn for only one summer season, to an expensive one that has its own names from well-known manufacturers. Specially processed resin, natural rubber, polymers, poly- and polypropylene, plastic, silicone, leather and textiles (such as terry cloth) are also in demand in factories for the production of flip-flops.

The classic colors of flip flops are black, blue, dark green, brown and burgundy. Recently, you can find a wide variety of colors. - yellow, light green, turquoise, orange, purple, Marsala, fuchsia ... Vietnamese shoes that combine several colors, usually from two to three, look especially interesting. But, do not forget that the color must be selected depending on the purpose. If white or white and gold flip flops are quite appropriate in the pool or on the seashore, then in a dusty city they will quickly lose their appearance.

Havaianas is considered the most successful and iconic brand that produces the most fashionable and sought-after models of flip flops., this Brazilian company began its activities more than half a century ago, namely in 1962. The brand was originally conceived as a manufacturer of cheap footwear for the poor in Brazil, but a quarter of a century ago, Havaianas was rebranded and since then it has worked closely with the most famous designers and fashion houses.The flip flops of this company are constantly printed on the pages of glossy fashion magazines.

In 2002, the famous fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier had the courage to release all models on the catwalk exclusively in flip flops., thereby making a real sensation. From that day on, the public realized that flip flops can be not only boring rubber flip flops, suitable exclusively for the beach, but also quite interesting designer models with heels and sandals decorated with rhinestones.

Further, the baton was picked up by the houses of Mod Dior and Chanel. Their unique casual flip flops were crafted from genuine leather, and designed specifically for evening and social events, decorated with stones, beads and rhinestones. A lot of models with heels and platform were also demonstrated.

Today, designers and brands such as Emporio Armani, Porsche design by Adidas, Kate Spade, Stuart Weitzman and Reef are producing fashionable and stylish flip flops. Such well-known companies as Merrell, Teva, Chaco and Rider specialize in the production of comfortable sports models.

I would also like to mention the popular Croks flip flops.made from modern and environmentally friendly Croslite material. This is a foamed polymer, and, unlike ordinary rubber, it is light, resilient, durable, dirt-repellent, easy to clean, does not absorb odors and prevents the spread of microbes and fungi.

First of all, when choosing a pair of flip flops, twist them in your hands, pay attention to the seams, bend the sole, do not hesitate to sniff. Rub the bridge, it should be soft, otherwise there is a risk of rubbing the delicate area between your fingers. It is desirable that the decor be sewn on, the glue is less reliable and practical, especially in contact with water. When trying on, the heel should not hang outside the shoe, it is better to choose a pair one size larger.

On the beach, a pair of modern flip flops will be in perfect harmony with a juicy swimsuit that echoes in color. Fortunately, wearing flip flops is not limited to going to the beach. Tops, T-shirts, T-shirts, "alcoholics", a fitted jacket, shirts, shorts, breeches and classic jeans will help to support a casual look. Flip-flops can also be worn with skirts, both short (for example, denim) and cotton maxi.

Decorated models go well with sundresses, cocktail and evening dresses. But in the case when the shoes are replete with decor, it is better to choose a dress without drawings, draperies and pleats, so as not to look like a parrot or a Christmas tree. But if your pair is adorned with pebbles, you might consider buying earrings and beads from a similar material.

• Leather flip flops in a pleasant orange color echo the color of the nail polish. Adjustable leather straps and natural cork sole for all-day comfort

• Glamorous metallic flip flops are not only beautiful but also comfortable with additional straps and straps. An open form will demonstrate a high-quality pedicure, and a pair of hypertrophied rhinestones with their radiance will attract the attention of others

• A pair of light flip flops on a soft platform, decorated with transparent beads, will make its owner not only more beautiful, but also taller

• For this pair of flip flops, a bright scarf is not only a decor, but also a significant element of a reliable design that does not allow this pair of shoes to fall off their feet and slap on the heels.

• Transparent silicone flip flops, decorated with tinted flowers, look weightless and graceful on the leg. Such a pair will be useful not only on the beach, but will also be appropriate in the pool or as a home pair of shoes.

• A pair of sophisticated flip flops will support your evening look. A leather strap decorated with stones and Swarovski crystals, a high heel and a printed sole will delight any fashionista.

• Alternative styles of flip flops in leather, suede and textiles create a feminine look, perfect for walking around town, shopping and going to the movies.