As soon as temperatures consistently soar past 70 degrees, I slip into my beloved flip-flops. Living in Los Angeles means I get to indulge in this footwear choice almost year-round. Why, you ask? Because when my feet heat up, my toes swell up like cocktail sausages. They simply need to breathe, and flip-flops are the answer!
There’s no easier footwear than flip-flops. You just slide them on and go about your day. Available in countless colors and styles, they’re also budget-friendly. If you invest in a quality pair, they can last for years—I’m still wearing some from five summers ago. They’re perfectly broken in, and slipping them on feels like a warm embrace. For me, flip-flops epitomize summer, and my affection for them is unwavering.
Every couple of years, there seems to be a wave of articles warning against the dangers of flip-flops. Experts advise against wearing them for long periods due to their lack of arch support. Dr. Emily Johnson, a podiatrist from Connecticut, points out that “flip-flops do not provide the necessary support for your foot or ankle and are not intended for daily use.” However, many devoted flip-flop enthusiasts will agree that they’re aware of these warnings—and it often doesn’t faze them.
Take, for example, one Fourth of July when I donned my flip-flops for a beach day in Santa Monica. After walking nearly three-quarters of the sandy shore, my feet were on fire. Yet, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t wear them again the next day. I’ve stood in them for hours, and while the potential side effects like Achilles tendinitis, pinched nerves, or heel pain are real, I’m willing to take those risks for now.
Some people have a strong aversion to flip-flops. They argue that because your feet are closer to the ground, you’re more likely to pick up bacteria and grime. We’ve all seen those unfortunate souls with dark rings around their feet—maybe you’ve even been one of them. If your heels are turning black, it’s likely a sign that you’re not wearing the right size. Properly fitting flip-flops shouldn’t cause that issue, but even if they do, a good wash will usually take care of it. Yes, there’s always a small chance of picking up a staph infection, so if you have an open wound, make sure to take necessary precautions.
Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association, warns that flip-flops can cause blisters. If those blisters burst, it could lead to germs entering the skin. But let’s be real—name a shoe type that doesn’t cause blisters! I’ve ditched wedge sandals after a single blister incident, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve gotten blisters from athletic shoes. I do occasionally get them in my flip-flops, but with blister blockers and balms now available, I can keep flip-flopping with confidence.
I wear flip-flops with everything—dresses, jeans, sweats, you name it. Sure, they’re seen as casual, but unless it’s explicitly stated that flip-flops are off-limits, you can bet they’re what I’m wearing. I even wore them to a job interview and landed the position, so take that!
I’ve braved various weather conditions in my flip-flops—except snow, because, let’s face it, hypothermia isn’t chic and I’m not about to lose a toe. I avoid wearing them in heavy rain, but a light drizzle is usually fine since they dry quickly. I once got caught in a downpour and nearly lost a shoe to the current; I also almost slipped and fell, which wasn’t my finest moment. But I didn’t blame my trusty flip-flops; that was solely the weather’s fault.
Yes, flip-flops come with their own set of drawbacks, but so do many other types of shoes. If you can strut in stilettos without a care, I can flaunt my flip-flops just the same. You can keep your Birkenstocks or Tevas; I’m sticking with my $2 Old Navy flip-flops. I know they give me the worst tan lines, and style points are not in my favor, but that’s not why I wear them. You can pry them off my cold, dead feet—if I ever walk more than an hour in them, that might just become a reality. And honestly, I’m okay with that.
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In summary, flip-flops are the quintessential summer footwear for those who value comfort and casual style. Despite their drawbacks, the freedom and ease they offer make them hard to resist.