‘Flip-flops’ or ‘flip flops’ are a category of footwear that is popular lifestyle and informal choice in the warmer climates. They are also known as sandals and get called ‘thongs’ in Australia, the the chancla in Mexico and jandals in New Zealand.
The origins of flip-flops can be traced back to ancient Egypt, where depictions of sandals with a simple thong between the big and second toes have been found in murals and artifacts. Similar sandals were also worn in ancient Greece and Rome. These early flip-flops were often made from natural materials like papyrus, palm leaves, or leather. In Asia, traditional sandals resembling flip-flops have been worn for centuries. In Japan, for example, the “zori” is a flat and thonged sandal worn with traditional attire. In India, the “paduka” is a type of wooden sandal with a post separating the big toe. The concept of flip-flops gained popularity in the Western world in the aftermath of World War II. Soldiers returning from the Pacific brought back the habit of wearing zori or thonged sandals. The modern rubber flip-flop we are familiar with today became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. The transition from natural materials to rubber made flip-flops more affordable and comfortable. Brazil played a significant role in popularizing flip-flops, particularly the brand Havaianas. Introduced in the 1960s, Havaianas revolutionized the market with their colorful designs and comfortable rubber soles. In the latter part of the 20th century, flip-flops evolved from casual beachwear to a global fashion statement. Designers began creating more stylish and upscale versions, and celebrities started wearing them in various settings.
Despite their popularity, flip-flops have faced some criticism for potential health issues. Prolonged use of flip-flops without proper arch support can lead to foot problems as they are quite flimsy with no support in them for feet that need that. The clawing of the toes to help keep them on the foot may also lead to issues over the long term. There are also regulations and laws against there use in some occupational settings as they offer no protection to the foot from trauma. This issue led some brands, eg the Archies Footwear to develop versions of flip-flops that have arch support built into them.
These Archies have proved to be very popular in Australia and are spreading internationally. Athletes are starting to use these types of footwear for recovery after hard workouts. The wide range of colours that they come in is starting to tap into the fashionable section of the market. They were originally developed by a physiotherapist and the arch support that is available in them is similar to what you would get from a typical over-the-counter arch support or prefabricated foot orthotic.
I have made no secret that I am a fan of these Archies and have developed a number of modifications with them. I did this video on one of those modifications. There is no reason why other types of flip flops can not be modified in s similar way. They are particularly useful for those who do really need foot orthotics as these arch supporting flip flops can mean they can use this type of footwear in warmer climates and still get some support. We sell a lot of Archies in Melbourne at our clinic.
Where to buy arch supporting flip flops
Where to buy Archies thongs?
Arch supporting flip flops (USA)
Arch supporting flip flops (Canada)
Arch supporting flip flops (UK)
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University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger, dad.