The Ottawa Citzen
July 23, 1998
Can't decide what to wear on your feet this summer? Do a Flip-flop!
In this hot summer weather, the transition from city to beach just got easier.
After too many seasons of chunky, strappy and pointy footwear, relief has finally arrived. Surprise! It's flip-flops.
They've been in your closet for years. You've tossed them into your beach bag, you've taken them to your cottage, you've even worn them in a public shower.
Those comfy slip-on soles are no longer reserved for messy terrain. Flip-flops have hit the streets.
Top designers and classic shoe manufacturers have taken these dollar store staples upmarket. They may have traded in the primary- coloured spongy thongs for black suede with lime green neoprene, they may have added a swoosh or a star. But the dependable comfort of these backless, buckleless, slip-on sandals is what truly defines their style. Says Martin Sharp, spokesman for Converse: "It's a trend that's based in athletics and has shifted into a casual mode. Now it's fashion-driven."
No longer just a lifeguard's best friend, flip-flops have become a fashion item. The best part is, they go with just about every daytime look: long skirts, shorts, the summer sarong, a simple pair of drawstring pyjama pants and pedal pushers.
Check out the fuchsia flip-flops on Cameron Diaz in her latest romantic comedy, There's Something About Mary.
Then, add them to the list of utterly enviable fashion pieces she wears in the film (like a Gucci knee-length skirt and a brilliant Mediterranean blue Jil Sander cardigan sweater).
Unlike those designer duds, flip-flops don't have to break the bank. The classic, brightly coloured plastic thongs can still be found in some drugstores and dollar stores for under $10. The Speedo plastic thong sandal sells for $18. Take a model with little gel massagers and Velcro tabs, and the price will be a bit higher.
Other companies sell summer flip-flops under the high-fashion description of mules or slides. But a rose by any other name ...
Hush Puppies' suede open-toe mules come in black, beige, baby blue and navy, with a price tag around $70. They've been flying off the shelves this summer. Many stores are already sold out.
Men have also been spotted flip-flopping around town. Nike's soccer sandal is a popular choice. Foot Locker sells these black plastic slip-ons, adorned with the white swoosh, for about $30.
"Soccer sandals are the new version of the flip-flop," says Nike spokeswoman Michelle McSorley. "They're inexpensive, lightweight and, most importantly, comfortable."
Converse, famous for its basketball shoes, has come out with a summer version of the classic suede sneaker. The one star slip-on sandal comes in a rainbow array of colours and is sized for both men and women at about $50 a pair.
Look in the back of your closet. You might find you already own a pair of the season's hottest fashion accessory.
