Flip-flopping through summer

What type of footwear do we all have, feel comfortable wearing, and can be bought for under $20?

Flip-flops of course!

The name “flip-flop” comes from the sound that the sandal makes, simple as that.

Even though many designers have voiced their disapproval, the shoe has worn themselves into a “classic” in fashion terms. Flip-flops have become as iconic and universal as jeans.

The whole design of the flip-flop is quite basic. It's the outline shape of the foot, but extended a couple of inches with a Y shape strap that goes between your big and middle toe. Flip-flops should be able to fit in everyone's budget, with styles ranging from $6 into the hundreds for a designer flop. Although, the fancier brands are able to make a huge profit off of the simple sandal, that we all know were manufactured the same way the $10 ones were. Adding rhinestones and crystals can rack up the price a little more, but in most cases it is worth it to spend a little extra money because flip-flops can work with any outfit and/or event.

Speaking of events, in July 2005 the Northwestern University Women's Lacrosse team wore flip-flops to meet the President at the White House. This fashion statement caused a lot of stir among fashion critiques and news broadcast, as to whether it was politically correct.

Flip-flops can be tracked back to Egyptian times. Evidence from Egyptian paintings illustrates the Egyptian figure wearing something on their feet that is close to the design of a flip-flop. During this time, footwear represented power and class. Egyptian sandals were made from straw, papyrus and palm fiber. The women decorated their footwear with precious stones and jewels. The designs back then are probably quite similar to the footwear that is decorated today on store shelves.

As a kid I remember GAP having THE sandals to buy. They had a wide range of cute styles in the women's department to the children's department. Just like Lays chips, you can't just have one; a good couple pairs of the bright colour selection of flip-flops will do the trick.

It is reported that measures are being done to reduce cost and be environmentally friendly by making the sandal out of recycled tires. Having the sandal be made from recycled materials is a very good idea, as the life expectancy of a pair of flip-flops may only last a year or two, all depending on the Y strap and the soles.

After Googling a few stores, such as GAP, Old Navy and Payless Shoes, the spring styles are something to get excited about. They now have added different simple design styles with the straps and cute floral prints. And of course colours ranging from light to darks to sparkles.

In general, the footwear industry is the place to make large amounts of money. Flip-flops alone are estimated to make $2 billion in retail a year in US markets. You don't have to know anything about fashion to know that flip-flops are never going to go out of style.