I’ve had an epiphany. Something I believed very deeply for a very long time has turned out to be untrue. I’m still coming to terms with this change in personal conviction, and it’s not easy. But at the same time, it’s very freeing. I feel…lighter, somehow. Not bogged down by stodgy rules or requirements. I’m very happy to announce it here, for the first time: I love flip flops. I know. I said before I hated them, that I’d never wear them, that they were uncomfortable, and that I hated the feeling of something between my toes. I’m just as shocked as you are! It all happened last week while I was on vacation, which was actually a staycation. My open-toed sandals that I wore around the house all the time finally had to be put out of their misery. While they were all broken in, comfy, and all-around perfect, they were definitely showing their age and just weren’t what they used to be. It was time for them to go. I threw them away (trust me, they belonged in the trash—there was no rehabilitation possible) without a second thought, figuring it’d be easy to find a replacement pair. I was wrong. In the couple—ok, six—years I had those awesome sandals, the entire world went flip flop crazy, and I could not find any comfy, inexpensive, regular open-toed sandals anywhere! I wasn’t going to spend fifty bucks on a pair of shoes I planned to wear while cleaning house or taking the dog for a walk. That’s just ridiculous. All I wanted was a comfortable, reasonably priced pair of shoes to wear around the house, for crying out loud! I’d already thrown my old ones away. And as much as I love to walk around barefoot, the wood floors in my new place are kinda hard to walk on like that all the time. I needed some cushion. What was I gonna do?! The answer was clear. Still, I resisted for a couple of days, slipping on dressier sandals just to walk the dog. Again, ridiculous. So I went back to a certain discount retailer which shall remain nameless, and bit the bullet. I bought a pair of cheap flip flops with the woven nylon straps and rubbery footbed. I could hardly believe it was me shelling out actual money for those monstrosities. For the first couple of days, they lived down to my very low expectations. They were uncomfortable. They rubbed my foot wrong. I just knew I was going to get a blister between my toes. And then suddenly, one day, I realized they didn’t hurt anymore. Not only that, my feet were much cooler than they had been when I was wearing those old leather sandals. In fact, I got so comfortable in them, that one day I forgot I had them on and actually went out to lunch in them, not realizing I still had them on until I got to the restaurant. For me, this was like going out of the house in my slippers. I looked around nervously to see if anyone noticed I was wearing cheapy flip flops. No one did. In fact, a lot of the other people in the restaurant were wearing them too. Now? I can’t wait to buy more. I’m on a flip flop kick. I want a pair in every color, and I want a couple of nice pairs for dressing up. I know. I just said “dressing up” when talking about flip flops. It’s a crazy new world! I think this Cordani Percy Thong might just fit the bill.
The Percy has a bit more of a heel on it than I think I’d like on a flip flop, but hey, a week ago, I didn’t think I’d even be wearing flip flops, so what the hell! The strappy upper is made of leather, and I love it in this sage green color. The 1.75-inch heel is a bit curved, which adds a feminine touch, and the height will give your legs a little lift, too. The sole is man made. The Percy also comes in white and brown. It’s also on sale. Normally $157.95, you can get it now for just $86.87 at Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 1
Now this is what I’m talking about! Not only does the Teva Mush flip flop look super comfortable, it’s also pretty. Look at that design! It’s like little butterflies sewn into the strap. No wait! It’s a black-on-black embroidered pattern! No wait! It’s both! That’s because you get two pairs for one low price! How did I not know about this before?! Flip flops, where have you been all my life? Two for one? I’m so there. This Mush 2 pack is my favorite because you know I love pink, and I love butterflies. To have both on my new love, flip flops? Heaven. The black ones are nice too. Not just plain black straps. There’s a little visual interest to them. But there are seven other 2 packs available, in several colors and patterns. A couple of them have little palm trees on them. So cute! The straps are nylon webbing, which I now know is very comfortable, and the soles are EVA, which is also super comfy. And get this—the topsole has enhanced arch support. I’m amazed anyone even thought to put that in a flip flop. Get your two favorite pairs for just $47.95 from Endless.com.
Budget Saving Alternative 2
I’m excited about giving these a try. I’d heard of this brand before, but didn’t really pay attention because, well, you know. The Havaianas Slim Peacock is a sleek looking flip flop. The footbed and sole are bright pink—well, they call it tulip—with sparkly, metallic gold rubber straps. I wouldn’t normally go for that, but they match the sparkly gold print on the footbed, accented by teal and pale pink peacock feathers. There’s some paisley thrown in there, too. The rubber soles have a bit of tread for good traction. And you’ll notice the textured rice pattern on the footbed, the mark of true Havaianas. The Slim Peacock also comes in navy and silver, and gray. Get a couple of pairs since they’re only $30 at Zappos.com.
