To Wear or Not to Wear: Flip-Flops

Flip-flops are a bit like marmite - you either love them or hate them (and grudgingly wear them when needed once a year). The next in our To Wear or Not to Wear series, we consider flip-flops: beach fad or height of fashion?

There's no denying their appeal and advantages. They are cheap (usually), you can just slip them on, wear them as slippers or in the sea and pool and they don't take up much space and weight in your suitcase. But they are also flimsy and slippery, the cause of many a poolside accident and maybe they just don't show enough effort.

I had a friend who wore them all year round. One freezing November I asked him why and he said: "just easier really - and I don't really feel the cold..." If your reason for wearing flip-flops is simply for the easy life of not having to decide what footwear to put on in the morning, you're not showing enough effort. Flip-flops are not intrinsically lazy or unfashionable, but wearing them all the time diminishes the effect. Team them with casual wear including jeans, skirts and leggings and beach dresses- go for ballet shoes or sandals with more formal or dressy clothes.

While it is perfectly acceptable to wear flip-flops off the beach, do consider what you'll be doing in them. I can ride a bike, spend a day shopping and climb hills in flip-flops but it takes a bit of practice and be prepared for some blisters around the toes and heels to start off with. And of course, don't actually do anything dangerous in unsuitable footwear - flip-flops are not made for rock climbing and trampolining!

Finally, consider the type of flip-flops you buy. Very cheap ones can be quite uncomfortable around the heel due to a raised strap. Sturdier models with a proper sole and or extra straps can be more comfortable and healthy for your feet, although bear in mind that the more straps a shoe has, the more places it can rub your poor summer-shy feet! If you're really not keen on flip-flops but do need a waterproof beach shoe, have a look at Aqua Shoes at D2D - beach shoes with strong soles and good support.

Verdict: Flip flops are no longer confined to the beach and choosing the right one and the right occasion can put you right ahead in the fashion stakes. But exercise caution - follow the rules above and you can't go too wrong!

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