For many of us, when we see a sign on the street that says ‘flip flops for sale’, we quickly detour, eager to see what ‘this’ season’s color or finish will be available on our beloved flip flops. There are now so many colours, metallic finishes, wedges, platforms and prints available that for many of us flip flops are ‘the’ shoe of the summer season and since they are relatively inexpensive we never tire of them. !

But where did these sandals come from and how and when did they become so popular? Below I have listed some interesting facts about flip flops that you never knew.

1. They are the oldest form of footwear. There are cave painting images of prehistoric men wearing some sort of thong!
2. There is evidence of this form of sandals as a footwear item in most civilizations. However, the curious thing is that different civilizations often used different toes for the leash… The Greeks, for example, used the big toe; the Romans, the second toe; and the Mesapotanos, the third toe!
3. They were known as Flip Flaps until the 1960s.
4. In America, they first began to appear after World War II when soldiers brought back Japanese ‘zori’ (their word for flip flops) from the war, as souvenirs.
5. They became popular in the US after the 1950’s Korean War and were made of cheap rubber that caused terrible blisters!
6. As popular culture took hold, they were made from better rubber materials and became available in bright colors. They were seen as ‘the’ shoe for a relaxed lifestyle near the beach. Later they were adopted by the hippies.
7. As inexpensive footwear, children soon began to wear them to the pool and on vacation in bright colors with flowers and motifs adorning them.
8. In the 1990s, with a more relaxed atmosphere in the workplace, flip flops and their variations became acceptable. Now there can be variations in the sole and upper material, with platform soles and soles that claim to tone the muscles of the legs and buttocks. All of these are cashing in on the oldest form of footwear.
9. Sales figures are hard to come by, but global sandal sales are estimated to be over $20 billion—that’s more than the sneaker market!
10. Long-term use of cheaper versions has been linked to all sorts of foot health problems. Using soft rubber versions that offer some inner arch support and have shock absorbing qualities is much better for the foot.

So now you know some of the key facts about these special sandals! They have a great history from their humble beginnings to becoming a global fashion accessory. However, be sure not to let fashion dictate your decisions entirely. The cheap version can cause foot damage, so make sure you find sandals made with good quality materials and well-designed soles and support. In this way, the success of the flip-flops will continue for many years in who knows what way…!