Flip-Flops

They never really went away. But, wow, have flip-flops
made a comeback. Once a convenient kick-around
shoe associated with beachwear, the thong sandals are
one of the latest raves in the fashion industry. Whether they're a few bucks to a few hundred dollars -- high heeled, platforms or traditional -- it seems like everybody's wearing some form of flip-flops. "And this summer is no exception.

Fashion and comfort

Flip-flops solved Kathie Strader's problem. A New Yorker vacationing in Staunton, Strader's feet are a little too long and too wide for most women's shoes she considers fashionable.
So she opts for the thong sandals, like the ones she is wearing in the above photo.
"I'm the flip-flop queen of New York state," said Strader, parading down North Augusta Street in a pair of bright orange flip flops. Strader said she has between 20 to 25 pairs, including footwear decorated in sequins. "They're comfortable and they're one size fits all."
Fashion and comfort is what Wendy Wolther had in mind when she designed Sugar Shoes, the latest craze in flip-flops. Sugar Shoes has a special patent on a sponge-dipped material they use for the soles of the thong sandals. "It feels like you're walking on marshmallows," Wolther said. "Comfort's most important. If they're killing you, they won't sell ... It's like the Holy Grail, searching for the softest material." Wolther and Levy both said the hottest selling flip-flops now are the ones with the kitten heels, and also the sandals with the best graphics.
"I'm noticing this season, flip-flops are becoming more and more ornate," Levy said.
"We have prints, preppy looks, Japanimation and bright colors," Wolther said.
Amanda Simon and Amanda Harmon, both students in Mary Baldwin College's Program for the Exceptionally Gifted, opted for pretty conservative flip-flops for their walk through downtown Staunton. But if they wanted to spice them up, it wouldn't be too difficult. The thong sandals are perfect for do-it-yourself fashion experts. Wolther said a glue gun, gemstones and some markers are easy ways to embellish and personalize flip-flops. "You can tie bows, put initials, have all sorts of fun," Levy said. "You can do anything with 'em."

Not for all occasions

Strader has calloused skin between her big toes and her second toes, just from walking in flip-flops so often. As easy, free and fashionable as the thong sandals may be, they're not perfect for every situation. Levy said having your feet exposed can cause sanitary concerns under certain conditions, and they're not always appropriate for the work environment.
"I think it probably depends on the city. In New York, it's probably not appropriate to wear flip-flops," she said. "Actually, they're not ideal for walking great distances with the thong in between your toe." Just a thong and a sole, flip-flops are just about the least bit of material you could find in a shoe. It's part of what makes the sandals comfy, but it also exposes your foot to the whole world. And, depending on the foot, that could be quite embarrassing.
Dr. Ted Cohen, a Las Vegas podiatrist who specializes in Podiatric surgery, said people who will go through some amazing lengths to get their feet ready for flip-flops.
He performs surgeries to remove bunions and correct hammer toe, a situation where the toes began to curl under. According to Cohen, the latest fad is toe-shortening, a process that involves making the second toe smaller than the big toe.
"They want to have surgery in the winter months, so they can wear open-toe shoes when they go out to the Strip," Cohjen said. Of course, not everyone needs such drastic measures to get their feet ready for flip-flop season. Cohen said everyone could benefit from following simple rules like keeping skin moisturized with exfoliators, doing foot soaks, and following strict sanitizing procedures while getting a pedicure. "The most important thing," Cohen said, "is wearing shoes that fit."