The Rules of Flip Flops

When the heat hits, flip flops are about the cheapest and the coolest thing you can do for your feet, but that doesn’t mean they’re a free for all. Before you go get you 2 for $5 on at Old Navy we just want to lay down a few ground rules for rocking flip flops this summer. You know you’ve seen some of these violations on other people and you might have even pulled a few of this flip flop faux paus yourself. Consider this your pre-summer warning. We don’t want to see it.

 Officewear they are not

Beachwear? Yes. Office? No. There are a lot of things that are tough about working in the summer, including having to store your flip flops from 9-5 from June to September. It doesn’t matter how casual your office attire is, flip flops are just a no—even on dress down Fridays. Once I went in for an interview with a company and I knew it wasn’t the place for me when the woman I’d be speaking with greeted me in a pair of busted brown flip flops. We know it’s hot but that’s what peep-toe shoes are for. There are also plenty of dressier, semi-casual sandals to choose from that you might be able to get away with in front of the boss, but don’t go there with flop flops.

Not for long distances

Cool, yes. Comfy, no. We just want to spare your feet because if you try to walk around all day in a pair of flip flops, you’ll regret it. We’re talking long distances like while on a trip to a vineyard or a casual stroll through the city. Eventually the lack of support will creep up on you and you will find yourself wishing for a pair of heels as relief. You’ve got maybe two to four hours to max out flip flops’ comfort potential, then the pain kicks in.

Stop smacking

You can hear a pair of flip flops coming in the distance just like a pair of stilettos. For some reason, people either refuse to pick up their feet in flip flops or stomp so hard all you hear is the sound of the shoes smacking against your feet and the pavement. Simply said, it’s annoying.

Pedicures not optional

Look, except for two pieces of fabric stretched across your foot, your feet will pretty much be entirely exposed in flip flops. Make sure their up to par. No one’s saying you have to have a fancy pedicure with the massage chair and paraffin wrap. At the very least, we’re talking lotion and clipped or filed toenails. Is that too much too ask?

Let them go

As bad as seeing a pair of crusty feet in flip flops is, busted flip flops are nearly just as bad. Flip flops being as cheap as they are, there’s no reason to walk around in a dirty, dingy pair. We’re not talking about throwing away your Steve Madden’s because there’s a smudge on the side. We’re saying any pair of flops that cost you between $2 and $20 and is no longer the color it was when you bought them needs to go. At those prices, you don’t even have to save for a new pair, trash them and then buy ones that people can tell are actually supposed to be black.

Do you have any flip flop rules we missed?