Fashion flip-flop

Source: http://www.lowellsun.com/lifestyles/ci_9751185

Whether it’s crystal-encrusted or an old-school beach sandal, it’s summer’s must footwear

By Ashley Morris, Sun Correspondent

Article Last Updated: 01/07/2008

Back in the ’60s when flip-flops were called thongs, they were a simple summer accessory worn and sold only at the beach. Only within the last decade could they be found dressy and bedazzled for formal attire.Many consider the original shoes or sandals that people wore in the Egyptian period the original flip-flops.

Nowadays, the technological world has left its mark on this ancient summer footwear. The flip-flop has been upgraded to fit the expectation of a generation chock full of high-tech gadgets.

“I have a mild flip-flop obsession but that’s mostly because I hate heels and hate real shoes, other than sneakers” says Beth Stack, a 30-year-old teacher and mom from Lowell.

“I own over 25 pairs, mostly Teva and Reefs. Most of mine are casual or athletic ones. My favorite flops are my green Reefs with the bottle opener in the bottom-they’re my favorite color.”

The Reef’s fanning flip-flop has a built-in bottle opener just in case your beverage is not a screw-top. The Reef Stash flip-flop also has a style with a built-in compartment in the sole where one can store money or a credit card. This is perfect for men or women who hate taking pocketbooks to the beach and is available at Reef.com.

For those of you who did not lose that 20 pounds you promised yourself and realized summer was here last Friday, here’s something to ease your bikini-baring anxieties. The Bath and Body Works’ fit flop claims to improve muscle tone, increase circulation, improve balance and posture as well as burn calories.

“I’m burning calories and starting to see more definition in my calves,” says Dagny Runyan, a 28-year-old swim coach from Lowell.

Even Swarovski Crystal has jumped on the flip-flop bandwagon. Designer Stewart Weitzman is selling “Indiana Jelly” flip-flops with crystal detail for $155. They come in clear and gold and can be purchased at Bloomingdales.com.

There is a wide variety of price ranges when it comes to flip-flops. Old Navy still sells your basic summer flop for under $4. Wal-Mart sells its own brands, Faded Glory and Sand Sun, for around $5. Reebok, Nike and Adidas can usually be found on sale from $15 to $25. These sports brands come in a variety of styles and colors. Adidas makes Ayuna 2, a flip-flop with a fitFOAM cushion that molds to your foot. It’s lightweight comfort that comes in a variety of eye-catching colors.

After surveying a group of people on their stance on flip-flops and what brands or styles they prefer, the results are split. half really like their inexpensive, simple flip-flops. “I buy my flip-flops at Wal-Mart,” says 19-year-old Megan McLellan of Lowell.

Whether you love them or hate them, favor the expensive brands or a simple pair of Old Navy’s flip-flops, the super-casual footwear isn’t going anywhere, at least until September. Millions are sold annually and with new features to catch the eye of buyers, it’s more likely that flip-flops will be an ongoing success rather then a super flop.