You really can’t run in them, but that’s one of the beauties of our favorite summer footwear as we celebrate
NATIONAL FLIP-FLOP DAY!
Called “thongs” before thongs became intimate apparel with strong comic associations, your rubber flip-flops are adapted from a simple sandal that has been in use for 6,000 years.
The shoe named for the sound it makes, flip-flops are basically a foot-shaped rubber pad with 3 holes punched in them, holding a strap that more or less secures the whole flimsy contraption to your bare foot.
We get our first pair of flip-flops as toddlers and promptly lose one of them, a pattern that continues forever. They make a racket, aren’t particularly good for your arches, and fall off a lot, but flip-flops are joyful freedom for your feet, and essential for your soul in the Summertime. Slip on a pair and regress.
•Suggested Activities: Flip-flopping.