History of Flip Flop Sandals

It is no secret how the flip flop got its name; it's an onomatopoeia--when you walk it makes a flip-flop-flip-flop sound. Although its name originated in America, evidence in museums place the flip flop's origins in the Middle East. The flip flop in other countries is simply known as a sandal, and it has a history as old as time itself.

The Age Of Flip Flops

Flip flops are as ancient as the Egyptian tombs and are depicted on murals in several tombs. Many of the murals show Egyptian gods wearing a similar shoe. There is no exact time frame as to when the flip flop appeared, but it is clear that the style has existed for thousands of years. In the British Museum, there is even an ancient pair of thongs (another name for flip flops) from around 1500 B.C. made from papyrus leaves (see reference below).

The Flip Flops Origins

It is believed that the flip flop originated in or around Egypt. Due to the time frame and lack of concrete evidence, it has been difficult to trace its exact line, but it is believed that the flip flop began in Egypt, due to murals depicting ancient pharoahs wearing them. To read more about ancient Egyptian fashion and to see pictures, visit the resource section.

Design of Flip Flops

In the Middle East, ancient flip flops were made from papyrus and palm leaves. In China and Japan, they used straw to make their flip flops. In India, flip flops were constructed from wood. In Mexico, Africa and many tropical islands, natives used rawhide to make flip flops. Most flip flops have been devoted to a similar style, which is a large strap that goes between the big toe and the second toe and then turns into two straps that cross over each side of the foot in an upside-down, Y-shaped design. Some cultures used straps that tie up around the ankle to keep the foot more sturdy and attached to the shoe, but overall the main design has changed very little.

Original Purpose of the Flip Flop

In Japan, the flip flop is known as the zori. The Japanese used flip flops when they taught their children to walk. In eastern cultures, the flip flop was worn to help stay cool in the hot weather. However, in ancient Egypt, the flip flop was a part of their daily fashion. Many of the Egyptian flip flops were decorated with gold and jewels. In western cultures, the flip flop has almost always been used for fashion, and worn more in hot weather.

Flip Flops in Western Cultures

Flip flops made their way into the western culture mostly after World War II. Soldiers brought them home from Japan as souvenirs and the style quickly caught on. Soon cheap rubber versions became popular regardless of age and gender. In the 1950s and 1960s, flip flops were mainly worn to the beach or swimming pool.

How the Flip Flop Has Changed

Today, flip flops still resemble early Egyptian versions, but like anything that journeys through time, they have evolved. The flip flop comes in a variety of forms--with platforms or heels, and sometimes adorned with jewels attached to the straps. Flip flops come in a variety of different materials such as straw, rubber, leather and suede. They are still worn by all ages and genders. The big difference is that they are no longer worn for just water activities. Flip flops are worn for nearly all occasions. Flip flops are worn with skirts, jeans, shorts and cotton pants, which makes it the universal sandal.

Resources

• History of Flip Flops
• Dress and Fashion in Ancient Egypt