How to Add an Invisible Back Strap to Flip Flops

Adding a clear elastic strap makes flip flops more wearable.

Flip flops are a simple sandal with a flat, often spongy sole secured loosely on the foot by a Y-shaped strap. The strap sits between the big toe and the second toe and wraps around the side of the foot. They are an example of minimalist footwear with a popular following, however, because they lack a back strap, some people with certain foot problems find them nearly impossible to wear.

Things You'll Need

• Pair of flip flops
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Clear elastic
• Industrial strength, rubber-based adhesive

Instructions

1. 

   Measure each foot when fitting straps, as they may require slightly different lengths.

   Have the person who will be wearing the flip flops put on the sandals. Measure the distance from the left side strap around the heel to the right one, about 1 inch forward from the point where the straps attach to the flip flop's sole.

2. Add 1 inch to those measurements to calculate the length of elastic you will need.

3. 

   Clear elastic is easy to cut.

   Cut the clear elastic to the lengths calculated in Step 2.

4. Apply a small dab of adhesive to each side of the spot where the elastic meets the flip flop's strap. Work on one sandal at a time, one side at a time.

5. Attach the end of one length of elastic to the outside of the flip flop's strap, where you applied the dab of adhesive. Hold the end of the elastic in place and wrap it around the inside of the strap. Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure and secure the elastic for 1 to 2 minutes. At this point, the other end of the elastic strap will hang forward, over the toe end of the sandal.

6. Apply another dab of adhesive on top of the elastic on the strap's outside face again, and wrap the elastic over this dab. Use your thumb and forefinger to secure the elastic with pressure for 1 to 2 minutes. At this point, the other end of the elastic strap will hang backward, past the heel end of the sandal.

7. 

   Waiting allows the adhesive to set.

   Wait 15 to 30 minutes to allow the adhesive to set before attaching the other end of the clear elastic.

8. Repeat Steps 4 to 7 on the second sandal while waiting for the adhesive on the first sandal to set.

9. Apply a small dab of adhesive to each side of the spot where the elastic meets the flip flop's inside strap, in the same way you executed Step 4.

10. Wrap the other end of the clear elastic around the strap, making sure that there are no twists in the elastic. Attach the end of the elastic to the outside spot where you previously applied the adhesive, securing it with pressure, and then press the elastic to the inside spot dotted with adhesive.

11. Apply another dab of adhesive on top of the elastic on the outside spot on the strap and press the elastic that wraps over this spot in place with your thumb and forefinger, holding it as you did before for another 1 to 2 minutes to secure. At this point, you should have a clear elastic strand wrapped around the original flip flop's straps and adhered in place without any twists.

12. Repeat Steps 9 to 11 on the other sandal.

13. Allow the adhesive on both sandals to set overnight before wearing.

Tips & Warnings

• Some adhesives recommend being applied to both surfaces before adhering. Follow the directions of the specific product you are using.

• Over many wearings, the clear elastic may stretch. Simply remove the clear elastic, peeling away the adhesive, and attach another clear strap when this happens.

• Flip flops are not entirely sensible shoes for anyone, let alone someone with a disability or foot problem. These instructions are meant only to make the flip flops more safe and wearable. Readers should continue to wear flip flops with caution.

References

• Craft Gossip: Tutorial: Flippity Flop Flip-Flop Straps

Resources

• CBS News: The Dangers of Flip-Flops ... In Footwear!; June 21, 2008
• Auburn University: AU study shows that overuse of flip-flops...; June 3, 2008