Flip flop (footwear)
- This article is about the type of footwear. For other meanings, see flip-flop (disambiguation).
In footwear and fashion, flip-flops are a kind of flat, backless sandal that consist of simple soles held on the foot by a V-shaped strap that passes between the toes and around either side of the foot, attached to the sole at three points (viz., between the toes and on either side). In American English, these are also known as thongs. In Hawaii, flip flops are known as slippers.
Originally cheaply made of rubber, flip-flops have become a fashion rage: they are immensely popular as everyday casual shoes—especially with teenagers and young adults—and are now available in a wide variety of materials (leather, transparent plastic, rubber, wood, etc.) and price ranges.
The term "flip-flop" derives from the rhythmic slapping noise that the sandals make while slapping against the wearer's heels as he or she walks.
