What’s All the Flap About Flip-Flops?
The flip-flop is an integral part of everyday
footwear, especially in warm climates. Despite
all the podiatrist’s warnings and research
results, medical advice doesn’t seem to have
adversely affected the popularity of the current
flip-flop trend.
The popular flip-flop has its heritage in
countries such as Japan, where it originated
as the Zori and is now known as the ‘Jandal’
–Japanese sandal. In Hawaii, the flip-flop was
known traditionally as Chappals, Qainchi
Chappals in India / Pakistan, Thongs in
Australia, Slip-Slops in South Africa, Jandals
in New Zealand and Slippers, Pluggers,
Go-aheads or Chancletas in other regions of the
world. In Brazil Havaianas, as they are known,
is actually a brand of flip-flops that has been
around since 1962. The name means Hawaiians
in Portuguese.
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Pedorthic Footcare Association | www.pedorthics.org
AN ENVIRONMENTAL VIEW
In its original form in Japan, the Zori sole was
fabricated either of woven bamboo or solid
wood, both of which are environmentally
friendly. Because of growing environmental
concerns, some manufacturers have began to
sell flip-flops made from recycled inner tubes or
car tires, as well as natural materials like hemp,
cotton and coconut fibers. Because flip-flops
are easily replaced and popularly made from
inexpensive materials, such as EVA or MCR
(blown rubber) they are frequently discarded at
beaches or in the streets. These disposal habits
pose more of a problem when flip-flops are
made from blown polyurethane. This popular
soling material contains a number seven resin
which cannot be easily biodegraded and tends to
lie in land-fill sites for decades, at least.