Who invented flip flop sandals

Women and children were the first Americans won over by the cheap rubber sandals arriving from Japan in the s. Returning GIs had bought Japanese sandals as novelty gifts, but the comfort and simplicity of the shoes clearly won people over. Image via AOL. Flip-flops in rubber, and later in plastic, were an obvious hit for beach-goers. Not only were they water and sand-proof, but they were easy to get on and off.

Founder Jay Longley glues up pairs of Rainbow sandals. Flip-flops have remained largely unchanged since their arrival in the U. The y-shaped thong and flat sole have stood the test of time. The first is social acceptability. If you feel like letting your feet fly, go right ahead. The second, and much more real issue, is environmental impact. How old are flip-flops? Does everyone around the world call them "flip-flops"?

Wonder What's Next? Try It Out Ready to strap on some flip-flops? Grab a friend or family member and check out the following activities: Do you own flip-flops?

Most kids probably have at least one pair of flip-flops to wear in the summer. If not, you can usually buy a pair at a local store fairly cheap. If you don't own a pair or simply need a new pair for warm weather, ask an adult friend or family member to take you shopping for some new flip-flops today! You can also often find plain flip-flops at craft stores. Why would you want a pair of plain flip-flops?

Because they can be very fun to decorate! Flip-flops are fun to wear and their name is fun to say. But can you think of any other good names for these unique shoes? Wear a pair and listen to the sounds they make. What other interesting names can you think of? Share your ideas with a friend or family member. Do they like any of your suggestions more than flip-flops? Did you get it? Test your knowledge. Wonder Words sole onomatopoeia mural tomb temple souvenir foot toe slap sound support surfer water ankle sandal comfortable overpronation tendonitis Take the Wonder Word Challenge.

Join the Discussion. Aaron Dec 27, In South Africa they are called Slops. After 20 years in South Africa and even though I am English and have been living in Australia for 10 years, I still call them slops.

It is such a great description. Jan 15, Sandra D. Reynolds Feb 17, Wow, its a really a wonderful article. I'm learning about onomatopoeia from this article. And I love flip flop so much. Thanks for sharing. Feb 23, Anniemac Oct 28, Oct 30, It's a cool sound!! We hope you loved this Wonder, too, Anniemac!! Alice t Nov 9, I am japanese and zori and flip flops are NOT same. We do have flip flop we just dont call it flip flops. Jellybob May 1, May 2, Hey, that's OUR line, Jellybob!

Nov 10, Thanks for sharing additional information, Alice. We updated the text to reflect this! Chloe Nov 8, This wonderopolis really got me to never wear fill flops again.

Nov 11, Oct 20, A fabulous five Jun 18, Flip Flops have been around for 6, years Wow! Jun 21, Dakota Jun 17, We can thank the ancient Greeks for showing us that the most comfortable way to wear flip-flops is with the strap between the first and second toes.

The flip-flops of ancient Greece were more closely aligned with modern flip-flops than any of the footwear that came before. These became wildly popular in the United States. By the s, U. Soon, people could buy flip-flops in any color imaginable and the style of footwear became a fashion trend of the s and s. In the s, Japan began shipping rubber flip-flops to the U. They were marketed as Zoris, Japanese thongs typically made of straw.

Then, in the late s, the humble poolside shoe became trendy. Havaianas, a Brazilian-based company, helped make that happen with splashy and sparkly styles. Diane Shader Smith, a publicist in LA, has her share. At her home in Los Angeles, she showed off her impressive flip-flop collection. Shader Smith wears flip-flops every day. Every day.