It’s that time of year again - the sun is out and the weather is warming and one glance at your calendar has you dancing under your desk at the approaching “Holiday” reminder. It’s time to bring out the only gear fit for purpose - your flip flops! But do they fit you?
Flip flops are a little different from most footwear, especially in the way they are constructed. It may seem like getting the right fit with a pair of flip flops doesn’t require as much thought behind it as other shoes, since they’re only made from a simple sole and toe post strap, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As is the case with most footwear, the fit is essential for your comfort and overall experience.
You’ve come to the right place! We’re the flip flop experts, and we’re going to give you a quick run-down on how flip flops should fit.
Are your flip flops too small?
The biggest issues appear when your flip flops are too small. You can tell this is the case if:
- The heel hangs over the back
- Your toes hang over the front
- Your foot hangs over either side of the sole
- You get blisters or calluses
The straps dig into your feet, causing pain and discomfort during and after wearing them.
Of course, if your flip flops are too big, this can also pose many issues, like tripping and sliding, which increases the pressure on your ankles and toes. However, it is more common for people to buy shoes that are too small for them rather than too big.
So, how should flip flops fit?
Firstly, the sole should support the entire foot – you need to be able to see a bit of your flip flops all the way around your feet. You don’t want your foot to hang over the edges at all.
You might need wide-fit flip flops if the length is fine but the sides of your feet hang over the edge.
Due to the way flip flops are constructed, you’re relying on very little actually keeping them on your feet. The straps should fit comfortably and be easy to slide on, neither too loose nor too tight. If they are too tight, they could rub and cause blisters, or cause circulation problems. If they are too loose, they can make it difficult to stay on your feet.
You want your flip flops to be secure, but not uncomfortable. It is uncommon for flip flops to stretch over time unless they have leather or material straps, so take that into consideration when shopping for your next pair.
Note: not all straps are created equal, and this can affect the fit!
Wider straps and stiffer toe posts offer more support and allow for a more relaxed feeling, whereas thinner straps need to have a closer fit to provide an adequate amount of support, and while softer canvas toe posts are kinder to your feet, they also need to have a closer fit to stop you from sliding forward.
Some people prefer a looser or tighter fit. Neither is wrong, as long as your flip flops stay securely on your feet and offer you proper support and protection for your toes.
How to find the perfect flip flop fit
- Measure your feet: trace out your foot on a flat surface on a piece of paper, making sure you can see the outline all the way around. With a ruler or tape measure, measure at the widest and the longest points across.
- Measure BOTH feet! It’s perfectly normal to have slightly asymmetrical feet. Shop with the largest of the two measurements in mind. It’s better to have one slightly bigger flip flop than to have one that is too small.
- Round up your measurements to the next half or full size up if they fall between sizes.
- Try flip flops on in the evening. Your feet expand throughout the day, so you will get a better feel for the true fit by shopping later in the day.
When you’re ready to find your perfect fit, browse through hundreds of flip flops made just for you.