National Flip Flop Day

A group of people at the beach, joyfully wearing colorful flip flops, shorts, and sunglasses, surrounded by palm trees.. — National flip flop day illustration

Get ready to kick off your socks and greet the world with your favourite pair of spongy soles! It’s National Flip Flop Day, a day that celebrates our beloved summer footwear in all its toe-exposing glory.

When is Flip Flop Day?

It's national flip flop day on the 19th June.

A Brief History of National Flip Flop Day

It all started with Tropical Smoothie Café. These fruit wizards, famed for their delicious smoothies and breezy beach-themed eateries, tossed National Flip Flop Day into our calendar back in 2007. The idea was simple yet absolutely brilliant - a special day to celebrate the joys of donning flip flops, symbolising the laid-back summer vibes which we all dearly crave.

But it's more than just a fun day to pop on your favourite pair of flip flops. Tropical Smoothie Café saw the golden opportunity to turn this quirky celebration into a charitable event. They invited customers to visit their stores in flip flops and in return, offered free smoothies. Concurrently, they encouraged donations to their charity partner, Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

The Big Flip Flop Boom

On 19th June 2015, National Flip Flop Day achieved internet fame with an astounding 10525 mentions online. Clearly, the world responded passionately about ticking off their summer essentials list, with flip flops firmly at the top. The day has since evolved into a jovial celebration of summer chill and charity, marking its spot on our national day calendar for the years to come.

Rock Your Best Pair!

This National Flip Flop Day, it’s your turn to join the fun. Grab your favourite pair of flip flops- be they glittering glamorous ones or classic rubber companions; the fancier, the better. Not only will you be channeling serious beach vibes, but you'll also be a part of a great cause. So, kick back, enjoy a fruity smoothie and let your toes catch the summer breeze. It’s flip flop time!

History behind the term 'Flip Flop'

1946

The Birth of the Modern Flip Flop

In 1946, a Brazilian shoe company named Alpargatas revolutionized footwear when they introduced the first modern flip flop. They drew inspiration from traditional Japanese sandals called zori, which had a woven, rice straw sole and fabric straps. Alpargatas updated the design by using rubber for the sole and adding thong straps made of canvas, creating the iconic flip flop we know today.

1950s

Flip Flops Gain Popularity

During the 1950s, flip flops gained popularity as comfortable and affordable footwear, especially in beach communities. Their versatile design and lightweight construction made them an ideal choice for casual wear. People loved the ease of slipping them on and off, and they quickly became synonymous with summer and relaxation.

1960s

The Flip Flop Goes Mainstream

In the 1960s, the flip flop became a cultural symbol of the laid-back and carefree lifestyle associated with the West Coast of the United States. Surfers and beachgoers embraced them, and their popularity spread beyond the shores. Celebrities and musicians, such as The Beach Boys, helped popularize flip flops as a fashionable footwear choice, further solidifying their place in popular culture.

2000s

Designer Flip Flops and Fashion Statements

In the 2000s, flip flops underwent a transformation from simple beach footwear to a fashion statement. Major fashion brands started producing designer flip flops with embellishments, vibrant colors, and even high-end materials like leather and suede. Celebrities were spotted wearing fancy flip flops on red carpets, giving them a glamorous appeal beyond their casual origins.

Present

Global Appeal and Fashion Versatility

Today, flip flops are a staple in wardrobes around the world. They are available in countless styles, colors, and materials, catering to different fashion tastes and occasions. Flip flops are no longer limited to sandy beaches; they are now seen in urban areas, resorts, and even in some workplace environments. This versatile footwear continues to evolve and adapt to modern fashion trends while remaining a symbol of comfort and relaxation.

Did you know?

Traditional Japanese 'Zori', which were a form of flip flops, were used during the Heian period (794-1185) by the Japanese while planting rice in muddy paddy fields.