Sandals and flip-flops quickly establish themselves as a staple in any footwear collection, and summer is the best season for shedding all of your layers. But for which ones? What is the difference between sandals Vs flip flops?
The general rule is that flip flops are shoes that have a Y strap that goes between your big toe and your second toe, while sandals are open-toed shoes that stay on your foot any other way.
The specifics of these two styles of shoes will be covered in this article, along with a comparison of sandals and flip flops.
What Are Sandals?
First, let’s talk about what are sandals.
Sandals are a type of footwear that exposes at least the front of your feet, but often most of the feet are exposed with only a few straps covering them.
The straps keep the sole firmly attached to your foot. The main strap typically crosses your foot’s instep to provide the greatest level of security.
When there are multiple straps, some of them may cross the instep as well and frequently go around the ankles for aesthetic or functional reasons.
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What Are Flip Flops?
Flip flops are, by definition, a type of sandal, but a distinct style of sandal. Among other sandals, flip flops are their own subgroup due to their distinctive features. It’s critical to understand the distinction when discussing or purchasing shoes.
The Y-shaped strap that only holds the shoe in place distinguishes flip flops (article link). The strap attaches to the shoe between the big and second toes, branches out, and fastens back on both sides of the foot, typically as far back as the arch of the foot.
When wearing flip flops, the heel is completely exposed and not in any way fastened to the shoe; only the front is fastened.
The loose back end of the shoe is where the infamous “flip-flop” sound comes from while walking in them. Whether you connect this sound to the beach, pool parties, or even your mother walking around in the summer, you know it signals someone is sporting flip-flops.
Also Read: Is It Illegal to Drive in Flip Flops?
Sandals Vs Flip Flops
Let’s examine some of the key distinctions between sandals and flip flops in more detail now that you have a basic understanding of what each type of footwear is.
Material
Flip flops are lightweight and easy to carry around because they are typically made with less material. Flip flops are more frequently made of rubber, plastic, help, and foam than sandals.
They occasionally incorporate fabric into the design. Flip flops are the ideal option for a thrifty shopper seeking something uncomplicated. Conversely, sandals are made to be more durable. Typically, thick materials like leather, cork, rope, or rubber are used to make sandal soles.
Sandals are more durable and can be worn almost anywhere closed-toed shoes can be, but they take up more room in a travel bag than flip-flops because they are shaped like shoes.
Look
As we’ve stated above, both sandals and flip flops have thin soles with straps attached to them. However, their appearances can vary greatly.
A flip flop is unquestionably what you’re looking at if the footwear has a thong strap that crosses between your big toe and your second toe. The same holds true if you are wearing a wide, supportive strap across your instep. You are wearing flip flops, so it makes no difference what your shoes are made of.
The primary difference between sandals and flip flops is ankle support. A sandal may resemble a flip flop in that it has a single, broad strap that crosses your instep, but if it has ankle support, it is a sandal rather than a flip flop.
Since sandals have an identifiable ankle strap design, they provide better foot support than flip flops. Flip flops move around by flipping and flopping because they lack an ankle support.
Shape
Beyond aesthetics, flip flops and sandals differ in how they shape around your feet. A flip flop has a similar straightforward design to a sandal in that they both typically have thin soles, though occasionally both come with platforms.
For short-term wear, flatter, lighter flip flops might be more comfortable, but sandals are preferable if you intend to wear the same footwear throughout the day.
For long periods of wear, sandals are preferable because they frequently have a curved sole designed with ergonomics in mind, whereas flip flops are better for occasional use.
Read More: How Should Sandals Fit?
Ankle Support
The biggest and most obvious difference between flip flops and sandals is the presence of a strap at the heel to provide ankle support.
Without this strap, your shoes won’t be secured to your feet causing the soles to “flip flop” while you walk.
Simply put, when you wear sandals, your feet will be better supported. Velcro or metal buckles are frequently found on ankle straps.
Read More: Are Flip Flops Bad for Your Feet?
Occasion
The occasion you would wear them for is actually the biggest distinction between sandals and flip flops. Flip flops are better for casual wear because they are straightforward.
You can have the fanciest flip flops, encrusted with diamonds and other jewels, but at their core, they’re still in the category of “casual,” not “formal.” Therefore, they are suitable for outings to the park, store, and swimming pool.
We do not, however, recommend that you wear flip flops to a dressy event if one is coming up. Unless your workplace is extremely casual or you have a designated casual day, you should probably avoid wearing them to work as well.
You should wear sandals if you have to attend a business dinner or a wedding and shoes aren’t appropriate. These look much more sophisticated and professional. Additionally, since they are in better-fitting shoes, your feet won’t be in agony all day.
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Conclusion: Sandals Vs Flip Flops
Obviously, there really are significant differences between sandals and flip flops. Your personal preference, however, is what counts.
Have a pair of each if you like what each offers. Enjoy the conveniences, fashions, and versatility each has to offer now that you are aware that they are not interchangeable.
In this situation, you shouldn’t feel compelled to take a side. Put on as many flip-flops and sandals as you want!
FAQs
Which is More Expensive Sandals Or Flip Flops?
The most affordable type of sandals are frequently flip-flops.
Are Sandals Better for Your Feet Than Flip-flops?
Some pairs of sandals do have some limited ankle support, but flip-flops provide none at all.
What Are the Disadvantages of Wearing Flip Flops?
If you wear flip-flops for extended periods, you increase the risk of foot injuries, discomfort and other bodily sorenesses.
