This is a post about flip-flops.
Throughout the years i have lived in places where these things were called jandals, thongs, chanclas, sandals and slippers, but something about calling them flip-flops is endearing.
There was a period when i was traveling light when i didn't bring flip-flops because i figured you can't really use them to walk long distances and if you're just chilling somewhere you're probably barefoot anyway so they're just wasted space in your pack, but i have since changed my mind.
In East Asia, or in fact any place where it is both reasonably warm and prone to rain a lot, you are much better off walking around in an open sandal that dries quickly than in any kind of boot or covered shoe. If you don't believe it, try walking around in your punk as fuck docs after just one tropical storm. I hope you enjoy days of miserable squelching and sores and stink. But put a flip-flop on your foot, you never need to worry about a puddle. Splish and splash and let the flood wash around your ankles. Before you know it the sun is back out and you're cheerily flipping and flopping your way down the road. Life is good when you have flip-flops.
Right up until you fucking slip on your ass because you are on some concrete or tile covered in rain and grease and your flip-flop has no grip.
Maybe one day it did have grip, but no longer.
Introducing the mother of all flip-flops.
On the left, an "American" (made in China) flip-flop. On the right, a "Taiwanese" (made in Indonesia) flip-flop.
After slipping on my ass for the goddamn millionth time last week, busting open my toes, and bleeding all over the floor of my nice white collar office space where i am currently employed, i resolved to buy a new fucking flip-flop. I found these ones on the right on the weekend and bought them, not expecting much. Literally the day after i buy them, epic torrential downpour. The kind of rain that soaks you to the bone within a couple seconds of getting out from shelter. The kind of rain you could wring out your clothes and fill your water bottle, if somehow it was still empty after the skies leaked the fucking Pacific on your head.
You guys. I did not slip. The flip-flops held. I did not need to walk like a penguin. I trod gingerly at first, but quickly found myself striding with confidence. It grips as good as my covered shoe, which is a Merrell Moab light trail runner. Am i gonna climb a mountain in these? Well, probably not, but who knows? Stay tuned.
🩴
Throughout the years i have lived in places where these things were called jandals, thongs, chanclas, sandals and slippers, but something about calling them flip-flops is endearing.
There was a period when i was traveling light when i didn't bring flip-flops because i figured you can't really use them to walk long distances and if you're just chilling somewhere you're probably barefoot anyway so they're just wasted space in your pack, but i have since changed my mind.
In East Asia, or in fact any place where it is both reasonably warm and prone to rain a lot, you are much better off walking around in an open sandal that dries quickly than in any kind of boot or covered shoe. If you don't believe it, try walking around in your punk as fuck docs after just one tropical storm. I hope you enjoy days of miserable squelching and sores and stink. But put a flip-flop on your foot, you never need to worry about a puddle. Splish and splash and let the flood wash around your ankles. Before you know it the sun is back out and you're cheerily flipping and flopping your way down the road. Life is good when you have flip-flops.
Right up until you fucking slip on your ass because you are on some concrete or tile covered in rain and grease and your flip-flop has no grip.
Maybe one day it did have grip, but no longer.
Introducing the mother of all flip-flops.
On the left, an "American" (made in China) flip-flop. On the right, a "Taiwanese" (made in Indonesia) flip-flop.
After slipping on my ass for the goddamn millionth time last week, busting open my toes, and bleeding all over the floor of my nice white collar office space where i am currently employed, i resolved to buy a new fucking flip-flop. I found these ones on the right on the weekend and bought them, not expecting much. Literally the day after i buy them, epic torrential downpour. The kind of rain that soaks you to the bone within a couple seconds of getting out from shelter. The kind of rain you could wring out your clothes and fill your water bottle, if somehow it was still empty after the skies leaked the fucking Pacific on your head.
You guys. I did not slip. The flip-flops held. I did not need to walk like a penguin. I trod gingerly at first, but quickly found myself striding with confidence. It grips as good as my covered shoe, which is a Merrell Moab light trail runner. Am i gonna climb a mountain in these? Well, probably not, but who knows? Stay tuned.
🩴
