Flip or Flop? A shoe review

The 2006-2010 J.Crew, thick soled embroidered flip flops are the greatest flip flops of all time. 

But, as the date implies, those days of flip flop feast have passed.  So we move forward, to find the latest and greatest of today’s flip flop offerings.

 

 

Ideal Occasion:  Post-Brunch Lake Tour with a jolly chap from Princeton or the Barefoot Contessa, (on an old wooden runabout boat)

It’s a quandary as old as time—what can I practically wear to tour the Cape at 11 am on a Tuesday? 

 

The obvious answer is:

 

 

 Sperry Top-Sider Seafish

Sperry has been long renowned for the finest boat shoes the Atlantic Northeast, or a 2003 sorority party, has to offer.  But the flip flop has been somewhat overlooked as a staple of the Sperry stable.

This is the year that changes.

Most notably, the company is offering this stylish workhorse in several styles ranging from a not-your-grandmother’s floral, to more classic Navy and Cork pattern.  Basic solid colors are available as are some youthful animal prints, depending on vendor. 

The soft single fabric thongs, with signature boat lacing, join at a leather seam and comfortable woven toe-piece. 

 But the finished rubber footbed sets this distinguished flop apart from its summer-slut counterparts.  Not only are the soles textured to provide sufficient stability on boat decks, piers, and poolside, but the detailed “stitching” around the sole create a shoe that purposefully lacks a top, rather than an homage to the counter-culture casualness of summer.  The visual impression is one of a sophisticated seafarer who has likely chosen this footwear to further the ambitious amphibious goals of the day.  This as opposed to those of us who shuffle into some footwear lest we step on a pop top on our way to the beer store, and have to cruise on back home.    

 Unfortunately, pop-top prevention is likely more comfortable than this choice for the long haul.  The footbed is not cushioned in any sense of the word, though the textured waves can be something of a foot massage for the first few minutes of wear.  The hard rubber edges are blunt if a misstep causes you to land a bit askew.  And the shoe runs a bit small, or close to size.  I have not been able to wear them more than a few hours without taking a flop break.

 Nonetheless, I will wear these to church on occasion, to every clam bake on my calendar, and anytime I find myself at the Cape at 11 am on a Tuesday. 

This line is available generally in women’s sizes 5-12, and range in price from $19.95 to $50.00, depending on style and vendor.   I ordered online.

                                                          

Overall Impression-- Flip!