Flip-flops are a
winsome passport to youth, but they've progressed since the
days of the five-and-dime. (Adults may be pleased.)
1. Old
Navy
($3.50, various locations.)
Remember the no-frills, foam rubber flip-flops you had
as a kid? They got bigger and now have a slightly square
heel and "Old Navy" stamped on them. They're not especially
comfortable, but they're cheaper than bento. Don't plan
on running a marathon in these--save them for navigating
wet locker-room floors. Colors include lavender, red, fuchsia
and black.
2.
Honors
($2.49 at Target, various locations)
Like the Old Navy style, these thongs will spark memories
of backyard barbecues and station-wagon rides to swimming
lessons. Thin rubber soles, flexible straps and a tiny price
tag make these trusty sandals an old standby. They're best
for getting around when the distance from point A to point
B is relatively short. Colors include navy, black and white.
3.
Puma Leisure
($24.95 at Nordstrom, various locations;
$30 at Urban Outfitters, 2320 NW Westover Road, 248-0020)
If the ladies of Luscious Jackson wore flip-flops, these
bad-ass thongs would be the ones. The sporty slip-ons feature
a firm rubber sole with a built-in arch like an athletic
shoe; a lip around the border, which guards against excruciating
stubbed toes; and a crisscross toe loop for stability. Mimicking
the designs of current kimono fashions, these wrap-around
sandals are comfortable and great looking--rare for shoes
that flip and flop. Colors include red, lime and yellow.
4.
Sanuk Wasabi
($14 at Urban Outfitters, 2320 NW Westover Road,
248-0020)
These rubber-soled flip-flops have two unusual style points:
bamboo platforms and bungee-cord straps. Perhaps they would
fly in Bali, but wear them downtown and you'll look like
a tourist who's trying too hard to feel tropical just because
it's summer. Plus, the straps cut into your instep, rubbing
city feet the wrong way. Before you kick these cuties around
at beach barbecues and pool parties, beware: sweaty or wet
tootsies will slide all over the slippery, wooden veneer.
Colors include blue, red and green.
5.
J. Crew
($16, Pioneer Place, 700 SW 5th Ave., 228-2739)
These rubber two-tone, platform flip-flops are more urbanite
than beach bum. The lavender-and-brown combo is practical
only if you've just bought a new wardrobe based on the latest
issue of Marie Claire. They're fairly comfortable,
but the lavender upper shows any hint of dirt.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Willamette Week | originally
published May 26, 1999
|
