Sliders for back to school

Pool, changing room or home: each use has its flip-flop

The flip-flop is primarily chosen based on where it will be worn. At the pool and in communal showers, a one-piece moulded sole, like that of bath flip-flops H2O or the Adilette, dries quickly and keeps the soles of your feet isolated from the wet floor, where fungi and plantar warts can spread. In the changing room, after training, a thicker sole relieves tired feet. At home or when going out, models with a wide strap and anatomical sole provide real support. When getting back into sports, having a new pair in your bag prevents walking barefoot on the tiles.

The other shoes

The shoes for back-to-school also come in various forms:

• Sneakers.
• Sandals.
• Flip-flops.
• Mules.
• Espadrilles.
• Heels.

All the shoes are gathered on the shoe page.

The Adilette, made for footballers

The Adilette was launched by adidas in 1972, just before the Munich Olympic Games. Adi Dassler had been thinking about it since 1963, at the request of a football manager who wanted a shoe for after the match: we had to wait for a machine capable of injecting foam into the sole. Its wide strap with three stripes and its slip-resistant textured sole, designed not to slip in the shower, have barely changed. The Adilette Comfort adds a thicker and softer foam sole for long walks, and serves as a base for special editions, like the one in the colours of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team.

Birkenstock, Crocs and NBA flip-flops: materials and styles

The Birkenstock Arizona, with two straps, was created in 1973 by reinterpreting the Madrid, a single-strap model launched in the 1960s. Their versions in EVA, a lightweight, flexible, and waterproof foam, retain the anatomical footbed of the brand: they withstand the shower or the water’s edge without damage, unlike cork models. The flip-flops Crocs use the brand's lightweight foam, which is easy to rinse, sometimes featuring a metal buckle for a smarter look. The flip-flops in the colours of the NBA franchises, Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, or Warriors, in Mantra, Motto, or Two Tone versions, are for basketball fans.

Cleaning your flip-flops according to their material

The maintenance depends on the material. Flip-flops made of EVA or rubber can be washed with warm soapy water using a soft brush, and then left to air dry in the shade: the heat from a radiator or sunlight through a window can shrink or warp them. A paste of baking soda and water can brighten a dull white sole. For a strap made of leather or suede, brush it dry, treat stains with an appropriate eraser, and avoid soaking the flip-flop. The cork footbed of a classic Birkenstock is cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, without detergent.

Frequently asked questions

How to choose the right size for your flip-flops?

The foot should rest fully on the sole, without overhanging at the heel or toes, with a few millimetres of margin. Between two sizes, take the larger size for a flip-flop with a fixed strap, and the smaller size if the buckles are adjustable.

Can you stretch flip-flops that are too small?

Not really: the moulded foam or plastic will regain their shape, and heat can permanently warp them. It’s better to choose the right size from the start and opt for a model with an adjustable strap if your foot is wide.

What flip-flops should you choose for a child?

Choose a slip-resistant sole and a strap that holds the foot well, to prevent slipping at the edge of the pool. Moulded foam models rinse easily and dry quickly, handy for the sports bag and for holidays.

Why do my flip-flops squeak when I walk?

The noise usually comes from water or sweat trapped between the foot and the sole, creating a suction effect. Dry both your foot and flip-flop thoroughly; a pinch of talcum powder on the footbed often eliminates the squeak.

Men's or women's flip-flops: what’s the difference?

Unisex models, such as the Adilette or NBA flip-flops, are simply chosen by size. Women's models often have a narrower shape, platforms, buckles, or shiny finishes, like those from Guess, Buffalo, or FitFlop.