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Flip flops and sandals are the most common shoes to wear in the summer. Each of them ventilates the feet and is lightweight, unlike heavy winter shoes.
Flip flops are characterized by the distinctive Y-shaped strap that attaches to the shoe's sole and separates the big toe from the rest of the toes. While sandal designs vary depending on their type, they may contain multiple straps and cover a larger area of the foot. While sandals and flip flops are similar in some ways, such as in terms of breathability and light weight, they are not the same thing.
In fact, which one is better comes down to your personal preferences and needs. Some people, for example, do not prefer flip flops because they cannot handle the part between their toes, while others find them practical and lightweight. So, in this article, we'll explain the differences between sandals and flip flops so you can choose your favorite style and the easiest shoe for summer.
What Are Sandals?
Sandals, a type of footwear with a rich historical legacy, have been worn by various cultures, including Arabs, Romans, Turks, and Russians. Typically made from animal skin, sandals feature a partially exposed upper part and can be adorned with one or more straps, or even none at all, as seen in slides. This diverse range of sandals includes Mens Arabic sandals, slides, Mexican sandals, fisherman sandals, and many more.
What Are Flip Flops?
Regardless of the differences, flip flops are a type of sandal. But they are usually lighter and have a fixed design, which is the Y-shaped one that we mentioned above.
The Main Differences Between Sandals And Flip Flops
So, since flip flops are just a type of sandal, what is the difference between them? Now that you know the main definitions of each, here are the differences between them:
Raw Materials
As mentioned earlier, both sandals and flip flops are lightweight. However, flip flops are usually lighter than sandals because they are made of lightweight materials such as foam, plastic, rubber, or hemp. The materials used to make flip flops are generally less than those used to make sandals. This also makes flip flops less expensive than sandals, which makes them suitable for consumers on a limited budget.
Sandals, on the other hand, are more durable and sturdier because they are made of higher quality and thicker materials, such as natural leather, which is used in making Arabic sandals, cloth, artificial leather, cork, and sometimes wood.
Straps Design
Sandals may have several types of straps, such as a wide strap that only covers much of the instep, while other sandals have ankle straps to enhance the stability of the sandal. Some sandals include a back strap as well, and some do not. Consequently, the shape, length, and width of the strap varies from one sandal to another.
In contrast, flip flops only have one Y-shaped strap that separates the big toe from the second toe. This makes their design more restrictive than other types of sandals.
Support Level
Some sandals feature ankle straps, a highly cushioned types of insole, such as the Ortholite insole included in all Mens and Kids Arabic sandals from Farada, and arch support. This Ortholite insole feature makes them a more comfortable option for daily wear than regular flip flops. In addition, these features provide additional stability and shock absorption while walking on rough terrain.
In contrast, flip flops do not have ankle straps and, therefore, lack ankle support. Additionally, traditional flip flops usually have a thin sole and have no cushioning, shock absorption, or arch support, making them less comfortable, especially for people with sensitive feet.
In fact, excessive use of flip flops can negatively impact foot health, as it forces the toes to grip the flip flops; This increases the possibility of ligament strain that leads to plantar fasciitis, which causes severe foot pain. Despite this, flip flops are still a good option for short-term use.
Heel Height
Heel height is an important consideration not only for women’s sandals but also for men’s sandals. When it comes to men's footwear, there are different heel heights to choose from. Some sandals are designed with completely flat soles, providing a minimalist look and feel. Meanwhile, others feature relatively low heels that offer a subtle lift while maintaining comfort. In contrast, flip flops are characterized by their flat soles, lacking any form of elevated heel.
Wearing Occasions
Sandals are characterized by their versatility and the ability to be worn on many occasions, depending on their design. Classic sandals, for example, are ideal for formal occasions and also go well with a business outfit, while modern designs are suitable for semi-formal and informal occasions. Some designs combine classicism and modernity, which are available among the mens sandals collections at Farada. Since there are so many types of sandals to choose from, there are sandals to suit almost every occasion and almost every outfit.
Flip flops, on the other hand, are more casual. Therefore, they are often used around the pool or on short walks. Even luxury flip flops are rarely appropriate for formal occasions. However, flip flops remain a versatile choice for casual outings, such as beach outings, quick shopping, going to the park, etc.
In Conclusion
The choice between men's sandals and flip-flops for summer footwear ultimately depends on personal preference and specific needs. Both options offer excellent breathability and lightweight comfort, making them ideal for hot weather. However, sandals provide more support and versatility, making them suitable for a wider range of occasions, from casual to semi-formal. They also come in various designs with multiple straps and higher-quality materials, offering better durability and comfort, especially for long-term wear.
Flip flops, characterized by their distinctive Y-shaped strap, are lighter and often more affordable due to the materials used. They are perfect for casual, short-term use, such as trips to the beach, pool, or quick outings.
Understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision on the best summer footwear for your lifestyle.
Visit the Farada website to view the finest Arabic sandals for men and kids, made from the highest-quality materials, and to view other men's leather goods.
