At the end of summer 2006 (yes, I remember the date. I'm weird with dates) I found a pair of Keds flip flops on clearance for $5. As it turns out, these were the most comfortable flip flops EVER. The sole was that of a tennis shoe, though not too bulky, and offered nice support. More support than most fashion flip flops, anyhow. They were perfect for just about any occasion. After discovering how comfortable this first pair was I went in search of another. And then another. Unfortunately, I was never able to find this shoe in the stores and ended up buying them (for way more than $5!) from semi obscure shoe websites. I would have done anything for these shoes! Unfortunately, my recent online quests have come up dry. I think Keds has stopped making this style. BOO! eBay had nothing in my size either. This left a large hole in my summer wardrobe. The last two pair I purchased were starting to show their age. With a weekend trip on the horizon with a lot of walking expected I was pretty sure these Keds wouldn't make it. So, off I went in the hopes of finding a new perfect flip flop. I ended up with the pair of Clarks (a brand I swore I would never buy, but their styles have improved considerably over the last year or two) pictured below. They were about $40 which is usually more than I would pay for flip flops, but they felt like they would be a winner from the start. I wore them around the house for a few days in preparation for the trip. As it turns out, THESE might be the most comfortable pair of flip flops I've ever owned! Now, I've only owned them for a few weeks so I can't comment on wear and tear but being that they are a well respected brand I would assume they will survive one summer and hopefully more. One feature I particularly like about the shoe is the velcro strap. Often, flip flops stretch out and no longer stay on your foot the way they were intended. I think this velcro will help as I can tighten it as needed. Another perk is that that footbed of the Clarks shoe is made of a waterproof material so I can water the plants outside and not worry about wrecking/dirtying the footbed. I could probably even hose them off if I needed to. So, if you're in the market for a new pair of comfy flip flops, go out and get a pair of these (I got mine as DSW Shoes and have seen a similar style (no velcro) at Boston Store). I know I will be stocking up this season so I don't have to scour the internet for the next five years!
Keds Havana Thong
Available for a few years in various colors/patterns.
My shoe of the past.
Clarks Seymour Dive Flip Flop
Also available in black, white, and navy
My shoe of the present.
I like the Clarks pair...cute!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked the Clarks brand. I still wear a pair of shoes from them that are at least 4 years old.
ReplyDeleteHello, I also loved my keds sandals like yours in a blue and a white pair. I wore them sooo much, and they just became so worn and embarrassing to wear, but I loved their comfort so, I made my husband throw them out, I couldn't bear to. Today however, I happened to find a pair of ked sandals I might try, you should look at also, called the splash. It looks similar to my old ones in the sole, which in where the most support came from. i am quite excited, found your note, and wanted to share. Good Luck
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