The Ultimate Guide to Wearing and Styling Thong Sandals
The thong sandal has an established place in the modern woman’s shoe collection. They have been the go-to summer style to wear at the beach and during vacations for a long while now. More recently, they have been reinvented by fashionable individuals to become shoes that can be worn with elevated ensembles for more formal events. This humble, barely-there shoe style is now more versatile than ever and you can wear them for most occasions — if you style them right. In this guide, we will show you how you can wear and style these popular casual shoes so they will never look out of place.
What are thong sandals?
Thong sandals are a minimalist shoe style, typically featuring flat soles and Y-shaped straps that pass between the first and second toes and around both sides of the feet. They are called thong sandals because the thin straps are referred to as "thongs," a term derived from Old English that originally referred to a flexible leather cord.
“Thong sandals" is a term more commonly used in Australia, whereas in the UK and US, they are often referred to as flip-flops. In some regions, they are also known as slippers. While all these terms are used interchangeably, it's important to choose the correct one to avoid any potential miscommunications.
Although traditionally flat, modern versions of thong sandals with heels have gained popularity, especially among women. This resurgence can be attributed to the '90s revival and the current trend of nostalgic fashion. In the next section, we will explore the origins and history of thong sandals in more detail.
History of thong sandals
The earliest recorded existence of thong sandals can be traced back to 4,000 B.C Egypt. They were made from papyrus and palm leaves, and often worn by pharaohs and the wealthy as a more comfortable alternative to being barefoot. Other variants existed in regions like Rome, India and Mesopotamia — all featured a strappy construction with locally-sourced raw materials. The everyday man would opt for these as their footwear, since it helped them navigate rough terrain and manual labour.
It was at the end of the Second World War that the modern-day thong sandal started to gain popularity. American soldiers returned with zori-style sandals that were popular in Japan, which were practical rubber sandals with Y-shaped straps. As more people started wearing them in America, they were given the name ‘thongs’, and eventually also ‘flip-flops’ to reference the sound they would make when worn. They came to be associated with the beach and California’s surf scene, as well as summertime and tropical destinations.
Thong sandals are now an integral footwear style. They rose to fame in the ‘90s for their effortless minimalism, which paved the way for its introduction to the fashion scene. Laidback versions, featuring tasteful embellishments and varied strap designs, are typically worn on a casual basis. Beyond casualwear, elevated, clean-lined iterations have also become increasingly acceptable choices for formal occasions.
How to style thong sandals?
Beach outfits
The thong sandal is often associated with the beach — and beach vacations — because of their casual aesthetic and easy-wearing construction. It also makes sense to wear them by the sea as they are often made of water-resistant or quick-drying materials, such as rubber and nylon. Pair woven espadrille thong sandals with a white linen dress to create a relaxed yet polished look that is perfect for a day of lounging on the sand. If you prefer to hang out at a trendy beach club, a layered shirt-dress and metallic slingback thong sandals make for a cool and edgy combination that will set you apart from the crowd.
Casual outfits
While they are perfect for the beach and resort, thong sandals can work very well for the city and everyday life as well. To make sure that your outfits look off-duty-chic instead of sloppy, it is important to balance out the laid-back vibe of the thong sandals with more polished elements, such as structured silhouettes and elegant details. Bringing together contrasting textures is a fabulous way to create stylish casual looks with minimal effort. For instance, the distinctive finish of a khaki denim vest and bold details of wide-leg cargo pants would match unexpectedly well with feminine raffia-ring thong sandals in creamy chalk — the result is an undeniably cool ensemble that ticks all the boxes.
Formal & semi-formal outfits
Although they are commonly known as the quintessential casual shoes, stylish individuals have been pairing thong sandals with dressy outfits for formal or semi-formal events for a while now. As with most trends in fashion, confidence is key to pulling off this unconventional look. Not all thong sandals would be a suitable match for elevated ensembles — go for sleek pairs that are made with luxe materials like leather, croc, suede, satin and velvet that will come across as both considered and insouciant. Outstanding design elements, such as tubular tie-around straps and thick puffy straps, will also dress up the originally minimalist thong sandal silhouette, making it appear fashion-forward and sophisticated. In more elaborate forms, thong sandals are definitely an appropriate match for smarter looks.
Common concerns of thong sandals
Loved for their ease of wear and breathability, thong sandals have long been a popular footwear choice especially during the summer and for tropical vacations, but they do come with certain downsides. In this section, we will look at three common concerns that come with wearing thong sandals.
1. Provide little support for your feet
- In general, most thong sandals or flip-flops are unable to provide the proper support and comfort your feet need. This is largely due to the lack of proper arch and cushioning support that could also potentially aggravate existing foot and lower back issues.
2. Minimal protection and coverage
- Resting on thinner soles along with its barely-there design, you run the risk of stepping on or getting injured from unknown objects lying on the ground while walking.
3. Over gripping
- Due to the thong design — the single strap in between the toes — this results in a constant gripping and rubbing that can cause potential blisters.
It is always important to consider the occasion, the duration of wear as well as the terrain you will be walking on, especially when it comes to planning your shoe of choice. As long as you are not wearing your thong sandals for a prolonged duration or for long distances, they are still a great option for a relaxing day at the beach, a fun poolside party or a casual day out in the city.
Ways to make your thong sandals more comfortable
Here are some easy and practical ways to make your thong sandals more comfortable and wearable.
1. Using silicone protectors or moleskins
- It will significantly minimise abrasions and prevent blisters between your toes. You could also consider leather thong sandals that will wear softer on your feet.
2. Choosing sandals with better arch support
- Thong sandals now come in a variety of styles. This includes a myriad of crossover styles that feature padded cushioned insoles, more comfortable flatform options, as well as ergonomic designs that offer both style and comfort.
3. The strappier, the better
- When it comes to thong sandals, sometimes, more is better. Consider a strappy thong design as it can provide better overall support and coverage for your feet.
Whether you are heading to the beach or a fashionable event, showing up in the right pair of thong sandals would now not only be acceptable, but even admirable. We hope that this guide has not only inspired you to style thong sandals creatively but has also given you useful tips on how to wear them more comfortably. If you are looking to expand your thong sandal collection, look no further than our stylish selection of this popular casual shoe style — we are sure that there is a design to suit your unique needs and preferences.