Q: What is the difference between Havaianas and Ipanema flip flops?
We get asked this a lot and we also get asked if one is a copy of the other. In some ways they’re very similar and in others they are really very different. We’ve found that people that have worn one of these brands for a couple years simply cannot wear the other brand and the main reason for this is because they’re made of different material and so they feel very different when you first put them on.
Ipanema are made from EVA which feels softer when you first put them on, the EVA also allows for the anatomical sole shapes which further the feeling of comfort.
Havaianas are made from rubber which makes them feel more stiff than Ipanema when they’re first put on, but given a bit of use your Havaianas will ease in and very quickly become just as comfortable if not more than the Ipanema.
The other difference is that rubber is much more hard wearing than the EVA so you’ll find Havaianas tend to last much longer and in better condition.
Both brands come from similar areas of Brazil and both brands sell millions of pairs a year - so in some ways they’re very similar and not.
Q: My boyfriend / husband doesn’t like the bit between his toes when wearing flip flops. What can he wear instead or how can he get used to wearing flip flops?
Try slide on flip flops, or flip flops with a canvas toe post. Also look for flip flops with a more rigid toe post, which will hold the strap off your foot and significantly reduce the rubbing and feeling of anything between your toes. That’s after you tell him to man-up and stop being a big baby.
For the first few days, wearing flip flops always feels strange, even for the seasoned flip flop wearer. Putting on flip flops at the beginning of the year always takes a few days to get used to. If he persists in less than a week and if you get a good quality pair of flip flops, he’ll be completely converted.
Q: I can’t wear flip flops because they rub between my toes, is there anything I can do?
We do get asked this question a lot and we always answer by asking this question back to them: “What flip flops were you wearing when you experienced this?”
Every time without fail we get the same response. “They were cheap £6 flip flops from some shack on the beach or a discount store”. There’s not only the ethical consideration with the production of flip flops that have been made this cheaply but also they’ve been made with the cheapest quality materials possible so it is no wonder they rub and blister feet.
A good quality pair of rubber or EVA flip flops should cost anywhere from £15 to £30. If you opt for a well known brand you can be sure of good quality materials and design.
It’s true some people just do not get on with EVA or rubber flip flops - in this case look for a flip flop with a canvas toe post and possibly a neoprene backed strap.
Q: Are these flip flops grippy when they’re wet?
Answering this question varies greatly from one style of flip flop to the next. If you look at the sole of flip flops, the smaller the tread, the lower the grip - just like car tyres only there’s no legal limit tread when it comes to flip flops. The material the flip flops are made of makes a difference too, but this really depends on where you’re walking.
If you’re specifically looking for grippy flip flops then look to the more outdoors orientated brands like Teva. Reef also offer some very good flip flops that have great grip in the Rover and J-Bay ranges.
Q: Are flip flops OK to go in the water, will it damage the materials they’re made of?
All EVA and rubber flip flops unless they have special adornments are fine for the water. Also flip flops with canvas straps are fine. We would not suggest taking leather flip flops in the water and faux leather or suede also does not like water, especially sea water.
Q: Is the bit between your toes strong, on my old ones the toe post snapped?
This is by far the most common way for your flip flops to die accidentally. It normally happens when you catch the front of your flip flop on the ground or a step as you’re walking and your foot carries on forwards over the flip flop, bending the front underneath until eventually something has to give way - and it’s normally the toe post snapping or pulling through the base of the flip flops.
Rarely there can be a manufacturing fault where the toe post is not completely connected to the washer under the sole, in this case the toe post can snap in normal use. It’s always really obvious when you look at the flip flop because half the broken toe post will be dirty and the other half will be clean as it has only just broken.
Q: Are they true to size... I’m buying for a present?
When it comes to flip flop sizing, this varies widely from brand to brand and sometimes from style to style. If you’re unsure then please give us a call on 0203 137 6426 or drop us an email at info@flipflopshop.co.uk. We’re always happy to help.
Our experience says that brands that come up slightly small are: Grendha, Ipanema, Rider (for women)
If you should find it’s the wrong size, we’re always happy to exchange for the correct size. You should receive a free returns label in your order, so please keep this and all the packaging until you or the person the present is for has tried them on. Exchanging for a new size is normally quite quick (3 - 4 days) from when you post them back.
Q: Will they just squash and go thin, why do some flip flops do that?
Not if you buy your flip flops from us! We will only ever stock good quality flip flops. Flops that go thin with little use are generally made of low density foam and so a small amount of pavement pounding results in the foam compacting really quickly.
I guess there is also an element of managing expectations here though. If you’ve had you’re super soft EVA flip flops for three years and worn them every day then it would be perfectly reasonable to expect these to be starting to wear thin on the underneath.
Q: Some people have told me flip flops are bad for your feet, is that true?
This is a regularly returning argument, some podiatrists says flip flops are the very worst thing you can wear for your feet, whilst others suggest the right flip flops can be the very best thing for your feet. We recommend that you read our article titled ‘Back to mother nature – the barefoot debate’ for more information on this.
Q: What can I do if the flip flops don’t fit?
As long as they haven’t been used, simply return them to us and we’re happy to exchange or refund you. Visit or returns and exchanges page for more information.
If you’re not sure what to have instead, give us a call on 0203 1376426
Q: The question you should already know the answer to! Can I wear socks with flip flops?
No, never ever wear socks with flip flops! Clearly no good can happen to anyone wearing socks with flip flops. This guy has failed on two epic levels. Never wear socks with flips flops....and in the extreme eventuality if you ever find yourself having to wear socks with flip flops, never wear odd socks:
