Not only did hemlines and sleeves get shorter and shorter, the feet also had the opportunity to break free from the puritanical oppression of stockings and shoes and leap out into the sunlight and fresh air. Flip-flops were the perfect beach footwear because it left one’s tootsies mostly bare and were easily slipped on and off.

They most likely arose from Japanese zori sandals, brought West by GIs after the war. The modified sandals were very simple in design, using a single, U-shaped thong that fit between the first and second toes. Flip-flops have also been—and still are in some parts of the globe—called thongs but the mental images are too frightening to contemplate so we’ll just stick to flip-flops for now.

They emerged as the dominant shoe of choice for 70s beach bums and the rise of California chic meant that you never had to put closed-toed shoes on again (except for special occasions, like funerals).

Flip-flops are usually made of rubber, though they can also be plastic, leather, wood or woven out of straw. Rubber is the cheapest material to use and most flip-flops don’t last long, but you can always console yourself by buying several bright colored pairs.