Community Chat

[Kujo]

Another So Cal lifetime (almost) resident here. As a kid in the 1960’s who spent as much time as possible at the beach, I either went barefoot or wore those really cheap flip flops all summer for years. I remember it taking a few weeks to get used to regular shoes when school started again in the fall. Now in my mid-60’s and retired, I still wear some form of flip-flop-type sandals (primarily Orthoheels with arch support) most of the time since it hardly ever gets too cold or rains here (especially lately). I even wear my Orthoheels on the treadmill with no adverse effects. When I worked, it was always open-toed or backless shoes, even 3-4 inch pumps. Completely closed shoes are oddly claustophobic to me. Sun-damaged skin from all that beach time? Now that’s off topic and a whole different story!

[colliegirls]

I feel that babies learning to walk need good shoes, yet I see little tots wearing flip flops or crocs. It makes me cringe.

[GCR18]

Growing up my father was a teacher and during the summer, he worked in a shoe store that carried quality shoes. My father always took us when it was time for shoes. We didn't get flip flops. I still only buy quality shoes/footwear. My sister on the other hand, wears flip flops with no support and buys them for her kids too. I can't wear them for long or my feet hurt.

[terrier3]

I have several versions of crocs sandals and flip flops. I can wear them for miles with no problems.

I love their sandals - can't stand the clogs.

[beach-mom]

I haven't worn them since I was young.

When DD was a toddler, I got "Saltwater Sandals" - for kids only. You could wear them in the beach, and they were supportive. The company's out of business. When DS was young, I also got him supportive fisherman's sandals, with the toe enclosed. As a teenager, DD got her shoes from the Old Navy $5 sale each summer. She still wears those in the summer, and Uggs in the colder months, when she's not working of course. DS wears a leather brand from Kohl's, pretty much year round. He used to like Vans, but he hates any kind of boot!

I went barefoot most of the time until I grew up. My first year of teaching back in the States someone told me about Birkenstocks. I still live in them!

[MaggieToo]

I've never worn flip flops nor any shoe with the thing that goes between the toes. I can't stand it. LOL Hurts my little sensitive feet.

[OCGurl]

On 7/27/2014 stilltamn8r said:

Zoris, go-aheads, thongs, flip flops- Growing up in California it was that or barefoot. And for those of you who believe only a supportive shoe is good- My Brother in Law, a Podiatrist for over 40 years, has always told me, "Shoes are at the root of most foot problems" ...I have n foot problems, no bunions no plantar fasciatis, I have broken a foot a couple of times, but no ortho type probs...

Same here! Flip flops or cute sandals most everyday here in the desert. If I need to go to a client mtg it's a cute flat sandal. Rarely see anyone with closed toe around here. A cute pedi color & cute sandals or flip flops in every color! As for kids I always kept my boys in a strapped sandal.

[colliegirls]

In spite of feeling that very young children should not be wearing flip flops or crocs, I wear Rainbows, BORN, Reef, or Eliza B flip flops every day when the temps go over 60 degrees! They are the only footwear that is comfortable for me no matter what I am doing.

[DREAMON]

I wear Nike Celso Girl Flip Flops as soon as the weather allows. I have all different colors and replace them as soon as the sole gets a little flat and worn. I wear wedges or sandals if I go somewhere that requires a dressier shoe but that is rare in this area in the Summer. Everything is very beachy and casual here in the Spring and Summer.

[Disneylandfan]

Flipflops/thongs are a staple in our house. For the entire family. I really hate having my feet enclosed and my kids are the same way. The only reason they don't wear them to school during the year is because they're not allowed.