In many parts of the world flip-flops are considered "disposable" footwear and not the fashionable items we think of here in North America. The reasoning is that they are generally inexpensive to manufacture and thus for individuals to then purchase and wear. Often these individuals live in the same developing regions of the world in which sandal factories operate. Warmer climates such as India, China, Vietnam and Indonesia. These warmer climates are more suitable to year round flip-flop use than elsewhere in the world.

 

Flip-flops or "thongs" as they are referred to in the Pacific regions of the world are believed to have been inspired by the traditional woven Japanese Zori sandals (see pic). Folks referred to them as Japanese Sandals or "Jandals". Jandals or Zori first became popular as fashion wear on the beaches of New Zealand. It was the post-war soldiers returning home from Asia and the Pacific Islands that brought these fascinating, new and comfortable sandals to the US.

Flip-flops however didn't really take off until the 70's here in the US. Surf culture first validated the product and they have been a warm weather stable ever since.

Liking history,
Dave