FLIPPING OVER FLIP-FLOPS

Gazette, The (Colorado Springs), Jun 1, 2004 by DEB ACORD THE GAZETTE

For decades, it suffered from low self-esteem. After all, it was only rubber. Its color palette was limited, to say the least: dull red, basic black, dusty blue, faded white. And the way it was displayed -- piled on racks in supermarkets, hardware stores and discount marts -- made it seem somehow less desirable.

But the skimpy flip-flop has persevered, and now you can't walk into a shoe store without seeing dozens upon dozens of colors and styles that go from frivolous to formal. Crafted in leather, cloth and nylon, the flip-flop is worn year-round by teenagers whose feet are immune to the cold. Covered in rhinestones or pearls, it has a starring role in weddings, formal dances, high school proms and nights on the town. Furry or fuzzy, with tiny little heels, it adorns the feet of rock stars and Hollywood types.

The flip-flop even has entered the realm of haute couture. Manolo Blahnik, whose shoes were the object of Carrie Bradshaw's affection (and obsession) on HBO's "Sex in the City," styled it in black alligator and sells it for $995, (www.neimanmarcus.com). Makeupartist- turned-shoe-designer Lanell Fagan covered her flip-flop straps with 400 Swarovski crystals for her Lady Lanell line ($145, www.ladylanells.com).

But the basic rubber version endures as well, attracting the economy-minded consumer who still can get a pair for $1 plus tax at the Dollar Shop.

STRING BIKINI FOR THE FOOT

At its simplest, the flip-flop is a string bikini for the foot. It forms a modest barrier between the foot and gravel, hot sand or pavement, but doesn't offer any cover on top. More often than not, it gives its wearer an uncomfortable foot wedgie at first wearing, causing a blister between the big toe and its neighbor until a callus forms.

Once that initial discomfort disappears, flip-flop wearers say the shoe is comfortable. But it offers no protection and little support, says Nicholas Sol, a foot and ankle specialist at the Walking Clinic, 1625 Medical Center Point (www.walkingclinic.com).

Sol says he understands flip-flops are light, comfortable and inexpensive.

"But they do offer some peril," he says.

Shoes should protect feet from the environment, he says. "And flip- flops only protect the bottom of the foot, and they don't do that very well. They are dan- gerous when you bump into things, when things fall on you, when you're exposed to things such as hot liquids and falling objects."

Safety issues aside, there's another drawback to flip-flops: They expose every bunion, every fungus-infected nail, every hammertoe and every other foot flaw you can imagine.

But most people with foot abnormalities such as bunions and hammertoes are older than 50, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that teens and young adults -- those with more youthful feet -- are among flipflops' biggest fans.

"I wear flip-flops almost every day," says Candice Tittlemier of Colorado Springs, who owns seven or eight pairs and was wearing brown leather Reef brand flip-flops. Tittlemier, 19, is a student at the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she says students favor flip- flops "because they are so easy."

Tittlemier's friend, 20-year-old Susan Andersen of Colorado Springs, says she sees a lot more flipflops here than she does in Pennsylvania, where she attends college.

"It's probably a weather thing. The weather's so much nicer here."

But bad weather doesn't deter some diehard flip-flop wearers. Courtney Wadham, who will be a senior at Woodland Park High School, is a longtime fan of flip-flops. She owns 10 pairs and wears them yearround. Even in the snow, she says, "they're comfortable and easy to wear."

Her current favorites: a pair from Wal-Mart that light up. Her fanciest: a white pair with beads that she wore with her white prom dress last month.

"I like them because they remind me of California, where I grew up," she says.

POPULAR FOR BEACH WEDDINGS

Students aren't the only flip-flop fans. Some women are choosing flipflops to wear with their wedding gowns, says Debbie Dillingham, assistant manager of David's Bridal.

"We usually see them requested for beach weddings," she says. The shop sells a pair of flip-flops that have tiny heels and are decorated with rhinestones.

"They're also becoming popular among bridesmaids. We can dye them to match their dresses," Dillingham says.

Although flip-flops might be acceptable at the altar, they've received a less than warm welcome at some schools. In its overall dress code, Colorado Springs School District 11 bans "rubber shoe thongs."

And in their own dress codes, Holmes Middle School prohibits "rubber shoe thongs," and Sabin Middle School prohibits "flip-flops or shower shoes."

It's not a fashion statement, Sabin Principal Barry Swenson says.

"It's a simple matter of safety. During passing times, we have 800 kids in the halls," he says.

"You have boys with big hiking boots, and if they kick toes with a person wearing flip-flops, there can be an injury."