Why I will never wear flip flops - Carte blanche to Quentin

The summer season remains and will remain my favorite season . It was really during this period that I (re)discovered the little pleasures of life. You know, those precious moments of conviviality around a barbecue punctuated by long summer days or unforgettable walks on the beach, lulled by the sound of the waves.

Clothing-wise, some people will find this period boring, less interesting. For me, it's the opposite, I particularly appreciate the feeling of lightness that summer outfits bring.

If you're wondering how to stay stylish in summer, even when wearing few clothes, take a look at this video:

Always accompanied by my faithful sidekicks, Bermuda shorts, shirts and espadrilles, the preparation of my looks is never monotonous. Summer is the time to take risks and have fun , especially when it comes to choosing colors.

But I have to tell you a secret, my unconditional love for this season is tainted by a shoe, more precisely sandals.

You see what I mean ?

Yes, I definitely don't have flip flops in my heart. I could even go further and say that I have a certain aversion to these shoes.

And yet, it’s not for lack of trying. Since my childhood, my parents have tried everything to make me dive into the dark side.

Despite unparalleled determination, I stuck to my convictions, convinced that these shoes have (almost) no advantage.

1. The aesthetics of flip-flops (or how not to have them)

To be honest, before I came to BonneGueule, I didn't pay much attention to other people's clothing.

However, if there is one thing that has always puzzled me, it is strappy shoes. Personally, I find flip flops aesthetically ugly for several reasons.

The materials used are often low-end

Very often, flip-flops are made with less than noble materials , such as rubber. There are several explanations for this massive use of plastic:

• The flip-flop is “regularly” in contact with sand, the sea, etc. It is therefore essential to have a material that is resistant to this type of environment (which is less the case with leather, for example).
• An economic explanation. Because yes, we don't necessarily want to pay an astronomical sum for flip-flops. And in terms of cost, rubber remains unbeatable today. Brands and retailers must therefore align themselves with household expectations. In addition, its use remains limited by the season and geography.
• Flip-flops are a massive market, and therefore, you have to produce a lot of them. Nothing is simpler than plastic for producing large quantities.

And these factors undeniably give a “cheap” side to the flip-flop . Instinctively, we will therefore attach a label to people wearing these shoes. That of a neglected person, who doesn't pay attention to his appearance.

Designers are making the effort to offer alternatives to rubber, by using leather for example, but this remains quite marginal and unnatural for this type of shoe.

(Too) bright colors

What struck me most about this type of shoe were the often exuberant colors.

So yes, as said above, summer is the time to try new things, even in terms of colors. But we must recognize that the colors offered for flip-flops are often quite cliché.

Cliché because they are regularly flashy, even caricatured. This trend strongly contributes to prejudices about flip-flops. The “cheap” side stands out all the more.

There are so-called “classic” colors, but once again, with rubber, the result remains rather “low-end”.

The foot stands out in plain sight

This part will surely be the most subjective, but in my opinion it is the most important. For a man, the feet are not an asset, I would even say without wavering that they are the most unsightly part of the body.

For my part, I have long practiced physical activities, such as football or even running. And for those in the know, these practices put a strain on your toes.

The questions were then quickly answered: do not expose them, to highlight other, more advantageous parts.

Jordan explains why he prefers not to show his toes around town, right here.

And as a reminder, the argument “I wear flip flops to make my feet breathe” does not work here, since there are more interesting and at least breathable alternatives.

Also remember that flip-flops are a good way to get sunburned.

2. Comfort that leaves something to be desired

I don't know about you, but objectively, I find flip flops very uncomfortable. However, very often, comfort is precisely the main argument used to sell the benefits of these shoes .

The rubber sole is not unpleasant, but the central strap gives me a lot of problems. When I walk, this part rubs between my toes. It quickly becomes painful and my foot has already bled.

This is feedback that I have heard very often, and it doesn't make me want to put on flip-flops again.

3. Flip-flops suffer from fierce competition

Unfortunately (or fortunately), flip-flops suffer from stiff competition. Other shoe models enjoy much greater comfort and aesthetics than flip-flops. Overview of the best on the market.

Sneakers

Espadrilles are the perfect example of a cohesive alternative. Featuring a clean aesthetic, these shoes have all the benefits offered by flip-flops...but better.

Elegant, comfortable, practical and economical (depending on the models chosen), these shoes have rare versatility. Indeed, espadrilles are not only worn by the sea . They have their place in urban outfits, whether casual or a little more chic.

Espadrilles in a casual look

In a casual look, it is important to use surprising espadrilles. Surprising not by its shape or its material, but rather by its color. Here, the espadrilles are enriched with a paisley pattern, which immediately gives panache to the outfit.

Espadrilles in a casual chic look

I like to find espadrilles in casual chic looks. It's rather unexpected, and it works perfectly. It would have been easier to wear sneakers or moccasins, but no, we're creating a surprise.

Both photos therefore demonstrate the wonderful versatility of these shoes. Moreover, at BonneGueule, we now offer our own espadrilles in very different styles.

The sandals

Even if I don't wear them, I must admit that sandals are an alternative that appeals to me more and more. Comfort, style… all the requirements expected for this type of piece are met.

We find more closed ones, and in nobler materials than flip-flops.

Lately, I have noticed a model of sandal that is making a comeback, after several years of neglect: jellyfish.

The jellyfish

Through the rocks, equipped with my transparent jellyfish and a landing net, I frolicked in search of crustaceans.

Twenty years later, these jellyfish are making a comeback. And this time, not to go crab fishing, but rather to refine the vacationers' outfits.

The plastic side of the product can be disturbing, but in this piece, that's what makes it so charming.

The popular product is now present in many brands and even luxury brands. For example, Gucci offers their own jellyfish.

Here, an influencer wears Gucci jellyfish by the beach. The outfit is quite basic, so we expect classic shoes. And yet, it's quite the opposite, that's where jellyfish make the difference.

Other sandals also deserve a little mention. I'm thinking in particular of Yeezy slides, which have been very trendy lately.

They have the merit of offering a very refined aesthetic and a wide range of colors. These sandals can fit very well into casual summer looks.

A white t-shirt, beige Bermuda shorts, a pair of Yeezy Slides and voila, you have an all-purpose casual outfit that works well.

Second honorable mention is obviously the Birkenstock sandals. Nothing revolutionary, but it's a sure value to have in your wardrobe.

If you follow our latest news, you are starting to know Paul Binam. She's a model we've been collaborating with for some time. I like the way he wears Birkenstocks, because he manages to diversify his outfits around these shoes.

Hooves

At BonneGueule there are the pros, and the anti-clogs. I chose my side, convinced that there was something different about these shoes.

Birkenstocks Boston

It is the clog par excellence. It was really him who converted me to open shoes. Suede, leather or wool felt, there is something for everyone.

I have a preference for suede models, because they offer a wide range of possibilities from a stylistic point of view.

This example demonstrates the plurality of possible associations with these shoes. From the clogs, to the Bermuda shorts to the cap, everything works perfectly in this look.

I like the fact that these clogs are semi-closed (or semi-open, it's up to you), because our feet remain discreet. In addition, this pair allows you to wear socks, which is obviously prohibited with flip-flops.

On the other hand, these are not the only clogs that offer a coherent alternative to flip-flops. Don't forget the fangs.

The crocs

A slipper for some, a work tool for others. But fangs aren't just that anymore. Today, these shoes have become an everyday shoe.

The "cheap" side could have stuck to the sneaker and yet, in any outfit, I find the Crocs in its place.

The big plus of these shoes is comfort. We feel so good that we feel like we're in slippers. When we compare with the flip-flop, I can guarantee you that there is no comparison. And in line with what I mentioned above, the crocs allow you to hide the foot, which is an advantage when you know how reluctant I am to show my feet.

4. Boats

Finally, for all those people who are reluctant to wear open shoes, I advise you to go for boat shoes.

These summer shoes are, in my opinion, the perfect alternative to bare feet during the summer. They are practical, durable and above all versatile.

So obviously, the article is based on a subjective opinion. It is clear that depending on the assessments, opinions can differ. I suspect, for example, that for women, the point of view is different.

And you, what do you think of flip-flops? Do you wear any? Do not hesitate to share your opinion and your experience with us in the comments, I would be curious to hear your arguments/counter-arguments.