No-flop sandals provide support for feet

Tag : pvc soles

 
Doctors and etiquette experts constantly flog flip-flops formistreating the feet. But they keep pounding the pavement to your office anyway. Now, companies are working to rehabilitate the flip-flop’simage, by creating stable, supportive versions worth a try for yourcommute. Here’s a look at a few pointers and brands that are likechicken soup for your soles. PCHEBLU Profile: If you can twist a flip-flop, don’t buy it, says PcheBlu(pronounced pesh-blue), whose men’s and women’sflip-flops cross the stability of an athletic shoe with the freedomof a flip-flop. They start with a hard rubber Z-Flex lug design,arch support, cushioning and padded toe straps to reduce friction.The footbeds are antimicrobial to reduce odor. Our take: Athletic styling means these won’t work with sundresses. Butthey’ll serve nobly for long commutes to work and intensesightseeing or just sitting at a desk. The arch support is the bestof this bunch. Combined with the wide straps and cushiony footbed,you have comfort food for the feet. Bottom line: In tan, green, blue and pink, they’re $59.99 for women andmen at pecheblu.com . OKABASHI Profile: These made-in-the-U.S.A. flip-flops have heel and archsupport and are endorsed by the American Chiropractic Associationto minimize the foot, ankle and back problems associated with otherflip-flops. Made of Crocs-like antimicrobial Microplast material,the contoured insole has beaded surfaces at the instep and toes. Our take: The straps felt a bit too floppy on the“Ocean” style. But the “Flip-Flop” styleproved more secure while still comfortable. We love the range ofvibrant colors, especially the yellow, and appreciate that theshoes can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. Bottom line: The price is right. If you have wide feet, try the“Ocean.” Otherwise choose the “Flip-Flop”style, $13.99 at store.okabashi.com or 1-800-537-5238. Men’s and kids’ styles areavailable. OKA B. Profile: The sister line to Okabashi, OKA b.’s styling takes comfortcues from Crocs but styling cues from fashion runways. Massagebeads and a cushioned footbed are crafted from antimicrobialmaterial. Made in the U.S.A., they’re top-shelf dishwashersafe. Our take: The rhinestone-studded copper “Savannah” pair lookeddignified enough to pair with a sundress for a baby shower andcomfortable enough for quick dog walks. A new favorite. Bottom line: $30 at shoesthatloveyou.com . A few men’s styles are available. SENSI Profile: This Chicago-based company supplies its Italian made PVC sandalswith built-in drainage to upscale spas across the country, as wellas to “Oprah” for use by the show’s specialguests. But contoured footbeds on some styles and air holes makethese a breezy respite for feet anywhere. And they’re builtto last, blowout-free. Our take: The Monte Carlo boasts sleek, square-toe styling that’sideal for airports, hotel rooms, locker rooms and padding around athome. A flat footbed means this style is not geared towardspeed-walking on your morning commute. Bottom line: The Monte Carlo is $27 at sensi.com . If you’d like arch support and a contoured footbed, checkout the “Ibiza” style, $30. Men’s styles are alsoavailable. SWITCHFLOPS Profile: More than 50 interchangeable straps – all irresistibly cute– make Switchflops a flip-flop lover’s fantasy. You canbuy one pair of shoes, and then top them off with different Velcrostraps to suit what you’re wearing. Our take: Flip-flop shoe styles include traditional flats, wedges and even akitten heel in black, brown, tan and navy. Strap options includepolka-dot grosgrain ribbon with a pearl button detail,Burberry-colored stripes with a black button, preppy pink ribbonembroidered with lobsters and many, many more. Bottom line: Perfect for lightening your suitcase’s load thissummer, the shoes are $32 to $47 and straps are $10 at switchflops.com .