How to Buy Boys' Flip-Flops

With rubber soles and two straps that meet between the big toe and second toe, flip-flops are the next best thing to being barefoot. Popular since the 1950s, the familiar flip-flop sandals protect feet from hot pavements and sharp stones, while at the beach or the grocery store. When looking to buy flip-flops, parents should consider the material they are made of, the level of support they give, and the boy's preferences for colors and designs.

Sizing the Foot
Flip-flops are versatile, giving room for a young boy's feet to grow. While shoe sizes vary between manufacturers, selecting flip-flops in the same size as the boy's sneakers generally assures him of a good fit. Avoid buying larger sizes for him to "grow into," because flip-flops that are too big can slip off and cause an accident.

While youth sizes go up to size 6.5, boys' feet grow rapidly, sometimes faster than the rest of their bodies. A boy may wear men's shoes while still in elementary school, so parents should measure his feet carefully before purchasing shoes or flip-flops.    

Materials
While classic flip-flops are rubber-soled sandals with a plastic or rubber thong between the toes, modern flip-flops are made of many different materials, from recycled rubber to leather. High-end styles designed for athletes feature a non-slip outer shell, arch support, and padded toe straps. Handmade or commercially manufactured flip-flops for infants and toddlers often come in knit or crochet versions, suitable for a baby's tender feet.

 

Uses
Worn at the beach, in the shower, or around town, flip-flops are versatile sandals. While an inexpensive pair of flip-flops, with a thin, nonslip sole, protects the feet in the shower or around the house, many people wear leather versions in the place of dress shoes at formal occasions. Once considered casual beachwear and not appropriate for formal affairs, flip-flops have evolved into elegant footwear found on the feet of movie stars and athletes.


Flip-Flop Styles
Even young boys have strong preferences for specific colors and styles. There is an extensive range of flip-flops on the market available in a multitude of colors and designs. This gives boys the opportunity to choose footwear that reflects their personality and tastes.

Colorful Designs
The designs offered by flip-flop manufacturers range from colorful geometric shapes, to soccer balls, to classy nubuck leather uppers. Older boys may prefer a surfing-themed flip-flop, with graphics featuring a surfer on his board, catching a wave. Many well-known shoe manufacturers and designers produce flip-flops, including Nike and Ralph Lauren.

Licensed Characters
In addition to the bright colors of classic flip-flops, boys' styles feature a variety of licensed characters. From comic book heroes, to zombies, to the most famous mouse in the world, a small boy or a young man can find his favorite cartoon characters on a flip-flop.  

Eco-Friendly
While many flip-flops are made of rubber or man-made materials, some manufacturers recycle rubber to make new flip-flops, providing an eco-friendly solution. Some companies even offer a recycling program for used flip-flops. The manufacturer collects, separates, and uses the materials to manufacture new flip-flops.