I think I have found the perfect travel sandal to match all of those cute summer outfits. Go to switchflops.com to view these great sandals that can easily be changed by simply changing the strap. This allows you to take only one pair of sandals on vacation but have many different looks to go with various outfits throughout your trip. It certainly meets the demand for lower weight limits when packing and, if you are like me and find yourself taking way to many shoes, this is a great solution. I just took my new pair on vacation and loved them and am looking forward to using them a great deal in Belgium this coming August.

I don't know about others, but wearing any sort of "flip-flops" when traveling doesn't work for me. There's no support for those of us who routinely walk 10 miles a day or so, and my feet get dirty in cities (and in the country). And I don't find myself ever taking more than two pairs of shoes, anyway. Even my 21-year-old daughter, who lives in flip-flops, doesn't wear them for traveling.

"Perfect" to one poster is "nighmare" to another.

Seriously, there is no "perfect" shoe (but I have to admit these sound so FAR from perfect it's hard to imagine!)

Similar to One Sole's which come in different heights and have hundreds of tops to switch.
http://www.onesole.com/

I love to wear flip flops when traveling!

Did you walk far in them every day? How would you rate their comfort?

I agree with you StCirq, I couldn't think of anything worse. I need something with more arch support and I also hate dirty feet. Having said that I do take a pair to wear back in the hotel/apartment after the hours of walking as they are easy on the feet when I'm pottering around absolutely exhausted!! Each to their own I guess.

I take a pair for hanging out at the hotel, or if we are at a beach/pool location of course. But yeah - I wouldn't be walking all over with them. We tend to walk a lot on vacations though.

kybourbon, the Onesoles look great. Have you tried them? Are they comfortable?

Gag! Whenever I see someone in public (other than the beach) especially while traveling in another country wearing flip-flops, no matter what color the straps are, I think "They've given up." "Walmart shopper/tattoos/welfare." "I hope they aren't Americans." "I hope the people here don't think they are Americans." "I hope they don't ask me for my 'extra change'."

Whatever the reality of the wearer's situation, that's what pops into my mind.

Don't you just hate adverts for products etc. masquerading as ordinary posts?

Rufus, with all due respect, it's 2009!
i'm sure no one is talking about going to walmart or the drug store and buying 98 cent flipflops. If you haven't noticed, high-end "sandals" are often made in "flip flop" style, so a woman who wants to wear sandals instead of closed-toe shoes is often choosing among flipflops when looking at options. My colehahn flip flops cost almost $100 and I certainly hope you wouldn't think "welfare" if you happened to see me walking down the street!

Wow! Judgemental just because of sandals?

Not sandals, flipflops. Gag!

By the way, flipflops are not really very good for walking. No support, they mess with your natural gait and can cause joint problems if you use them a lot, and minimal protection for your feet and toes.

And it doesn't matter if the flipflops cost $1 or $1,000. They are still pieces of tires cut out roughly in a foot shape with strings across the top--maybe fancy strings, but strings none-the-less.

While on the topic of fashion, any guys who like to wear baseball caps will be happy to know that men and boys of all ages wear them in Japan. So feel free to take your Dodgers or Tigers caps to the Land of the Rising Sun--no problems.

actually, they are not all made out of tires and strings...

If I'd known the foot police were out, I would have been more careful in my selection ( two pairs) of very comfortable travel shoes. And by the way, flip flops are not a uniquely American fashion statement. I've seen them on people of all nationalities and ages, not that there's anything wrong with that...

Flip flops and crocks - a podiatrists dream come true.

Lets_do_it,

jdraper and kybourbon are both long-time posters who have contributed countless helpful travel tips-- do you really think they manufacture either of these sandals? You need to read a few more threads on this forum before throwing such accusations.

oh lol lol

i love flip flops
but we call em 'thongs' and we live in them !!!

i clambered all over santorini in a pair of comfortable ( thick soled ones)
they were fine

i dont wear them in cities - although some young american girls with us did and they were law students - not on welfare lol


i like the ones ive purchased recently - they have pretty diamante attachments which sparkle so 'daintily'- theyre called 'popits' and you can change the attachments - a bit of fun but expensive considering the thongs are only about 20 aud

i think if you look after your feet and make sure theyre in good shape-ie have the odd pedicure and keep toenails neat / painted/ groomed then it is fine

scaly yukky feet is what bothers me
but fresh pretty feet in flip flops are fine in my opinion

i dont think theyre great for walking for miles and miles although i do walk our dogs in summer in thongs- i do prefer a good hiker or city walking shoe
i pack thongs for all our island and beach holidays of course and dont ever put on another shoe unless we go bush and we need protection from possible snake encounters

Wow, I found something that I thought was great for summer travel and can't believe it has turned into a thread like this. I think these sandals and flip flops are great because you can change the look to match different skirts and outfits, thus having more options without the added weight of extra shoes. I decided to share it in case anyone else was interested. Nuf said, if you don't like them then fine I just thought I would share a product that I liked that made travel easier for me.

As for those who think I have some self interest in promoting this product, I don't. I have posted on this site for years and I have gained a lot of knowledge when planning my trips and I try to add to others' knowledge when I can. I have been away from fodors for a while because I have been busy. I join in when it is good and I can offer something and stay away when it gets ugly.

To each their own, if you dont like the sandals and flip flops fine. I just thought I would share as I liked the options. I walked for miles in them and they were great for me but maybe not for you. No big deal.