Why I now only wear flip-flops with a platform sole
10.8.2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Flip-flops with a thick sole don’t just look good. They also solve several problems that annoy me about classic thin-soled models.
These days, it’s impossible to miss: that unmistakable «flip-flop-flip-flop» sound. A shoe that was once reserved mainly for use near the water has undergone quite an image transformation, from a practical accessory for the pool and beach to a stylish summer must-have for everyday wear and nights out.
I was totally on board – until I remembered why I’d avoided flip-flops for so long in the first place. It’s not the lack of support. Not the toe thong. It’s how close to the ground they leave me. On the beach, that’s no problem. Warm sand between my toes? Fine by me. In the city, though, it’s a different story. With every clacking step, I kick up all sorts of things: street grime, sharp bits of gravel, and unidentifiable stuff I’d honestly rather not identify.
The solution lies in the sole
As much as I love the look, I hate the feeling of being in constant contact with the pavement. That’s why flip-flops used to spend most of their time in my shoe cupboard. These days, though, I’m flip-flopping my way through the streets without a care. Why the sudden change? It all comes down to a surprisingly simple detail: a subtle platform sole.
Source: Instagram @Ipanema/anajuliaardito
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
The extra one to two centimetres of clearance make a real difference: I no longer have the urge to scrub down my feet every other block. On top of that, the thicker soles are more comfortable than wafer-thin ones. Further added bonus: they look stylish and keep long trousers from dragging along the ground.
I currently wear the High Platform model from Havaianas. These seven models offer a similar feel:
Header image: Instagram @sandaliasipanema
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
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