On an etiquette site on LinkedIn to which I belong, there was a recent discussion about the appropriateness of flip-flops in the workplace (not!). The very fact that such a discussion is taking place says a great deal about our very casual society. One might think it's more of an issue here in California - the originator of the casual-Friday workplace - but in fact, image and etiquette consultants were weighing in from all over the world on this flip-flop discussion.
With that in mind, I thought you might enjoy reading a blog post from a local Bay Area etiquette specialist, Rosalinda Randall, of Your Relationship Edge. Thanks, Rosalinda, for your informative and humorous insight into the subject!
"It is believed that the flip-flop originated in or around Egypt. Although the design has not changed much, the materials used to make our ever-popular flip-flop has. According to E-History of Flip Flop Sandals, ancient Middle Easterners crafted flip-flops from papyrus and palm leaves, while the Chinese and Japanese used straw to make their flip flops. In other parts of the world, flip flops were constructed from wood and rawhide. Today, the flip-flop comes in many shades, with or without wedges, and covered in bling. And, they are popular with both genders.
Some doctors argue that flip-flops are harmful to the foot. Long term wear can cause arch pain, plantar fasciitis, and nerve damage. Your exposed tootsies are also more prone to injury.
According to an article in the News Observer, in the United Kingdom, where a more socialized form of health care makes it easier to track such matters, The National Health Services estimates that $62 million is spent annually treating flip-flop related injuries.
By the way, how can you run after your 3 year-old through the park sand lot with flip-flops? What if the ball rolls down the hill, how fast can you run before the "flip" get caught and scrapes two layers of skin off of your big toe? How is my man going to run after the guy who just ripped off my purse?
Etiquette approach: Wearing flip-flops to work is where I draw the line. Not only does it look unprofessional, but exposing your feet, especially men (sorry), looks rather grungy. Now if you have callouses, bunions, and fungus, oh my...even worse. Sitting next to someone on a plane in flip-flops who then removes them is nasty. Keep your shoes or foot rubber on, please! You are not at home and they won't allow me to board with my can of Lysol spray disinfectant."
Rosalinda Randall is an Etiquette Consultant and Owner of Your Relationship Edge. She has been spreading civility throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond for over fourteen years.
My Style My Way covers many areas of interest: dressing for your shape, enhancing your image with color, make-up and hairstyles, and many more subjects, including my chapter on 'The Savvy Traveler'.
