Flip flops have been around forever. And I can’t help but wonder how much our distant ancestors used them. Did they use them while bathing? Indoors?
We can’t be sure if prehistoric folks preferred bare feet inside their home or not, but they didn’t buy pricey carpets like we do.
Today, inside shoes are a necessity. Keeping your home clean takes constant work, especially when it comes to your flooring. Every day you walk around with dirty, toxic shoes, you undo that hard work.
That’s why several cultures around the world apply the “no-shoes inside” policy — and you should too.
Here are just a few of the ways that switching to clean flip flops for indoor use can improve your daily routine. The more you find out, the more you’ll wonder why we didn’t start sooner!
- Keep Toxins Away From Your Home
Research shows that walking spreads bacteria more than we would expect. Almost half of shoe soles containing the bacteria C. diff, once susceptible to antibiotics, is now resistant to all currently available treatments. If you distribute germs about your house, you’re more likely to get sick.
Long-term exposure to pollutants can cause health problems for children and the elderly in families. Though initially harmless, hazardous substances can quickly build up in a person’s shoes due to repeated exposure. Things like discarded gum and leaking empty bottles come to mind. You most likely already get a sufficient amount of microbial exposure even without the help of shoe gunk.
Enforcing a “no shoes in the house” policy will go a long way in protecting your family’s health.
- Your Carpets Will Thank You
Very few people have the time to clean up all of life’s messes. It’s true that nature is stunning, but that doesn’t imply you want to bring it inside. Shoes can pick up a variety of nasty substances throughout the day.
Carpets are notoriously difficult to clean, and most rugs aren’t washable. Cracks and gaps in hardwood floors can collect dirt and grime. Hiring professional carpet cleaners regularly can rack up a huge bill. So, it’s best to take preventive measures to eliminate the need for that.
Your floors and carpets will stay cleaner for longer when you leave your shoes outside. Keep a shoe rack by the door to neatly tuck them away and slip on your flip flops. You can trust these indoor shoes are only as dirty as your floors – meaning both will stay clean longer.
- Stay Comfy and Cushioned
While wearing flip flops or walking barefoot around your home comes down to personal preference, flip flops give the additional benefit of cushioning. You might argue that you could get even more cushioning from fluffy bedroom shoes, but that also comes at the price of constricted, sweaty feet.
Flip flops come in so many variations that you can easily find the perfect pair to match your personality. Rock a pair of rubber flip flops in happy colors to remind you to Do Life Right and live in endless summer. Or a sleek leather pair with padded insoles for max comfort as you lounge around. Flip flops provide a happy medium between house shoes and being barefoot.
Most people enjoy the unrestricted sensation of walking about barefoot. Luckily, your toes will have plenty of room in flip flops. You can also choose whether you want a thin or thick heel. Flip flops can either have a solid base or be very thin and light. You’re in total control of how much cushion you need. If you want to get the best of both worlds, flip flops are the way to go.
- Friends Will Love You for It
After pumping gas or slogging through mud, you really shouldn’t step into someone else’s house. If you do, you might never be invited back! It’s basic etiquette to leave a place just as spotless as you found it. Especially when we’re talking about a good friend’s home or apartment.
While your friend may be lenient about their no-shoes policy, your effort to leave your shoes outside will definitely be appreciated. Take your shoes off at the doorway and enter barefoot or in socks.
Alternately, you can leave a pair of flip flops in your car to slip into whenever you visit another home. Instead of worrying about how clean your present footwear is, you can just put these on and go. That’s part of the beauty of the Flip Flop Life, it’s so convenient, light, and easy.
- Flip Flops Are a Travel Essential
Whenever you travel, it’s always important to follow local customs and traditions. And in many countries the no-shoes inside policy is mandatory. For example, while in Japan, you will need to put on a pair of inside shoes. Everyone, not just locals, is subject to this rule. Geta sandals, a type of flip flop, are a common footwear choice in Japan. If you don’t have your own indoor footwear, you can usually borrow a pair. In Asian culture, there is even a dedicated room or hallway to leave your shoes and change to indoor shoes. A Genkan is the Japanese word for a room like this.
Although bedroom slippers have their place, you may discover that your flip flop collection is my more adaptable. Sandals allow your feet to breathe and protect the flooring in someone else’s home from filth and grime. They cut down on shoe traffic and offer full floor protection at the same time!
Conclusion
Wearing flip-flops inside in the fall might seem strange at first, but there are many useful reasons to do so. Flip-flops are a smart choice because they can protect your home from dangerous chemicals, make your carpets last longer, and give you a comfortable, cushioned step. Also, following a “no shoes inside” rule not only helps keep things clean, but it also shows good manners when visiting friends’ houses. And for people who like to travel, flip-flops are a great thing to have, especially in countries where it is normal to wear shoes inside. So, why not give it a try and see what the Flip Flop Life has to offer in terms of comfort, lightness, and ease?
It’s time to Do Life Right!
What are you waiting for? We hope these destinations inspire the spirit of adventure in you. Say goodbye to the city and hello to the open road!
Don’t forget to pack appropriately. You won’t need those stuffy business suits or constricting dress shoes. A comfy and stylish pair of flip flops will do.
Check out our flip flop reviews and recommendations here on Flip Flop Daily to find your perfect pair to take along on your life’s adventures.
