Flip flops are the quintessential footwear choice for summer adventures, offering comfort, breathability, and effortless style. Whether you’re lounging poolside, strolling along the beach, or exploring a new city, these versatile sandals are your go-to companions. But even the toughest flip flops can break down after a while of heavy use. Don’t throw them away as soon as you see damage. Instead, get creative and give them a new second chance. You can extend the life of your beloved flip flops by taking some basic maintenance and repair steps.
- Assess the Damage
Take a moment to examine the state of your flip flops before you start fixing them. Are the straps worn? Is the sole worn down? Figuring out what needs to be done will help you decide what the best next step is.
- Clean and Prep
First, clean your flip flops well to get rid of all the dirt, dust, and other things that are stuck on them. Use water and gentle soap to scrub the straps and soles gently. Rinse them off and let them dry inside out. This step not only makes your flip flops look better, but it also helps any repair materials stick better.
Check out our full guide about how to Deep Clean your Flip Flops!
- Reinforce Straps
The straps are one of the most common parts of flip flops that get worn down. If you see that they are breaking or getting weak, add a layer of glue to make them stronger. Put a little strong glue along the ends of the straps and press them together tightly. Wait until the glue is fully dry before putting it on.
- Patch Up Holes
If you don’t fix small holes or tears in the bottom of your flip flops, they can quickly get worse. Use strong glue or a special shoe repair patch to fix them. Just put the patch or glue over the damaged area and smooth out any air bubbles. Let it dry completely before putting it on.
- Change Worn-Out Soles
If the soles of your flip flops are thin or worn down, you might want to get new ones. A lot of places that fix shoes will change the soles for a reasonable price. You can also buy shoe pads with adhesive on the back and put them on yourself for a quick fix.
- Preventative Maintenance
Do some preventative care on your flip flops every day to make them last longer. Avoid using them for activities that will put too much stress on the straps or soles, like long walks or sports that are very intense. When you’re not wearing them, keep your flip flops in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight so they don’t fade or break.
- Rotate Your Collection
If you really love flip flops, you might want to rotate your collection so that the wear is spread out more fairly. By switching between pairs, you give each one a chance to rest and heal, which makes them last longer.
- Embrace DIY Repairs
When you need to fix something, don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether you use duct tape or sew on new straps, there are many creative ways to fix common flip flop problems. When you try to fix things around the house, just remember to put safety and comfort first.
We’ve come up with a handy guide with the best Flip Flop Hacks and DIY repairs here!
- Invest in Quality
Lastly, invest in high-quality flip flops from reputable brands. Even though they cost more, well-made flip flops will last longer and last longer, saving you money in the long run.
Your favorite flip flops will last longer than you think. The beauty of their simple design is that they’re also simple to clean, maintain and fix. So, show your flip flops some love and keep them out of a landfill by following these easy tips!
It’s time to Do Life Right!
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