The flip-flop is not the only type of thong sandal. Other types exist, many of which are dressier and more formal than simple flip-flops. A basic thong sandal is held on the foot by a strip that fits between the first and second toes and is connected to a strap usually passing over the top or around the sides of the foot. Some thong sandals have a strap that forms a loop around the first (big) toe. However, many different additions and variations of straps are possible. Thong sandals come in a variety of styles such as women's heels, slides, and wedges, or kitten heels.

Flip-flops have a style of their own, different from other types of shoes. These dressier versions of the thong sandal are often made of leather, suede, patent leather, metallic finishes, fabric and other textiles. Based upon prevailing fashion, they are sometimes embellished with buckles, jewelry, fringes, medallions and beading. In their more formal incarnations, thong sandals are interchangeable with any other dressy sandal, and are often worn as dress shoes. The term "flip-flop" is not generically used to describe this dressier style of thong sandal.

Because of the popularity of thong sandals as dress shoes, hosiery manufacturers make hose (stockings) with a gap between the first toe and second toes to accommodate the thong.

Uses and fashions

Weasel: date=December 2007 Flip-flops are a very basic type of footwear — essentially a thin rubber sole with two simple straps running in a Y from the sides of the foot to the join between the big toe and next toe. Some include a strap along the back heel. The popular use of flip-flops as simple warm climate beach or outdoor wear has spread through much of the world, although it is most common in Australia, New Zealand, USA, Brazil, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia.

In most developing countries, rubber flip-flops are the cheapest footwear available – typically less than $1, and many measures are used to reduce cost, such as making them out of recycled tires . Because of this, they are very widely used in these countries as typical footwear instead of a fashion statement. Despite their disposable design, street vendors will repair worn sandals for a small fee.

Flip-flops are very economic shoes not just in developing countries, but also in countries such as the US. They are generally very cheap, and made to be disposable. The strap between the toes can snap very easily after moderate use, but this problem was somewhat alleviated with the invention of replacement straps that could be "snapped" back into place on a shoe. Still, the average life expectancy of a pair is perhaps only a year or so, not counting the strap, depending on the material make-up of the soles.