The modern flip-flop was originally made in New Zealand, where they are called Jandals.

(The flip-flop is not the only type of thong sandal. Many of the other types 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. Many different additions and variations of straps are possible. The variety of styles includes 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.

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 India (where it is immensely popular and called a Hawaii Chappal), 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 some 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.

In more developed countries, however, flip-flops are typically considered seasonal, disposable footwear. Depending on the material makeup of the shoe, the average pair of flip-flops lasts a year or less. The strap between the toes can snap very easily after moderate use, and although this problem can be solved by using replacement straps that are easily "snapped" into the flip-flop, most people do not bother to repair flip-flops because they are very inexpensive and easily replaced.