9 Ways To Know When To Replace Your Flip Flops

There is probably no greater summer staple than flip flops. No matter how many trends come and go, flip flops have proven that they’re here to stay — but how can you know when it's time to replace your flip flops? Because the thing is, whether you love them or you hate them, there are always some clear-cut signs that it’s time to say adios to your overused footwear. And besides, even the best summer flip flops can be super easy (and cheap) to replace.

Personally, I’m not the biggest flip flop fan, and I think that there is a plethora of other fun types of shoes you can wear that are a bit more stylish. I’m also not too crazy about the fact that flip flops are seemingly comfortable at first, but can be incredibly painful for your feet in the long run (no support!). However, I understand that everyone has their lazy days and sometimes you just need to throw something on quickly before heading out the door.

Throughout the summer, you may find yourself wearing new flip flops during your morning commute or at the beach, but everything has its breaking point eventually. If you’ve ever experienced any of these mishaps, it’s time to ditch your sandals and move on with your existence.

1. When The Soles Are Too Thin

If you can feel the ground through your flip flops, it’s time to look for a new pair. You should not be able to feel the gravel under your toes, end of story.

2. When Your Flip Flops Are Fading And Become A Completely Different Color

This is a classic tell-tale sign: Your flip flips shouldn’t look like they’ve had all of the color sucked out of them. One of the best things about flip flops is the awesome colors that they come in, after all! Although, really, where did all of the color fade to anyway? Did it get stuck to the bottom of your feet? Who knows? But you’re not killing the shoe game if your flip flops are unrecognizable from the first time you bought them.

3. When You Constantly Trip Over Them

Maybe you’re clumsy, or maybe you’re not, but if your flip flops are making you trip over things constantly, it’s time to part ways. Besides, they’re probably too big anyway and you don’t want to be one of those annoying people who have extra space hanging off of their flip flips that others can awkwardly trip over.

4. When The Straps Are Hanging By A Thread

If you’ve ever worn down your flip flops to the point of no return, you probably know the feeling of having the thong strap break on you. It always conveniently happens at the worst possible time, like when you’re out and don’t have a spare pair of backup shoes — because really, why would you have a spare? I know it’s tempting to reach for the duct tape or crazy glue to piece back what feels like your entire life, but don’t. Just give up the flip flops and carry on!

5. When You Have Constant Heel Or Ankle Pain

If you’re struggling to get up in the morning because your feet constantly hurt from the torture of wearing flip flops, give them a rest. It’s one thing to wear flip flops to hang by the pool; it’s another thing entirely to find yourself hobbling all over town because you can’t fathom the idea of wearing anything else.

6. When They Have Holes At The Bottom

This one is pretty self-explanatory and not a good move at all. Holes or the distressed look might be a cute look for your jeans, but not for flip flops. Shell out the extra cash and buy a new pair. Wearing a pair of flip flops that is basically non-existent because of holes is a risky game — what if you step into a piece of glass? Eek.

7. When They’re Too Sturdy

The only thing worse than having halfway-broken flip flops is having a pair that you will never be able to break in. To put it simply, this is a losing battle that you will probably never win. These flip flops have no comfort to them whatsoever, so just give them up because you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life holding you back.

8. When Your Feet Are Always Dirty

For one reason or another, you might find that your feet slip out of your flip flops throughout the day, but if your heels are constantly 50 shades of grime, you need to get new shoes. Also, don’t try to prolong the use of these flip flops by wearing socks with them as an alternative. You’re better than that, and you deserve a pair of shoes that can actually provide the essentials like, you know, keeping your feet clean.

9. When They Don’t Look Good With Your Pedicure

It could be the style, material, or color of your flip flops that make or break your pedicure. But let’s be real: You did not just spend your hard-earned cash to use footwear that will clash with your toes. Also, for the love of god, please do not wear those foam flip flops that the salon gives you anywhere else besides on the walk from the nail salon to your car or house. Those things don’t even qualify as shoes.

Images: Getty; Giphy