Hollywood, MD – Summer is about to arrive and your summer wardrobe wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous pair of flip flops! These colorful sandals got their name from the obnoxious sound they make while walking in them. Although flip flops are a staple of American culture, these shoes have been around since the beginning of time. It started in ancient Egypt, around 4000 B.C., when the thonged sandals were made of papyrus and palm tree leaves. Other ancient civilizations, such as India, China, and Japan, began to embrace the flip flop as well. Flip flops didn’t become popular in the U.S., however, until after World War II. When the war ended, American soldiers brought home the zori, or the Japanese flip flop. These shoes boomed onto the scene during the warm, weather days of the 1950s and 60s, thus becoming the symbol for the American summer.
To honor these beloved shoes, every third Friday in June is declared National Flip Flop Day. This day was founded in 2007 by Tropical Smoothie Cafe to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its opening. National Flip Flop Day is not only used to celebrate the cafe’s anniversary, but Tropical Smoothie Cafe uses the day as a fundraiser for Camp Sunshine in Maine. Camp Sunshine is a year-round program for critically ill children and their families. So celebrate National Flip Flop Day by wearing flip flops with your summer outfit!