Compiled Artemis Pantelides
TRF Footwear Collection
Flip flops Birkenstock style! I liked these ones a lot, although perhaps they aren’t the best thing for the beach. Instead, I could see them being a summer-long replacement for sandals, and they seem like they’ll last well with everyday use. They are very comfortable with thick cushioned soles and the design provides support for your feet. Great for walking in and a snug fit for either wide or narrow feet as well. Finished with laced-effect straps and a cute bow, and decently priced too. A definite favourite.
Available from: Zara
Price: £19
Accessorize
A classic flip flop with a stylish innovation. The soft material straps are much more comfortable on your feet; they don’t chafe, and look great too! Although they wouldn’t fit wide feet, they felt good on narrower feet and have a thin but sturdy sole. The soles of this summery pair also have leather insoles, so your foot don’t stick in the heat like they would with rubber or plastic. Nothing amazing here, but a reasonable pair.
Available from: Accessorize
Price: £15.90
Converse
These are casual, colourful and soft, a bit itchy between the toes but comfortable for walking in. Still suitable for the beach, although you might want to save such a pretty pair for summer days in town! The wide material straps feel good on your feet, as does the material covered sole, which won’t stick in the heat. The rubber undersides have decent grip and are thick enough to cushion walking. On the downside, I can’t help but thinking that we’re paying for the brand name here. If you just want a pair for down at the beach, I’d save this £30 for something else.
Available from: Athlete’s World
Price: £29.90
Converse
A colourful rubber pair, perfect for the beach; the flat textured topside surface prevents sand build up, and they’re quick and easy to slip on and off. Although light enough that you hardly feel them on, the sole is thick and comfortably cushions your foot, making walking easy. The plastic-looking straps are actually leather, which I assume lessens stickiness and possible chaffing in the heat. This pair is good for both narrow and wide feet, and comes in three funky patterns at a good price.
Available from: Athlete’s World
Price: £17.90
Paul Frank
Another addition to this British designer’s collection, these flip flops feature his trademark monkey in a creative way. The soles are soft and cushion your feet and they are a great pair for the beach. One downside – the texture of the top-side looks as if it could be easily stained. Other than that, this pair are cute and simple. They also come in a variety of different colours and patterns (most featuring the monkey character), so you’re sure to find a pair to match your swimsuit.
Available from: 34
Price: £16.90
Von Dutch
A cool, light pair to wear, these flip flops have a very soft and thick rubber sole, with great grip on the top side to stop your feet sliding around in the sticky Cyprus heat. They are so soft that after a bit of use I can almost guarantee that they’d mould slightly to the contours of your feet, making them even more comfortable. Also available in pink.
Available from: 34
Price: £
Havaianas
Often hailed as ‘the best rubber flip flops in the world’, I was curious to see what the hype was all about. At first these look like a normal pair of flip flops, but on trying them, I could see what enthusiasts were on about. These are soft – but not too soft – and very comfortable. They cushion and support your foot, and are great for everyday use as they don’t allow your feet to slip around. The pictured pair are one of a few remaining of this special design, but a huge range of classic style flip flops are also available, in a multitude of colours and patterns. Starting at a very reasonable price, these flip flops are a great choice.
Available from: SoBe boutique, Nicosia. Tel: 22 452559
Price: from £12
