“Clack, clack, clack.” It’s a sound anyone could pick out a mile away. I hear it everywhere on campus. The sound of flip-flops. Flip-flops aren’t just popular with college students. The well-liked sandals can be found anywhere you look: from my father’s office on Wall Street to formal functions, you will see flip-flops. A serious fashion faux pas, flip-flops also pose a health risks.
Once upon a time, flip-flops were popular only during warmer seasons. People would wear flip-flops to pools and beaches. These days, though, people are wearing flip-flops for all occasions and all seasons, including winter.
I don’t have a problem with flip-flops or sandals, in the right settings. I’m a swimmer; this makes sandals an important part of my wardrobe. One thing I do have a problem with is wearing sandals outside of a humid pool deck. I don’t like walking around with exposed feet if it’s cold. It’s not a smart idea.
I would even say it’s a stupid idea, and many health experts would agree. Feet are an area most likely to be affected by frostbite. According to WebMD, “frostbite is freezing of the skin and tissues below the skin.” Frostbite happens when skin is exposed to freezing temperatures for a certain period of time, and can result in a slight tingling to a complete freeze of the affected body part down to the bone. Numbness is sometimes permanent.
Despite the dangers, first-year Jen Banich swears by flip-flops.
“I don’t like shoes because they’re constricting,” she said, “I’d wear flip-flops in zero-degree weather.” Jen feels that coming from Boston gives her an edge on cold weather and is unconcerned by frostbite. She should be concerned; frostbite can affect anyone, regardless of upbringing.
People who wear flip-flops in colder weather are putting themselves at risk. It’s absurd to risk the loss of feeling in toes because flip-flops are more convenient than shoes to put on. Where has common sense gone? It makes sense to dress appropriately in cold weather.
There’s a time and a place for the flip-flop, such as beaches, pools and casual warm weather outings. Cold, wet winter days and formal settings do not fit in any of those categories. Despite frequently being criticized by the fashion world, flip-flops are still being worn to proms, businesses, and even the White House.
Known as the “flip-flop flap,” the Northwestern University women’s lacrosse team wore flip-flops when meeting the president. I may not be very fond of the president, or his policies, but I’d at least make an effort to look nice if I was invited to the White House.
A lot of people would disagree. However, when I make an entrance I prefer not to clack.