9 Most Inventive Flip Flops Of Summer 2009

Summer's coming to a close, and it's time to start reflecting on all of those fond memories of beaches and margaritas, and while we're at it, let's not forget about the fashion. Summer 2009 brought some truly innovative and inventive fashion. A favorite summer staple, the flip flop popped up in a variety of forms that were fashionable, functional and wacky.

#9 Most Inventive Flip Flop - The Fitflop Fitness Sandal

Fitflop

Before Stitches released their brand of running shoe designed to tone the legs and gluts and tighten the abs, Fitflop created a sandal design following the same concept. Fitflops were designed to recreate the feeling of taking a walk in the sand with your bare feet. The Fitflip is available in designs that are suitable for the beach bum or the urban fashionista. Fitflop has recently expanded its empire so it's good for more than just warm climates or the summer season; there are also boots and shoes now available from the line!

#8 Most Inventive Flip Flop - The Yoga Flip Flop

Yoga Sandals

They might look like flip flops, but these sandals are missing one fundamental element of the flip flop - the motion and the sound! Unlike the Fitflops above which are designed to give you the benefits of exercise while you go about your daily business, the Swamisz Yoga Footwear line offers the comfort and flexibility you need to practice yoga and get in shape! Wearers receive comfort and flexibility since the sandals are only held on by a toe plug and an ankle strap.

#7 Most Inventive Flip Flop - The Living Flip Flop

Living Sandals

This summer Krispy Kreme gave away living flip flops to their customers with the intent of giving stressed out urban commuters an element of green space for rejuvenation. These flip flops were the first living grass sandals with more than 5,000 blades of grass built into the sole of every shoe.

#6 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Flip Flop Socks

Flip Flop Socks

Despite the comfort you receive from flip flops when your feet have the opportunity to be free, some rather new or old can cause blisters and rub between your toes or the top of your foot. Since you can't very well go against that old fashion faux pas of wearing socks with sandals in flip flops, someone decided to create the thong sock!  Olympia T-Tongs come in 10 different colors and can be customized with beads and other sock accessories.  

#5 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Flip Flop Drink Holders

Flip Flop Cup Holder

When you go to the beach, it's hard to find a good place to put your drink down, so Tomasso Colio created a stylish flip flop that doubles as a drink holder. Now when you go to the beach, you can take your shoes off to feel the sand between your toes and instead use your sandal for your drink.

#4 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Flip Flop Mop

Flip Flop Mop

These might not be stylish to wear out of the house, but they sure are good for quick clean up in your home to deal with messes and spills. With the Flip Flop Mop, you no longer need to worry about bending over to clean up after yourself. This is one fashion that's definitely for the lazy homemaker. They're not for sale yet, but as part of a design project, hopefully they will come available soon.

#3 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Drink Dispensing Flip Flops

Reef Dram Sandals

The Reef Dram Sandals are perfect for a trip to the beach. They contain an inner tube that allows wearers to slyly stash their favorite drink and take it with them everywhere they go. This is one fashion perfect for the alcoholic who tries to hide their addiction, because the flip flop itself is so nondescript, no one would ever suspect a thing!

#2 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Metal Detecting Flip Flops

Metal Detector Flip Flops

These flip flops are ideal for beachwear, and for those who love to hunt for buried treasure in the sand, they're in luck because these flip flops have metal detector technology built right in. The battery pack straps to your calf, so it's not necessarily the most discreet, but once you find your fortune any other beach goers will be nothing but jealous!

#1 Most Inventive Flip Flop - Purse Flip Flops

Purse Flip Flops

When hitting the beach, it's hard to know where to put your keys, your identification and your credit card, especially if you're a lady who is lacking pockets on her swimwear. Like the drink dispensing flip flops, this unique design is by Reef Brazil, and it has a drawer built into the heel for onboard storage. This might not be the flip flop with the most inventive or innovative design compared to those listed above; but based on it's practical function, it's my personal favorite!

Via: Trend Hunter