How to fix a flip flop

They always break in the same place and i hate throwing them away. I know they're only like $1 (actually i found mine tangled among some bullshit in the James River) but whatever, why replace everything all the time?

Fixing this took maybe 3 minutes- let's learn a new thing!

Step 1 Hey what happened?

The little stopper that holds the strap to the front underside broke off my flip flops.

As you've definitely already realized, i'm posting this in October and live in Rhode Island- so why do i care about this right now? Because flip flops are great indoor winterwear because they keep the cold floor separate from the feet without having to be trapped inside slippers or socks. In fact, i found i stay warmer indoors when i wear a hood or hat, sweater, pants, and flip flops. Something about being able to feel the cold air.

Anyway, drill a hole across the end of the peg, above where the stopper that broke off used to be. By peg i mean the thing that goes between your toes.

Comments

[JohnDeere312]

OMG, this happens to me ALL the time. Thanks a bunch.

[WytBoy]

(removed by author or community request)

[martinsebas77]

Thanks!!! I don't want to buy new ones. No es laucha es practico!!!

[junits15]

I've heard its better to walk barefoot than with flipflops

[kirnex]

If you want to risk potential various ailments such as parasitic worms, plantars warts, athlete's foot, etc. have at it.

[junits15]

supposedly the position they put your foot in is so bad that its better to risk all of those things while walking barefoot than ware flipflops.

[sparkleponytx]

Well, I want to commend you for your attitude! I am glad that you aren't a waster and are a real DIY kinda person. Good for you.

[kirnex]

A dab of hot glue larger than the diameter of the thong hole would work too (now that just sounds dirty).

[Mike McGill]

When I was in the RAF we used to have access to cotton rope. Cut two pieces about 15 inches long, splice them together at one end to make the bit that goes between your toes. Push the spliced bit through the front hole and tie a stopper knot on it. Thread the other two ends through the rear holes after trimming to length, and tie more stopper knots. Don't know if you can still get cotton rope. Synthetic is too scratchy. This won't scratch anybody's floor.

[purplewg]

Why not just buy a new pair for $2 or use shoe goo or Goop. No wires. For a quick emergency fix the wire fix is a good idea till you can save up the $2.

[caarntedd]

A big safety pin is good for an emergency repair if you're on the go.

[caarntedd]

You might find this funny. In Australia we call these thongs. So I might say to you that I was walking down the street and snapped my thong, but I managed an emergency repair with a safety pin, and continued happily on my way.

[lanchie]

In Croatia we call it "japanese", because the origin shoe (wooden zori) derives from Japan.

[jellybean0k]

ROFL

[Twotim221]

In Guam they call them zories or slippers.

[nickodemus]

Wow...   How countries differ.

In US, we call a "Beanie" hat a "Toboggan", but in Canada, a Toboggan is a sled.

[Sapphrina]

I was raised in NJ and we called sleds toboggans, then when I got to FL my nephew called a tobaggan a cap, we got into a discussion about it until I found out about it on the internet... S(*)

[FlameRazor]

In US we call it a beanie. I don;t know where you;re from, or how you were raised.... but yeah.

[nickodemus]

Tennessee area, and ain't is a word.

[Cephus]

Must be a regional thing. I grew up in the Bay Area in the 70s and called them 'thongs' as well.Now, at 46 years old, I never heard a beanie called a toboggan. I also think of that as a sled.

[Kasm279]

Im out here in the midwest. This type of footwear is a flip flop, a tobaggon is a sled, and a beanie is a beanie. Never heard it called a toboggan.

[Father Christmas]

Agreed. I also have never heard a beanie called a toboggan.

[SmAsH!]

Yep, can be very confusing at times...

[mounces]

I'm thinking you could use something non-scrathing, like a tiny zip-tie...

[Thinkenstein]

Maybe if the material was clean, a dab of Gorilla Glue could take the place of the wire and avoid any floor scraping problems.

[iac]

Just be carefull that the metal cotter pin doesn't scratch / gouge wood & linoleum flooring.

[gizmovision]

goto craft store buy new pair 1.00 save on repairing someones hard wood floor, hundreds of dollars!

[jaysbob]

or just walk around in bare feet; thems is nature's flip-flops.

[Verga]

Two words: Dog poop

[Servelan]

Great idea for fixing something still usable. BTW, your 'thing' is called a cotter pin.

[bahiarca]

nahh eso es de laucha!! compra ojotas nuevas!!!

[mason0190]

my issue is the fabric aove the stopper ripped so when my foot goes up the stopper slips thru the hole and i have to push it back in every 2 steps; rly annoying

[pirateaboard]

That's great until your metal scratches up someone's hardwood floor.

[Little Bear]

Why not just put a little piece of tape over the wire to keep it from scraping the floor. It is quick and easy to do and if it comes off just put another one on it. Be sure to clean the place where the tape is to stick. You can use either black electrician's tape or duck tape.