How to Fix a Flip Flop

by tropicalfrost

111K3838

Intro: 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.

STEP 2: Add a Thing

I used a short piece of wire (16 gauge i think). First i pinched it in half with pliers, with the middle fold allowed to stay a little wider so it doesn't slip out.
(The finished wire ends up being shaped like a fish- perfect for the flip flop theme!)

So, holding the fish head with one set of pliers, the free ends were bent apart using another set of pliers. Great you're done!
Also, the extra 1/8" of peg at the end keeps the wire far enough away so that it doesn't scratch the floor.

39 Comments

JenniferD16 8 years ago

the peg or post is called a zoris

rogerio.bilotta 9 years ago

in Brasil we put a single pin, like to use in walls/wood, on the place broke

redfoxtrystman 10 years ago

I had the same problem as one post on here the thong poped out the hole. What I did was take a plastic bread clip you know the square plastic ones not the tie ones. Well throw that on and a piece of tape to help it stay in place. And poof all fixed. As for one breaking off I think I will try this. The only thing I will change is some hot glue over the cotter pin to protect hardwood and carpet flooring. Thank you for your idea.

Adlcastle 12 years ago

I made a similar repair, but I used a safteypin through the hole, I think this might scratch less.

JohnDeere312 12 years ago

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

martinsebas77 13 years ago

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

junits15 13 years ago

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

kirnex 13 years ago

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

junits15 13 years ago

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 13 years ago

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 13 years ago

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

caarntedd 13 years ago

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

caarntedd 13 years ago

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.

nickodemus 13 years ago

Wow...   How countries differ.

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

Cephus 13 years ago

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 13 years ago

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 13 years ago

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

FlameRazor 13 years ago

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