Flip flops can be said to be one of the most-used inventions. The comfort they provide has made them a staple footwear across generations throughout the globe. Despite the abundant uses of flip flops, not many know of its origins. So, here are seven fun facts about flip flops you probably did not know.

• Flip flops found their origins from the Japanese footwear zori. American soldiers bought back pairs of these shoes during World War II. By the 1960s, this footwear was renowned for being comfortable during summer and on the beach.
• Flip flops got their name from the sound that is made when walking around wearing them.
• Today, flip flops are used all over the world though they may not be known as “flip flops” everywhere. For example, they are known as slippers in Hawaii; tongs in Cambodia; slops in South Africa; and sayonares in Greece.
• The oldest pair of flip flops have been shown to date around 1550 B.C. to 1307 B.C. They were found in Europe and were made out of papyrus leaves.
• Flip flops have been fashioned and worn in many different ways over the years. The Greeks wore them by adding their toe strap between the first and second toes. The Romans wore them by adding the toe strap between the second and third toes.
• The most expensive flip flop in the world costs around $18,000. It was produced by the company Chipkos and painted by the artist David Palmer. The pair is topped off and adorned with a handmade 18-carat solid gold emblem of Chipkos.
• Flips flops may be the most comfortable footwear, but they are definitely not the healthiest. They are known to cause minor injuries as they do not provide support to the feet. They can cause ankle sprains, overpronation, and even flat feet. Other common conditions caused due to flip flops are blisters and tendonitis.