Seven Castles

Flip-flops

                                      

July 17, 2008

 

All cultures seem to have their "mode of dress" taboos.

 

Though there is a foot massage place at every block in China, I always felt there was a kind of schizophrenic attitude in the country towards open sandals and feet. They thought that feet had to be covered up and not to be shown off like in the West, not to mention a once horrible pre-occupation with foot binding in olden times. Toes were considered part of the anatomy not to be shown in public. It would be embarrassing both to the offender and the offended. Until very recently it was so unacceptable to wear flip-flops/sandals out on the street.

 

These days in Shanghai, you may notice that a lot of people are wearing flip-flops as daily shoes. Not just the people are selling stuff in markets but trendy people are also in flip-flops.

 

There are many types of flip-flops - flats, platforms, heels, clogs and no closed toed shoes. It is interesting to see that the flip-flop revolution in the West is catching on in China. And in fact, flip-flops originated in the East, but were popularized in the West! Anyway it seems the circle is now complete with their emergence into fashion in China. Ironically, all the flip-flops in America are made in China these days.

 

Actually the Chinese have been wearing "plastic" on their feet for years because they are cheap and durable and they can be worn in the rain. Many cheap flip-flops are made of plastic. They do not last long so they have not been seen as good value for money. These days China has the most amazing choices in footwear. For some, if they are shopping for anything, it is usually shoes.

 

However, at working places, wearing flip-flops seem to be a little floppy. Even though you like wearing flip-flops, you might not be allowed to wear them at the office. So sandals can be the best alternative.  

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2008年07月17日 星期四 04:52】【注册】【打印】