When you hear flip flops, a type of open-toed footwear with a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap between the toes. Also known as thongs, it’s the kind of shoe you grab when your feet are wet, the floor is cold, or you just want to feel like you’re on vacation—even if it’s raining in Galway. People in Ireland use the words "flip flops" and "thongs" like they mean the same thing. But they don’t. Not really. And in a country where damp floors, muddy boots, and sudden downpours are part of daily life, that tiny difference matters more than you think.
Technically, a thong, a style of sandal with a single strap between the toes and two side straps connecting to the sole. Commonly used in Australia and parts of Europe to describe what Americans call flip flops. is the original name for that simple design: one strap between the toes, two straps holding it to the foot. "Flip flop" came later, named after the sound it makes when you walk. In Ireland, most people say "flip flops," even if they’re buying what’s technically a thong. But here’s the real issue: not all flip flops are made for Irish weather. The flimsy ones you get at the beach in July? They fall apart by September. The ones people actually wear indoors—like the lightweight, quick-drying Hawaii slippers, a category of indoor footwear designed for damp homes, often made from synthetic materials that dry fast and resist mold. Popular in Irish homes for entryways, bathrooms, and kitchens.—they’re built to last. They’re not just for summer. They’re for wet mornings, muddy kids, and bare feet on tile floors after a long day.
What you’re really choosing isn’t just a name—it’s a lifestyle. Do you want something that looks cute but won’t survive a walk from the car to the door? Or something that handles rain, dog paws, and spilled milk without falling apart? The best ones in Ireland aren’t the flashiest. They’re the ones with grippy soles, padded footbeds, and materials that don’t hold water. Brands that make them for Irish homes don’t call them thongs. They call them indoor slippers. And they’re not sold on tourist beaches. They’re sold in local shops next to wool-lined slippers and waterproof work boots.
So when you see "flip flops" or "thongs" in our collection, don’t just think beach. Think bathroom. Think hallway. Think kids running in with wet socks. Think of the Queen’s quiet preference for sturdy, simple footwear—because in Ireland, comfort isn’t about style. It’s about survival. And the posts below show you exactly what works, what doesn’t, and why the right pair makes more difference than you’d guess.
Curious about what Australians mean by 'thong'? Discover the fun mix-up, why ‘thongs’ aren’t what you think, and the Irish take on summer sandals.
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