After last summer was a complete wash out, I am really looking forward to this summer with optimism. I am sure that anything the weather throws at us this year can’t be anywhere near as bad as the constant rain we all experienced in the UK last year. This resulted in my spending all summer in pumps (and often, in my winter boots!) and my toes didn’t see the light of day. So this year, I’m determined to show off my pedicure in pretty sandals all summer long and, after the beautiful sunshine we’ve been enjoying the past couple of weeks, I’m going for it and getting myself some flip-flops!
In previous years, I’ve just gone for the cheapest flip-flops that I could find on the high street but I’ve learnt from bitter experience that this is a false economy. In the past I’ve been spotted hobbling home from a day out at the beach with broken straps hanging off my sandals, blisters and an actual scar from the toe-post rubbing between my big toe and second toe. One time, (my own fault) I played football in open-toed sandals and ended up with bruised toes for 6 months! Ouch indeed.
So this year I’m going for comfort and sturdiness so that my summer footwear actually lasts me all summer! I won’t say that I’m completely ignoring the cost, but I’m not going to be seduced by the under-a-fiver cheapy flip-flops in the budget high-street stores, because I know from experience that they don’t last and generally, hurt. So I’ve had a look around the internet (where I do most of my shopping) and found beach sports specialists JamHill and quickly developed a crush on most of their range. They stock the famous Ipanema range of flip-flops, which I know are super-comfortable and hard-wearing so I was happy to browse the massive range of colours and styles before deciding on a pair of Diamond sandals. While I was already ordering (and with their free returns policy in mind) I took a chance on a pair of flip-flops that I wouldn’t usually choose – the Grendha embellished sandals that were featured on the JamHill homepage.
When both pairs of sandals I was pleasantly surprised to find that both were very sturdy sandals – I’d expected the green Grendha flip-flops to be made of fabric and beads (which usually fall off pretty quickly), but the straps and embellishments were actually made from strong rubber, so I will be able to wear both pairs when paddling in the sea this summer without fear of anything popping off! I tried these on with trepidation because I’m not a fan of toe-post flip-flops but I found this pair surprisingly comfortable and I was able to wear them all day in the park without getting any rubbing injuries! I think this was because the straps around the top and the back of my foot kept the flip-flop in place rather than my toes doing all the work.
I was expecting a lot from my new Ipanema sandals, having read a lot of good reviews about them online. Luckily, these didn’t disappoint and I was comfortable in them from the minute I slipped them on. I especially loved the bright pink colour of these jelly-shoe-esque sandals (my girly, childish side came out as I skipped across the beach and straight into the surf!) and the geometric pattern on the sole is bang on-trend for spring/summer 2013. Another point to make is that these were size-perfect – it was as if someone had drawn around my foot and made a pair of sandals to fit – another factor that meant I found these flip-flops 100% comfy!
JamHill say that the footwear they sell are specially chosen for their comfort and durability, and I’m pleased to report that they have got it spot on. I’m very happy with my new sandals and I’m confident that they will last all summer and I’ll be able to pack them away ready for next summer too! Are you planning to get new sandals this summer? What do you think about flip-flops v sandals? What’s most important for you when choosing your summer footwear? Leave me a comment below 
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