Gear ReviewsGo Outdoors

The SOLE Sport Flip

posted by gumptiongear May 17, 2012 0 comments

Since time immemorial, the flat flip has reigned supreme.  Like the sworn Knight of the Kings realm, people turned to the flat flip for comfort and peace of mind.  Yet in reality, the flip flop has been little more than a feudal lord with paper promises of comfort.  All the while, treating our feet like a peasant toiling the fields of futility.

Now, a revolution is afoot.  The time has come to overthrow the tyrannical reign of the flat flip.  Led by SOLE, where classic design meets comfort-enhancing tech, feet will finally be provided the true freedom, comfort and support for which their fore-footers have longed.

On Comfort and Performance…
After a long winter of subjecting our feet to dungeon-esque conditions, we understandably want to expose them to the fresh summer air.  Yet, there’s a problem.  With little cushioning and no arch support, the traditional flat flip forces wearers into an unnatural, toe-gripping, foot-slapping gait.

Here’s where SOLE is different.  By crafting a flip flop with an anatomically contoured midsole, customized support and comfort enhancing tech, the SOLE Sport Flip treats your foot like a dynamic and unique masterpiece – because that’s what it is.

Like the unique stylings of a family crest, the SOLE design team tops off the midsole with a Wear Moldable™ footbed.  Over time, the footbed conforms to the contours of your foot providing lasting comfort.

Every step we take begins when the heel makes contact with the ground (aka the “heel strike”).  Like knights in a joust, the heel strike is a virtual collision with the ground.  With each strike, up to three times the body’s weight can be exerted on the bones and tissues of the heel.  This puts the heel under tons of stress, especially if it is not properly supported.

SOLE Sport Flips have a deep heel cup that reduces pressure by redistributing the body’s weight over a greater surface area on the sole of the foot.  By improving pressure distribution, foot comfort is improved dramatically.

Between the Wear Moldable™ footbed and deep heel cup, the SOLE Sport Flips are like your favorite recliner, cradling you in zen like bliss. Add in a metatarsal pad and wide platform that allows the foot to splay naturally, and your foot will already be thankful.   

When the rubber hits the road, these flips have long-lasting synthetic rubber in the high wear areas under the forefoot and heels to grip the sand and provide extra durability for your summer wandering.

And because SOLE doesn’t want you to be shunned from the next summer feast, the Sport Flips feature Polygiene® antimicrobial agent to control odor on the footbed.  We will note however that we cannot ensure this means you’ll be granted the King’s seat at the head of the table.

The Critique…
The SOLE Sport Flips feature gender specific polyurethane straps designed to follow the contours of the foot.  And while the strap of the SOLE Sport Flips are the most ‘stretchy’ of the SOLE line-up, they also have a very snug fit.  The result is a break-in period that can prove to be fairly unforgiving on the top of the foot.

SOLE does offer tips on breaking in your sandals here.  Additionally, you can take solace in the fact that once you put in the time, your feet will be rewarded with a fit that cradles you in a level of comfort you’ve never before experienced in a pair of flips.

Bottom Line…
The reign of the flat flip is over. Long live the new King and Queen of flip comfort. Long live SOLE Sport Flips.

 

MSRP: $69.00
MANUFACTURER: SOLE (www.YourSole.com)
RETAIL AVAILABILITY: www.YourSole.com and other online retailers
AVAILABILITY: While some colors in various sizes are already out of stock, SOLE generally offers Men’s in sizes 7-14 and Women’s in sizes 5-11