A sign of power, a flip-flop throwing contest…: the story of a piece of plastic becoming a superstar | TF1 INFORMATION

Originally, wearing flip-flops was a symbol of power, especially in ancient Egypt.

This iconic shoe has traveled to the four corners of the world, from Japan to Brazil.

Victor Dekyvère returns to the wonderful story of a piece of plastic, a symbol of globalization, in Hello! The Matinale TF1.

It is an essential accessory in the summer when it is too hot to wrap your feet in shoes or sneakers. We are, of course, talking about flip-flops. This little piece of plastic is our best friend at campsites or on the beach and it’s an invention that has been around for thousands of years. Very popular in France, it even has the right to a world championship that will be held in Lancaneau at the end of this week. Victor Dekyvère tells us the little story about the flip-flop in Good morning ! Morning TF1.

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Millennium shoe

We have to go back to the time of the Pharaohs and ancient Egypt to find the first traces of flip-flops. At that time, this little shoe was a symbol of power. In 1922, archaeologists found at least 47 pairs of flip-flops in Tutankhamun’s tomb. They were made of gold, mother-of-pearl and wood and on the coins the enemies were crushed by the ruler.

It was Japan that made the flip-flop a popular accessory. In the land of the Rising Sun, this shoe, made of straw, was worn by farmers who worked in the rice fields to avoid damaging their feet in the rain. The elites in town will steal the idea, build the base with little wooden slides. Wearing a kimono was then the height of chic.

As a symbol of globalization…

In the 1950s, the United States and then Brazil removed flip-flops and made them out of rubber. The piece of plastic becomes a symbol of globalization. Now made in South America or Asia, they are sold at low prices around the world. It is also a symbol of plastic pollution, especially with countless flip-flops abandoned on beaches every summer.

…and danger to our feet

Comfortable at the time, no flip-flops it is not very good for the health of our feet. The podiatrist Virginie Ruet explains that she receives many patients at the beginning of the school year with various pathologies.heels, arches, but also blisters, fungus and bacteria“. In addition, this shoe does not support the front or back of the foot, increasing the risk of broken or broken toes. Doctissimochiropodist-podiatrist Philippe Pourcel reminds us that flip-flops can “presents a risk in patients who already suffer from static disorder, as there is a risk of worsening“.