When I was learning the English language, a thong was something you wore, in pairs, on your feet. Now, I can't even think the word "thong" without having the image of a certain skimpy undergarment pop into my (too graphic) mind. I tried wearing one, once, just so I'd know if it feels as uncomfortable as it looks. It does. (I'm not wild about flossing my teeth, either ... but at least that has some redeeming social value.)
For the same reason that I don't like thong underwear, I have never been a fan of thong footwear -- or what are now commonly referred to as "flip-flops." I don't like things between my toes (or other parts of my body), and all the flip-flops I've ever tried have literally rubbed me the wrong way, giving me blisters and sore arches. They also tended to fall apart easily, leaving me worse than barefoot.
Thongs are on my mind today because I had to wear a pair for about an hour over the weekend. Oi!
I should explain that Sue and I luxuriated in a tandem pedicure on Saturday, enjoying the lavender scrub and shimmering nail polish while we chatted with the technicians. It was heavenly -- until we realized that neither of us had brought open-toed shoes to wear while the nail polish dried! So we each bought a disposable set of thongs and strolled carefully down the street for 1/2 hour to prevent smudging. Fortunately, the weather was perfect for walking arm in arm, reminiscing and continuing to catch up on 10 years of each others' lives.
But, oh! My feet did NOT enjoy those pedicure thong slippers! For one thing, the sole is about a sixteenth of an inch thick, with no support -- it's just a thin sheet of foam between me and the street. For another, the piece of plastic stuck between my toes was KILLING me ... digging into tender skin that had been left untouched for, lo, these 30 years, since last I wore a shoe which forced itself between my first and second toes.
My dilemma was this: I loved the pedicure. But I owned no shoe that would leave the nail polish unspoiled and allow me to leave the premises without hurting myself -- either between the toes, or by stepping on a sharp object that would cut through the sole of these flimsy flip-flops like a hot knife through butter.
So I went looking for a sturdier alternative. I justified this extravagant purchase by reasoning that I could also wear them as shower shoes when (if) I (ever) went back to the health club.
Surprise! I can't believe what I found! Check out the Okabashi! I never dreamed there was a thong built so sturdy and shaped with the support my feet need, which would also be inexpensive and waterproof! Best of all, the piece that goes between my tender little toes is nicely smooth and rounded, and doesn't hurt at all.
These could be my new favorite pair of summer shoes.
Now I'm thinking I might need a pair in turquois, and one in black, and one in white ....
Oh, and one for the beach, like the woman in this cartoon? Whaddya think?
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4 comments:
LOVE the cartoon!!! Oh, thank you for that morning chuckle! One question about these paragons of pedicureal footwear - do the straps rub on the tops of your feet? I've had that problem with plastic flip-flops before.
Glad you enjoyed the cartoon!
I know what you mean ... I've had the same top-of-the-foot experience in the past with flip-flops.
I've worn the Okabashi thongs around the house for a few days now, and haven't experienced that rubbing/slicing of the tender skin on the top of my foot. Now, bear in mind I haven't run across a beach or trucked across the campus of George Williams College, yet, with these on. But so far, no problems!
I bought mine for $7.99 at Walgreen's, so they're even less expensive than on the website. Might be worth a try to see how they feel on YOUR feet?
Sharon, loved the cartoon, loved your descriptions of thongs. It was such a fun time Saturday doing the pedicure. I so love the way you write. It's so lyrical and descriptive. I feel like I'm eating a sundae when I sit down to read your thoughts and musings! Just lovely.
I'll have to look for them next time I'm at Walgreen's! I also have to find some "professional" shoes for the summer - no open toes, which is a challenge...
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