Aging Through Arch Support
The shoes I wear the most are flip flops. I have worn flip flops on the subway in NYC (I am very aware of how gross that is) and in the snow in North Carolina. Growing up in Miami, flip flops were a way of life - they match most outfits, they give your toes some air from the vicious heat and humidity and the ease of taking them on and off is unmatched. When I left Miami back in 2014, I sure as hell didn’t leave my love of flip flops behind.
With time though, my body has started to question this shoe loyalty. What I used to consider the most comfortable shoes have started to take a toll on my feet after simply wearing them to work. Nowadays, I come home with my feet burning and the anticipation of getting to toss them against the room the minute I get through the door. In all honesty, this feels like a betrayal, I own a crazy amount of flip flops, but I may have found a solution. Important to note that I did not find a solution to getting older, but to finding shoes that I can age gracefully with.
Scrolling online I came across Archies. Let it be known I have seen and known about the existence of orthopedic flip flips before - but they were so bulky and expensive, they weren’t a viable replacement. Archies though were more streamlined and oddly thin for a shoe offering arch support and claiming to be “the world’s comfiest flip flops.” At $40 a pop, I knew I had to try it. At first, knowing they existed was promising, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that getting my first pair of orthopedic-friendly shoes didn’t hurt my pride a little. Am I old?
In all honesty, I am very early in the trial phase of my Archies - but I wrote this now anyway because it was love at first try on. Compared to my usual Old Navy flip flops (these specifically have been my go-to for years), these are a cloud - they hug my feet, are surprisingly thin and felt like a sigh of relief the second I put it on. If this comfort is what getting old is all about, sign me up, I’ll deal with my pride later.
Super into:
The comfort level - there is 2.2cm of ortho arch support that you can feel immediately
The thick foam its made of - okay, I don’t technically know if its foam but it feels super thick and foamy
That they aren’t bulky - I hate a chunky shoe, its a personal vendetta. Given they’re ortho-friendly, its insane how sleek and slim these look via side profile
The price! I don’t know how familiar y’all are with ortho-friendly shoes, but they are quite pricey, especially in contrast to places like Old Navy. These for $40 are a bargain compared to a shoe that’s typically averaging $100
The fact that these shoes are one-piece - no plug, so you can’t accidentally yank it out after intensive wear and tear
How light they are - they weigh as much as the OG Old Navy rubber flip flops, but with infinitely more cushion
The solid color options - look, not as much as Old Navy, but they have 13 options which is pretty solid in terms of color choices
Wish it had:
More colors - Old Navy spoiled me, I’d love more options, though its a solid start
The ability to return and not pay for shipping costs - I understand the why, but its not ideal, especially when its not as accessible brick and mortar location-wise as other brands
A first time buyer discount code - I emailed and they got me a free shipping code, but thats available when you buy two pairs anyway, so didn’t make much of a different for me personally
A referral code to share with friends and family - especially if it helped the OG buyer rack up rewards to buy more (a win/win if you ask me)
Less squeakiness - they didn’t initially squeak when I bought them, but they are doing it a bit now, which I don’t love. I’m currently trying to fix that via Pinterest hacks, but it is a nuisance
Initially, the pain my shoes were causing me were a direct reminder that I am no longer 19, and that was a bit hard to take. It also reminded me that my comfort is important, and that I should be kind to my body who I have put through the ringer, and will continue doing so for (hopefully) quite a long time. Aging is going to be a long journey, but at least my inner Miami Girl will be comfortable along the way.
