Add Straps to Flip Flops?

[Brad W]

Has anyone added heel straps to flip flops? My Teva Katavi flip flops are my go to sandal and I would love to hike more in them but a heel strap would really make them that much better when going up and down hills.  Here is what they look like. Any ideas? 

[Mike B]

Brad what if you put a hole in the existing strap that you could loop some cord or a strap through.

Pardon the terrible drawing, but something like this?

[Brad W]

That could work. It’s a thick material but maybe sew some type of nylon strap and put velcro on the ends so it could be adjusted? I would have to sew the velcro on as well. Not sure how it would feel rubbing on the heel. Or maybe something like this? 

[Mike B]

To try it out you could loop the strap or tie some cord around instead of putting a hole through it.

[JCH]

I bet padded trekking pole hand staps would work well.

[Brad W]

JCH – Interesting idea. I have seen some DIY straps with neoprene on the inside for comfort here as well.

[Pierre-Yves C]

There are many examples of DIY sandals you could get inspiration from. Try searching for “huaraches” too, or go to xeroshoes.com.

On one model I made, I used a fabric elastic exercise resistance band, simply knotted through large eyelets. One another one I used a piece of inner tube. Both worked well. Overall, I found that a large band was much mode confortable on the heel than a thin cord like the front straps I used on the sandals.

Looking at your model of sandals, it looks like you could easily punch the strap and add 2 eyelets, not the lighest solution, but easier than sewing thick fabric IMO.

[Brad W]

Thanks Pierre. The elastic material seams like a good idea. Having paracord tight enough to not slip off the heel may cause pain at the toe strap as it’s forcing it into the foot.

[Diane “Piper” Soini]

I once used my shoelaces as heel straps on a pair of flip-flops. Basically doing what Mike B’s picture shows but without punching any holes. I think I both wound the laces behind my heels and across over the top of my foot. It worked well enough to hike for 15 miles, or the rest of that day. I had really bad blisters on my toes that day.

[Haiku]

When I hiked the AT I took a pair of hiker box flips, cut off the plastic thong thing (I ALWAYS get blisters between my toes) and used zpacks elastic cord to do a xero-shoes no-toe style lacing (like tevas).  I used these in camp and in showers (also 2 nasty water crossings).  They served their purpose for less than 3 oz total.  That being said they weren’t worth it for me to take with me on future trips.

[Les Waddel]

I switched to using sandals exclusively 10 years ago.  I hiked Mt. Whitney in sandals and run ultras.  here is a pic of what I use:

[Ben S]

@tridrles49 – what is that? Looks nice!

[Les Waddel]

Those are sandals I make.  The pic is of sandals I first started making 10 years ago.  They look a little different now but same style.  They’re the BEST!

[Ben S]

Rad!  They look great.  Looks like cork, foam, rubber soles.  Is that neoprene under the adjustable strap?  How long are they lasting you?

[Les Waddel]

Ben… I have made them with EVA midsole, 2mm Vibram climbing sole and leather or cork top.  Yes cushioning under the adjustable strap is 3mm neoprene.  I’ve run a few ultra’s in them.  Milage… I measured once a few years ago and got 1500 miles out of a pair but… I have a pair now that I figure I’d just keep using them till they fall apart.  They are wearing out on the bottom ( I keep layering with LiquiSole) and the tops are wearing down to the EVA.

[Les Waddel]

I would like to hike the TRT this summer and looks like there will still be snow so I have Neoprene booties and cleats to wear with my sandals… I’ll see how they do!  Ha!

[Ben S]

Awesome! Thanks for all the info.

[Jasmine P]

I know this reply is like 5 years too late, but it looks like there are companies that sell heel straps for your flip flops.

https://www.strip-straps.com

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