You know the sound. That rhythmic thwack-slap against the pavement on a July afternoon. It's the unofficial soundtrack of American suburban summers, usually emanating from a pair of old navy flip flops men have been buying in bulk for decades.
Let’s be real for a second. We aren’t talking about high-fashion Italian leather here. We’re talking about a slab of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and a plastic thong strap. Yet, every year, like clockwork, guys who wouldn't be caught dead in a "trendy" store find themselves standing in front of that massive wall of rainbow-colored rubber at Old Navy. Why? Because they’re basically the white t-shirt of footwear. They’re cheap, they’re indestructible (mostly), and they require zero brain power to wear.
The Brutal Truth About the Quality
Honestly, if you go into this expecting arch support, you're going to be disappointed. These are flat. Like, pancake flat. If you have high arches or plantar fasciitis, wearing these for an eight-hour shift at a grill is basically a form of self-sabotage. Podiatrists like those at the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) generally warn against long-term wear of non-contoured flip flops because they force your toes to "grip" the footbed, which can lead to tendonitis over time.
But here is the thing: nobody wears Old Navy flip flops for a hike.
You wear them from the car to the sand. You wear them in the gym shower so you don't catch something funky. You wear them to take the trash out at 11:00 PM. For those specific use cases, the thinness is actually a feature. They weigh almost nothing. You can toss four pairs in a carry-on bag and it won't move the needle on the scale.
The material is usually a closed-cell EVA foam. This is important because it doesn't soak up water. If they get muddy or covered in salt water, you hit them with a garden hose and they’re brand new in thirty seconds. Compare that to a fancy "comfort" sandal with a suede footbed that stays soggy for three days and starts smelling like a locker room. No thanks.
Sizing and the Famous "Plug" Issue
If you’ve ever owned a pair, you’ve probably experienced the "blowout." This is when the circular plug at the bottom of the strap decides it no longer wants to be part of the shoe and pulls through the hole.
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It always happens at the worst time.
Usually, it's while you're walking through a crowded parking lot, leaving you hopping on one hot foot while trying to shove a sandy plastic strap back into a hole that’s now too stretched out to hold it. Pro tip: if you’re in a pinch, a bread tie or a small washer slid onto the strap underneath the sole can act as a temporary "stopper" to get you home.
As for sizing, old navy flip flops men versions typically run in whole sizes. If you’re a 10.5, you’re better off sizing up to an 11. Having your heel hang off the back of a rubber sandal is a one-way ticket to "blister city," especially where the strap meets the skin between your toes.
Why the Colors Matter
Every season, the palette changes. You’ll see the standard navy, black, and charcoal, but then there are the "bold" choices. Neon orange. Tropical prints. Stars and stripes for the Fourth of July.
There’s a weird psychological thing that happens with cheap sandals. Because they cost less than a fancy latte, men who normally only wear "safe" colors like khaki and grey suddenly feel empowered to wear bright teal footwear. It’s low-risk fashion. If you hate them after two weeks, you’ve lost five bucks. It’s the ultimate style laboratory for the average guy.
Sustainability vs. Disposable Culture
We have to talk about the elephant in the room: the environment.
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Because these are so cheap, they are often treated as disposable. Millions of pairs of EVA foam sandals end up in landfills every year. Unlike natural rubber or leather, EVA can take hundreds of years to decompose. In recent years, Old Navy’s parent company, Gap Inc., has made some noise about their "Old Navy Imagines" sustainability goals, aiming for more recycled content in their polyester and cotton, but the classic rubber flip flop remains a petroleum-based product for the most part.
If you want to be a bit more conscious, don't just toss them when the tread gets smooth. Some specialized recycling programs exist, though they can be hard to find. The best move is simply to take care of them so they last three summers instead of one. Don't leave them in a baking hot car; the heat can actually cause the foam to shrink and warp, turning your size 12s into size 9s overnight.
How to Style Them Without Looking Like a Slob
There is a fine line between "beach casual" and "I've given up on life."
If you're wearing old navy flip flops men styles with jeans, you are venturing into dangerous territory. It’s a polarizing look. Most style experts suggest keeping the flip flops strictly for shorts, swimwear, or linen trousers.
- The Beach Look: Board shorts, a linen button-down (unbuttoned, obviously), and classic navy sandals. This is the gold standard.
- The Post-Gym Look: Joggers and black flip flops. It says, "I just worked out and my feet need to breathe."
- The Backyard BBQ: 7-inch inseam shorts, a polo, and patterned flip flops.
Avoid wearing them to weddings. Even if it's on a beach. Just... don't. Grab a pair of boat shoes or leather slides instead. Your host will thank you.
Comparing the "Classic" vs. the "Everywear"
Recently, Old Navy introduced the "Everywear" line. These are different. They’re made from a more specialized foam that feels a bit more like a cloud and less like a yoga mat. They’re also pricier—usually double the cost of the classics.
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Are they worth it?
If you're walking more than half a mile, yes. The Everywear versions have a bit more "bounce" and the straps are often molded as part of the shoe, which significantly reduces the chance of a blowout. However, they lack that iconic, thin profile of the originals. They look a bit more "chunky," which is trendy right now but might not be everyone’s vibe.
The classics stay winning because of their simplicity. They are the "Old Reliable." You can find them in the bottom of a beach bag from 2019 and they’ll still perform exactly how you expect them to.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Pair
Buying these isn't rocket science, but a little strategy goes a long way in making sure you don't waste your money (even if it is just a few dollars).
- Check the "Tug": When you’re in the store, give the strap a firm but gentle tug from the bottom. If the plug feels loose or the foam around it looks crumbly, grab a different pair.
- The "Two-Pair" Rule: If you find a color you actually like, buy two. Old Navy rotates stock so fast that if you break a strap in July, that specific shade of "Vintage Burgundy" will be gone forever, replaced by "Back-to-School Yellow."
- Break Them In Early: Wear them around the house with socks for an hour (yes, it looks ridiculous) to stretch the plastic strap slightly before you take them out for a long walk. This prevents the dreaded "V-shaped" blister on the top of your foot.
- Storage Matters: Keep them out of direct sunlight when not in use. UV rays degrade the foam, making it brittle and prone to cracking.
At the end of the day, these sandals are a tool. They aren't a status symbol, and they aren't an investment piece. They are a functional, democratic piece of footwear that levels the playing field. Whether you're a college kid on spring break or a billionaire on a private dock, the $5 flip flop feels the same underfoot. It’s the ultimate summer equalizer.
Next Steps for Long-Lasting Comfort
To get the most out of your purchase, immediately wash new flip flops with mild soap to remove any factory chemical residue that can cause skin irritation. If you find the plastic strap too stiff, applying a tiny bit of Vaseline to the contact points during the first few wears will eliminate friction. Once the tread on the bottom wears flat—usually after one season of heavy use—replace them immediately. Smooth foam on wet poolside tile is a recipe for a slip-and-fall accident that costs way more than five dollars to fix.