Feet, probably the most controversial appendage of the 21st century.
Media has created a feet hating frenzy, conditioning young minds to be ashamed of their own toes. Specifically, TikTok creates embarrassment through memes and slang that demonize toes, carpet grippers, dawgs etc. in turn, projecting that shame on others and their choice of footwear. People prefer to cage up their feet rather than enjoy the bliss of air between their toes. But for me and many others, flip-flops are the key to finding that bliss.

I have loved flip-flops ever since I was little and used to wear them to school almost every day. I’ve been too worried to wear them, worried about embarrassment, injury, and general hygiene. When I wore the occasional flop like for a spirit day, I was shamed.
Until now.

I have personally worn flip-flops almost every day this school year. In my case, I honestly don’t have time for socks in the morning. Furthermore, shoes are not only constricting, but they also give you blisters. Comfortable shoes can be impossible to find when you have weirdly sized feet. For example, I often buy kids shoes and when I don’t I search for months for a new pair that still don’t fit quite right. Flip-flops on the other hand are freeing, comfortable and fit everyone.

The beginning of the school year has shown that flip-flop loving Lynx will no longer be silenced. Ever since the end of last year, I have seen many more people wearing flip-flops every single day. Flip-flops are finally dominating the shoe game at Lincoln after years of ‘almost-flops’, like crocs and Birks with socks.

So, I flip-flopped around the school to interview some fellow floppers.
Senior Maddie Manville echoed my worries about being bashed by our peers, but also said “I thought it would be, like, a bigger deal than it is, but the only people that have pointed [it] out are girls saying that they also want to wear flip-flops” she went on to say that, “It’s like building community…through flip-flops.”

Luke Dagg (‘26), however, has had a different perspective, saying that “You definitely get some looks, especially at Lynx Olympics. I wanted to really participate in our activities, so I took off my flip-flops. And it was a little embarrassing running around with my feet out, but I had to do what I had to do.”
‘You got to do what you got to do.’ A common theme for flip-flop wearers, both Maddie and Luke stressed not only comfort but confidence. Throughout the interview, Luke asserted flip-flops are like a statement piece, they can add comfortability and style to every outfit.
Maddie said flip-flops could work with really any outfit “you just have to embrace it. Like, honestly being true to yourself and embracing comfort and style is so much better than like being afraid of what people think.”

We all agree flip-flops are the best footwear if you don’t want to feel constricted, especially in the warmer months. As Luke (‘26) said that he likes wearing them when it starts to get around 70 degrees because they’re breathable. Even though, there are a few draws backs which Maddie (‘26) touched on when she said, “That’s one thing that did hold me back. The stairs. [Flip-flops] are really loud, and if you’re walking alone, it goes, like, through the top chamber.”
But as Luke said, “Wear them. It’s fun.”
Let your tootsies free and keep summer close to your heart Lynx. Wear your flip-flops, don’t let your feet stay caged and definitely don’t fall into the fear and unnecessary stigma of toes.