Many companies and schools have a no flip-flop rule. That’s no big deal. After all, we’re professionals, right? But has anyone checked out summer footwear, lately? What’s a flip-flop and what’s not?

Opinions vary:

“Nothing can go between your toes.”

“It’s got to have a back or a strap around the back of your foot.”

“They can’t make that ‘flip-flop’ sound when you walk.”

“It has to cover most of your foot.”

“Stick with sandals, slides, and wedges.”

The problem with all of these answers is that none is definitive. I have shoes that I consider sandals, but they do go between my toes. Can I wear them? And I have a pair of slides that are WAY more casual than the above mentioned sandals. They do, however, make a “thwack thwack” sound when I walk, which brings us to the rule about the ‘flip-flop’ sound. Does “thwack thwack” count as a ‘flip-flop’? I think the person who volunteered that advice is in league with the “something around the back of your foot” person. And what’s “most of your foot”? I need details. Is there a percentage written into our contract? Maybe that’s the part right after how many sick days we can use for family leave.

Today I wore my “between my toes” sandals, and I asked at least half a dozen people what they’d call them. Most said “sandals.” One said “thongs.”

But the best answer? “Thongs, honey, but who cares? They’ve got bigger problems… like the tramp stamps sashaying up and down the halls. My goodness, boys are so distracted they’re walking into lockers. Someone’s gonna get hurt.”

So the “what’s a flip-flop” mystery remains unsolved. Looks like more field research is necessary. I think I’ll wear my snow boots with a springy dress on Monday and see how that goes over.