Flip-flops date back to ancient Egypt, around 4000 B.C, Lyndsay said. But multiple cultures have put their own twist on the sandals. For example, instead of placing the strap after the first big toe, “the Romans used the second toe, the Mesopotamians the third toe,” she said.

When did flip-flops became popular?

The modern flip-flop became popular in the United States as soldiers returning from World War II brought Japanese zōri with them. It caught on in the 1950s during the postwar boom and after the end of hostilities of the Korean War.

When did flip-flops first come out?

The earliest recorded use of flip flops is seen around 4000 BC in Ancient Egypt. Many of their ancient sculptures and drawings show subjects wearing flip flops, including both royalty and everyday citizens. The flip flops worn by the Egyptians were mostly made from papyrus and other plant fibers.