Flip Flop Socks | Many Styles of Tabi Socks

Do you love wearing flip flops? Hate it when the days turn colder?

With the introduction of flip flop socks, you don't have to put your flip flops away this winter. These socks may be new to the Western world, but have been around for a long time in the Japanese culture. Called Tabi socks, they are traditionally worn with a Tabi shoe, which has a separator between the big toe - similar to a flip flop.

Tabi socks have been around since the sixteenth century. In Japan, back then they were worn with a shoe similar to a flip flop or with a wooden clog type of shoe. These days the tabi sock is frequently worn with a tabi boot that martial artists like to wear. Sometimes these are called ninja socks.

The traditional Tabi sock has a very modest look to it. A solid color, usually black or white and reaches to about the lower calf. These socks were not made from an elastic material like most socks are these days. They were made from fabric, and had buttons up the back of the heel.

Today, most Tabi socks are made similar to traditional socks and are knit to hug your feet.

Turning the traditional tabi sock into a flip flop sock is a great way to continue to wear your favorite flip flops all year long. Some flip flops work particularly well with this idea. Flip flop sandals that have a thicker sole are usually better to wear in the autumn and winter months because they raise your feet off the ground enough to prevent them from getting wet in puddles. Shoes like Birkenstocks, UGG flip flops, and some Clarks sandals are good examples.

Another option is to wear Toe Socks with your sandals and flip flops. Toe socks are a little bit more difficult to put on than a flip flop sock.

Because there are acupuncture meridians between the toes, Shiatsu theory believes that Tabi socks benefit the back, spine, and digestion.

In Japan, tabi socks and shoes are worn frequently by tradesmen and women who use their feet as another set of hands. People like construction workers, gardeners, and rickshaw pullers use them because they allow better balance and flexibility.

Not only are they work for their medical and functional qualities, but they are also worn for fashion these days. Their unique look will definitely draw attention and conversation.

Pattern flip flop socks are very popular with students because they allow them to express themselves. There are many styles available.

• Stripes
  
• Animal motifs
• Patterned designs
• Knee Highs
• Floral patterns
• Anklets
  

Just pure fun = Flip flops + Toe socks!

Unfortunately, Tabi socks and flip flop socks are not easy to find for kids. This is surprising because funky sock fashion is the popular thing these days. However, one retailer in particular is all over this newest fashion trend. Little Miss Matched has a large selection of Toe socks that work just as well as Flip Flop socks. They come in bright colors, and all of them are sold in mismatched sets of three.