In a Nutshell

• • A leading supplier in the logoed footwear niche says sales of flip flops and sliders are increasing.
• • The "logo sole" for flip flops is a unique offering that's growing in popularity.

Statement socks have been all the rage of late, but there's another category of wearable products for the feet that some promo pros say is picking up momentum in the branded merchandise world: flip flops and sliders.


Custom flip flops are a fast-growing product category for supplier Neet Feet (asi/79750).

The team at Neet Feet (asi/79750), which specializes in producing custom logoed footwear, says that soaring sales of flip flops and sliders have accelerated year-over-year order volume by 44%. The upward trend could, in part, be a result of the footwear increasingly being positioned as a lifestyle product that, proponents say, associates end-clients' brands with calm and good vibes amid stressful schedules.


Flip flops from Neet Feet featuring a die-cut logo sole, which leaves brand impressions in the sand.

"When you hear flip flops, you instantly think of summer," says Bob Strem, vice president at Neet Feet, which is part of The Pro Towels Family (asi/79750). "They're products that put a smile on your face. In today's fast-paced business atmosphere of constant stress, our flip flops and sliders literally have that positive effect on people's everyday life. Even going to work in flip flops relaxes the anticipation of stress."

Working through promo distributors, Neet Feet makes flip flops for end-buyers that feature custom parts, including straps and soles. For the soles on most of its flip flops, Neet Feet can produce a die-cut that leaves the imprint of a logo or other desired graphic in the sand, giving end-customers' brands ample additional exposure. Custom flip flops and sliders are beginning to garner more attention from end-buyers. "We have seen a trend towards custom footwear with a 60-day turnaround," says Strem. "The quick turnaround on our domestic production fits right into the everyday business that is required."


Flip flops featuring a die-cut logo sole.


The popularity of branded sliders is on the rise, Neet Feet says.

Naturally, flip flops and sliders are a great fit for summer-related promo campaigns. Distributors can pitch them as something special for the warm weather promotions. Still, the demand doesn't have to twilight with the coming of autumn. The collegiate and resort markets, for example, could prove fertile ground for sales of flip flops and sliders year-round. Just think of all the fraternities that could go for sliders with their crest on the strap – the sororities who might want their icon die-cut in a logo sole flip flop. Students sport flip flops and sliders year-round on campus, so why not capitalize and deliver logoed versions of the footwear for them? "Flip flops and sliders are a fun promotional product category that people really enjoy wearing," says Strem.