The Halls of North Atlanta echo with footsteps. But the most distinct, ear-piercing noise of all is the click-clack of a flip-flop. The thin-soled shoes likely have the best ratio of weight: noise ever recorded in the 11-story labyrinth of North Atlanta. Filled with packed stairwells and jammed elevators, flip-flops are a Dubs staple—but not everyone embraces this choice. While flip-flops are a comfort and style to some, to others, they are infesting the halls. Whether students like it or not, the flip-flop phenomenon is taking over.
For some, flip-flops are more than just shoes. They’re a way of life. Junior Camilo refers to them as his go-to for a reason, pointing to their convenience and comfort. He’s quick to push back against the haters, convinced that after just one wear, you will never look back. Camilo said, “I wake up, eat breakfast, put on flip flops, and go to school. It’s mad easy.”
Senior Blair Carter has an endless stream of thoughts on why everyone needs to join the team flip-flop—style, comfort, and hallway domination. A group of students even created themed “flip-flop days” to embrace the trend: My toes are out on Monday. Toes out Tuesday, Wiggle Out Wednesday, Twinkle Toe Thursday, and Feet Out Friday. Flip-flops are a non-negotiable for Carter. “I think everyone should wear flip flops, every day is a different flip flop holiday,” Carter said. “If you’re cool, you wear flip flops, and if I can’t see your toes, I can’t trust you.”
Of course, not everyone is as enthusiastic about this fashion choice. Sophomore Thomas Addaquay has strong feelings about this trend, and he speaks his truth. He mentions the sounds, the odors, and the sight of flip-flops ringing down crowded hallways. He believes that they should stay at the beach. “The view of feet, the hygiene. Come on, put the feet away,” Addaquay said. “Nobody needs to look at your toes. It’s time to invest in socks.”
Freshman Noa Pitts couldn’t agree more. To her, flip-flops are loud, flimsy, and way overrated. Between the constant click-clack echoing through the stairwells all day long, the people tripping over their own feet, and the occasional stranded flip-flop left in battle, the leather shoes have offered her nothing positive. “I’ll stick to sneakers—at least they don’t quack when I walk,” she said.
Love them, loathe them, but flip-flops are here to stay as part of NAHS fashion. They bring comfort, style, and adventure to the halls, leaving behind memories and a loose strap here or there. From themed days to debates over hygiene and fashion, flip-flops have become legendary Dub lore. One thing’s for sure: as long as the students are walking, wiggling, and clacking their toes down the halls, the flip-flop debate is not going to end any time soon.
