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Shipping and returnsThose who follow us on Facebook or Instagram, would have seen that recently Rog and I hit the road for an epic adventure across parts of Queensland and New South Wales. The goal of our road trip? To visit our amazing stockists, meet new ones, and expand the places where you can buy and try Slappas Thongs!
Setting Off from Darwin
Our adventure began in Darwin, where Slappas Thongs was born 15 years ago at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. We set off down the Stuart Highway, turning left onto the Barkly Highway, ready to cover thousands of kilometers. For me, it was my first time driving the Barkly, and while the road is pretty straight and quiet, the journey felt exciting and new. Rog had driven it before bringing the Slappas Kombi bought from Maitland, NSW, back to Darwin. We were both looking forward to what the trip had in store.
Meeting Our Stockists and Welcoming New Ones
The journey saw us traveling through and stopping at some wonderful outback towns like Camooweal, Winton, Longreach, Mitchell just to name a few. It was great to meet so many of our current stockists and fantastic to welcome new ones into the Slappas family. In Mt Isa, we were thrilled when Sarah, the caretaker of the hotel where we stayed, was already wearing her Slappas Thongs! She can now purchase locally. We’re happy to announce that Ozzie Outdoors in Mt Isa is now a proud stockist of Slappas. Their stock will be arriving in the next few weeks.
Next, we headed to Cloncurry to set up a stand of Slappas at Puma Cloncurry Roadhouse. Not only can the locals get their hands on or should I say feet in a pair of Slappas, the many travellers passing through can now fuel up and pick up Slappas at the same time. How convenient is that!
Along the Way
A quick stop in Barcaldine was another highlight. We caught up with an old friend, introduced ourselves to the new owners of Barcaldine Post Office (which has been stocking Slappas for 3 years), and then hit the road again. After five days and 3,000 kilometers, we made it to Cobar, where we delivered new stock to The John Mitchell Pharmacy. Susie and her team there were so welcoming—definitely worth the drive! It’s not that often they get visiting suppliers and really appreciated us driving the miles to make this happen.
Along the way, I also set up my office in a few local parks, which made for a nice change of pace. The beauty of working on the road!
Exciting New Stockists and Fan Stories
While we were out on the road, we called into Wilson’s Advantage Pharmacy in Adamstown they had received their restock of Slappas Thongs. Their customers are loving them, with one customer even buying four pairs at once!
We also restocked some of our other stockists, including Priceline Hornsby, Terry White Chemist Edgeworth Town Square, Piggotts Pharmacy Lambton, and Wanda Beach Pharmacy Salamander Bay.
At Nelson’s Bay, the receptionist at our hotel shared that she’s had her Slappas for over five years and still loves them. This made our day! Now we just need to find a local stockist in Nelson’s Bay—if you know anyone who might be interested, let us know!
More Adventures and New Stockists
Day 12 took us to Myall Pharmacy Tea Gardens and Bulahdelah Pharmacy. I think Bulahdelah might just be one of my new favorite small towns. On the same day, we welcomed 3 Beaches Chemist as a new stockist! We love bringing Slappas to more local businesses and communities.
After that, we spent a few days in Port Macquarie to avoid Cyclone Alfred and visited Alliance Kempsey West and Blooms the Chemist South West Rocks. The future is looking bright—Slappas should be stocked in Port Macquarie by next summer!
We’re excited to announce our new stockist in Coffs Harbour: Watson’s Leisure Centre – Camping World Coffs Harbour. This partnership is a perfect fit for us. We’re thrilled to have Rohan and his team on board! Slappas are ideal for camping, whether showering or slipping on when leaving your tent or caravan. They’re perfect for walking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Women who love thongs should check out our handmade crystal collection by Rog.
Cyclone Alfred and the Detour
Cyclone Alfred cut our trip short, preventing us from visiting all our stockists due to flooding and no power. Some towns were completely cut off. Thankfully, none of our stockists were affected, and business is back to normal. Leaving Coffs Harbour we had a little adventure crossing The Great Dividing Range via a mostly dirt track to Dorrigo. After stopping for a coffee (and even selling a pair of Slappas at the coffee shop!), we surprised our friends in Armidale and then headed to Tamworth.
Wrapping It All Up
From Tamworth, we travelled through Moree, Mitchell, Augathella, Tambo, Blackall, Barcaldine, Longreach, Winton, and finally Julia Creek, where we welcomed new stockist Puma Julia Creek Roadhouse! The staff are super excited to be selling Slappas and absolutely loved the amazing colours on offer. Kevin made us an amazing coffee for the road and Rog picked up a souvenir and we set off on the final leg of our journey back to Darwin.
After 22 days on the road, 9,500 kilometers, and countless songs (probably around 1,230!), we made it back to Darwin, greeted by heavy rain. The trip was a huge success, with five new stockists secured and many more on the horizon.
Final Thoughts
Our road trip gave us an incredible experience—not just in growing our business but in connecting with local communities and businesses. We believe strongly in serving outback communities, making it easier for people in rural and remote towns to access products locally. We’re so grateful to everyone who welcomed us along the way. We’re excited about what the future holds for Slappas Thongs.
If you’re traveling through any of the towns we visited, be sure to stop by and support local businesses. And don’t forget to visit one of our stockists to grab yourself a pair of Slappas Thongs!
If you know of a business that would be a great stockist, we’d love to hear from you!
Until next time,
Rog, Denise & the Slappas Team
From the Beach to the Runway
When you think of a fashion festival, towering heels and sleek boots might be the first images that come to mind. However, this year, something unexpected happened at the Paypal Melbourne Fashion Festival. Instead of strutting down the runway in stilettos or chunky platforms, models surprisingly rocked the catwalk in none other than Slappa’s Thongs! Furthermore, these beloved arch support thongs stepped into the spotlight, proving that comfort and style can seamlessly go hand in hand.
Renowned Melbourne fashion label Alpha60, models wore Slappa’s Thongs to complement their modern and effortlessly elegant designs, showcasing just how versatile our footwear can be. Kelvin, Alpha60’s Brand & Strategy Manager, praised Slappas for their elevated, yet simple style, saying: “We fell in love with the look of Slappa’s from the start. After featuring them in our e-commerce shoots, we knew they had to be part of our Melbourne Fashion Festival show. The lime green looked so good on the runway!”
Effortless Style from the Ground Up
At Melbourne Fashion Festival, our signature arch-support thongs added a fresh, carefree energy to the event. They served as a reminder that effortless style starts from the ground up—quite literally. It’s not often that footwear can transition so flawlessly from beachwear to high fashion, but Slappa’s Thongs are redefining what it means to be stylish and comfortable.
Originally designed for everyday wear. They’ve since proven that they’re not just for sandy strolls or summer getaways anymore. In fact, with their all-day comfort, lightweight feel, durable toe piece, and a perfect balance of firm yet flexible support, Slappa’s have stepped into the fashion spotlight. Moreover, they’re the kind of thongs you slip into and never want to take off, whether you’re running errands or making a statement on the runway.
Breaking the Mould of Fashion Footwear
Slappa’s Thongs have always been about breaking the mould. We’ve never been content to simply stick to tradition, and this debut at Melbourne Fashion Festival further proves that thongs can be both practical, comfortable, good for your feet and stylish in any context. From the beach to high fashion, Slappas is taking footwear to new places, and we’re thrilled to be on this journey with you.
To Kelvin and the team at Alpha60, we extend our thanks for choosing Slappas as their footwear for the Melbourne Fashion Festival, and to all of our loyal customers, thank you for being part of the Slappas story!
As Kelvin said, “Thongs! I think they are definitely on the up in high fashion trends.” We couldn’t agree more!
Cheers,
Denise
Founder, Slappa’s Thongs
#Aussiedesigned #supportaustralianownedbusinesses
We’ve been making thongs for Australians for 14 years. What started as a small family operation in Darwin has grown into a proud, Aussie-owned brand that stands for comfort, durability, and the laid-back Australian lifestyle.
Now we’re excited to take our passion for the perfect pair of thongs and partner with the 2024 We Wear Australian campaign, and we want to share why this is such a big deal for us – and for you.
From the very beginning, our mission has been simple: to design thongs that meet the needs of everyday Australians. We live in a country where thongs are part of the uniform, whether you’re heading to the beach, grabbing a cold one with mates, or just taking it easy in the backyard. And here in Darwin, where the sun’s always shining and the weather’s always hot, thongs are more than just footwear – they’re a way of life.
That’s why being part of the We Wear Australian campaign Edition 4, proudly supported by Australia Post is so important to us. This movement celebrates the best of Australian brands, encouraging Aussies to support local businesses that understand what it means to live in this great country. For us, that means more than just selling thongs – it’s about sharing a piece of the Aussie spirit with every pair we make.
One of the things we’re most proud of is that Slappas has always been about quality and craftsmanship. In a world dominated by fast fashion and throwaway products, we’ve stayed true to our roots, creating thongs that are built to last. With their superior arch support and durability, Slappas are designed to give you comfort for the long haul, not just one summer. This focus on quality is at the heart of the We Wear Australian campaign, which is why we’re so happy to be part of it.
When you buy from an Aussie-owned brand, you’re not just getting a product – you’re supporting local jobs, local families, and the local economy. At Slappas, we take that responsibility seriously. Every pair of our thongs is designed with the Aussie lifestyle in mind, from the comfort needed to handle long days on your feet to the durability required for our tough climate. And, of course, every pair is made with the same care and attention to detail that’s kept us going for the past 14 years.
As we look ahead to 2024, we’re excited to continue growing our Slappas community. We’ve built lasting relationships with our customers over the years, and being part of We Wear Australian is another way for us to deepen those connections. It’s about sharing our story, our values, and our love for this incredible country with even more Aussies. And we want you to be a part of that journey with us.
So, why does this campaign matter? Because it’s a reminder that by choosing to shop from Australian businesses, you’re not just making a purchase – you’re supporting local, fostering sustainability, and wearing something that’s truly representative of the Aussie way of life. After all, nothing feels more Aussie than a comfy pair of thongs by Aussies, for Aussies.
As part of our partnership with We Wear Australian, we’re giving you the opportunity to win $40k worth of prizes too!
How to enter!
- Make any purchase during the campaign period Sept 12-26, 2024
- Register your purchase on the WeWearAustralian web page.
- Prizes drawn October 2, 2024
- Terms and Conditions apply
Slap on your Slappas and let’s keep the Aussie spirit alive, one step at a time.
First Prize:
- Trip for two to NYFW Feb 2025
- Tickets to the WWA x Australia Post launch event
- $5,000 Australian Designer wardrobe
- $2,000 spending money
Second Prize:
- $5,000 Australian Designer wardrobe
Third Prize:
- $2,000 Australian Designer wardrobe
If you’re a Northern Territory local or just traveling through, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are a Darwin must-do. They’re one of the best local traditions where the sun meets the sand, offering a great night out to soak up a real Darwin experience.
Stroll through the buzzing sea of stalls, sample the best local food, arts, and crafts the Top End has to offer, and stay for the live music and friendly banter. It’s laid-back, it’s lively, and it’s uniquely Darwin.
You will find our Blue Kombi which is our Slappas stall at the high school end near the sound shell, and you can try on the full range of comfortable and supportive Slappas sizes. Roger and Denise the owners will help you find the perfect fit for your feet. Not all thongs are created equal, so if you’re like us and live in thongs, it’s important to find the right fit and fall in love with the perfect pair.
And if you’re new to arch-support thongs, your feet are in for a treat. Slappas aren’t like the average, flat-soled thongs – they’re built with arch support to keep your feet comfy all day long. They’re also made to withstand the harsh Aussie climate with a durable one-piece design that won’t blow out, and we’ve got a colour for everyone.
Head down to the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, soak up the atmosphere, and pop by the Slappas stall to find your perfect size. We’ll be there, ready to help you slip into the most supportive thongs you’ve ever owned – and step into a piece of Darwin’s lifestyle.
Find us Thursdays and Sundays from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets.
Mindil Beach Sunset Markets operate from the last Thursday in April to the last Thursday in October
Us Aussies are known for our laid-back lifestyle, our love for the great outdoors, and an unshakeable spirit that embraces the simple pleasures of life. But let’s face it, nothing puts a damper on the day faster than a pair of dodgy thongs that blow out at the beach.
One moment you’re strolling, the next you’re hobbling with one bare foot on the hot sand, trying to keep your cool while cursing under your breath. There’s truly nothing worse than a beach blowout, and it’s why we don’t use plugs to make Slappas thongs.
Slappas are built to last. They’re the only pair of thongs you need and the only brand you can rely on. They’re the ultimate solution to prevent the dreaded beach blowouts and they’re designed with Aussies in mind.
We understand the importance of durability, especially when it comes to your footwear and that’s why our thongs are built to withstand the rough and tumble of beach life. Made from high-quality EVA material and designed with a single-mold between the straps and soles, Slappas are engineered to last.
There’s no more worrying about snapping a strap or the sole splitting after just a few wears. With Slappas, you get tough thongs that are ready to take on whatever you throw at them (or whatever you throw them at).
Slappas also feature an ergonomic design that supports your foot’s natural shape, providing comfort all day long and what sets Slappas apart from other thongs is our commitment to quality. We’re a small, family owned and operated business based in Darwin, and we take pride in crafting thongs that meet the highest standards. Each pair of Slappas is a testament to our dedication to providing the best for our fellow Aussies. When you slip into a pair of Slappas, you’re not just wearing thongs – you’re embracing a lifestyle that values durability, comfort, and the spirit of the Australian beach culture.
So next time you’re gearing up for a beach day, don’t settle for thongs that might let you down. Choose Slappas and avoid the dreaded beach blowout. With Slappas, you can stride confidently across the sand, knowing your thongs will keep up with your adventures. No more hobbling back to your car with a broken thong in hand. Just pure, uninterrupted enjoyment of the beach, the way it should be.
Leave the blowouts behind and step into Slappas.
Flip Flops On The Runway
We at Slappa’s Thongs have always felt flip flops were catwalk worthy but this year they were officially debuted on the runway at New York Fashion Week!
Marie Clare stylist Monica Russell predicted in July this year;
“According to our fave street style stars the casual footwear once reserved for the dash from the car to the beach has now made it’s way to the fashion circuit!”
Then just this month InStyle’s Senior Digital Fashion Editor, Isabelle Truman, confirmed it in online article. She wrote; “Despite thongs (flip flops, sandals, slip-ons) being a wardrobe staple Down Under, the humble rubber shoe is often reserved for beach days or quick dashes to the supermarket. But when fashion girls Olivia Palermo and the Olsen Twins were spotted wearing flip flops with every day outfits it was clear a trend was born. Of course it was only a matter of time before thongs would hit the runway with Dion Lee taking it upon himself to ensure an Aussie Designer was first.”
We for one are so excited that our fashion-forward footwear are gracing the feet of celebs.
Recreate The Look
With flip flops having made the successful transition from streets to runway we thought we’d take a closer look at the catwalk models and celebrities who are blazing the path and show you how to recreate their style with clothes and accessories from local and online retailers. Enjoy!
The Look: This gorgeous colour-pop look featuring the former fashion faux pas was shown off at Dion Lee’s New York Fashion Week show, where the designer’s spring/summer 2019 collection was revealed to homegrown attendees such as Bambi Northwood-Blyth and Jess Gomes.
To Recreate: Pair a bright blue jacket like this one from ebay.com.au (great options also available from luulla.com and dhgate.com) with a black leather backpack – we love this one from Kate Spade – and a pair of Black Slappa’s Thongs.
The Look: This is another striking look from Dion Lee who said of the collection; “The Australian lifestyle has always been a strong source of inspiration for me. We integrated such a quintessential Australian footwear style in with the overall collection. They are such an iconic Australian look, we loved being able to include them in our NYFW show.”
To Recreate: You’ll need a classic white summery dress such as this gorgeous Chantilly Dress from ShowPo then add a few elegant jewellery pieces like a bracelet or necklace from The Pearl Galleria. Finish with a pair of White Slappa’s Thongs.
The Look: Straight from the streets of New York this funky modern animal print look features bold yellow accessories with a subtle splash of colour in the form of a clutch.
To Recreate: Any eye catching animal print will work; we love this stylish Leopard Print Wrap Front Maxi from The Iconic for example, add a pair of yellow sunglasses, a “moc croc” embossed clutch from Pearl Galleria and pop on a pair of Yellow Slappa’s to complete the look.
The Look: We love the way fashionista Hillary Duff pulls off this effortless look while out and about in between filming her latest show. Navy is a popular colour this season; try mixing it up with statement pieces in bold colours like red or yellow.
To Recreate: Find a 3/4 sleeve navy dress you love (this one pictured from The Iconic) then add a black oversize crocodile bag like this one from David Jones. Finish with a pair of Navy Slappa’s.
No matter where you’re headed this Spring/Summer season slip on a pair of Slappa’s and make every street your own personal runway!
And don’t forget all orders over $100 get FREE express post shipping Australia wide.
Thongs on!
National Family Week
This week is National Family Week in Australia; an annual celebration of families that aims to recognise and appreciate the vital role that families play in Australian society. They ask us to take time this week to reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children, especially as they grow.
Since Slappa’s Thongs is a proud family owned and run business, I thought I’d take time this week to do just that; reflect on how our family unit supports and encourages each other and those in our community.
A Family Business
Our family consists of myself (Denise), my husband Roger, and our two children Bernie (13) and Kaylee (11). Then there’s our gorgeous little daschund Frankie who is nearly 8 now.
When I first started Slappa’s Thongs I never imagined how much a part of the family it would become, but over the years it has not only played an integral part in our family’s livelihood but in our growth as individuals and a family unit.
It began in 2010 with me juggling a new business and two small children. By 2015 the business and workload had grown so much that Roger joined the company full-time as well. And as they got older Bernie and Kaylee began helping out in small ways to earn a bit of pocket money, usually so they could save up and buy things for their bike.
Even our doggie Frankie joined the crew as head of security!!!
Bernie and Kaylee are now on the payroll working a few hours a week learning how the business runs, getting vital skills and understanding how employment works.
They both now have their own Tax File Number which will be with them for life. They are learning how to fill in a time book, read their payslip and best of all learning how to save their money. The biggest learning curve for them both is the commitment they need to make, being responsible, time management, making sure they do the job efficiently and correctly.
They really enjoy being a part of the business and we love being able to share the ups and downs with them and provide so many opportunities to grow and learn. In fact we’ve often found that they are even able to teach us a few things!
It’s a great feeling having us all involved and working towards a common goal making it truly a “family business”.
Our Family And The Cycling Community
As a family we all love cycling. We all ride socially and race road and mountain bikes. Cycling is our way of doing something together, exercising and having fun. We have all made many new friends and our cycling groups are like one big extended family.
Now that the kids are older and at competition age it’s become quite common for us to travel for cycling and the kids race interstate a few times a year. Recently we had a family holiday in Queensland to see the Track Cycling at the Commonwealth Games it was extremely exciting and the kids learnt a lot from watching the athletes from all other Commonwealth countries.
Last year, Roger participated in the Tour de Timor which was a gruelling race through East Timor mountains. Roger needed to train 4-5 times a week for 12 months to be fit enough to compete. As a family we needed to make some allowances so he had the time to be able to work and get his training done. While he was there he donated hundreds of Slappa’s Thongs to Encouragement House.
The Cycling community is a fantastic group to be involved with and it is great for us to know the kids will be looked after well when they go away for racing. Bernie (aged 13) competed in a Road Race in the Barossa Valley, South Australia this April. It was the first time he had flown on his own, and he handled it very well. A lovely family in Adelaide picked him up from the airport and he stayed with them for the 4 days of competition. They made him feel like one of their family and made sure he felt comfortable and supported. As a mother it meant a lot to me that my son was being well cared for while away from his family. It was a good opportunity for him to learn to do things on his own without Mum and Dad’s help. These trips have definitely boosted his confidence and prepared him for when he leaves home for work or further studies.
My family’s next challenge will be to help me make time to train for the Katherine to Darwin Ride I am doing soon! And in October I will be walking the Inca Trail in Peru.
Teaching Family Values
Growing up in a big family and in a country town my parents always had extra kids staying over and they were always the first ones to put up their hands to take someone in.
Roger and I have always done the same and have offered a place to stay for many people over the years (include Terra Roams; the first woman to walk solo and unsupported around Australia, and 18 year old Jack Totino; who rode around Australia in 2017 raising money for FightMND).
We’ve made some amazing friends doing this and it gave us an opportunity to instil the value of helping others in Bernie and Kaylee too.
National Families Week is a time to celebrate with your family, make contact with your extended family and friends, and share in the enjoyment of family activities within the wider community. It is a time to celebrate the meaning of family and to make the most of family life.
Take some time this week to reflect on your family. Thank you for reading about mine.
Thongs on!
Denise
Post Exercise Recovery Tips
What you do before and after any form of exercise seriously impacts the speed and quality of your recovery. While training may seem like the most important aspect, aches or pains caused by incorrect recovery can be just as crippling as any injury caused during exercise. Here are some easy tips to ensure you recover correctly.
Foam rolling
Self-stretching or myofascial release, also known as “foam rolling”, is a form of self-massage used to release muscle tightness or target trigger points which can be performed using a foam roller. By applying pressure to specific points on your body you are able to aid in the recovery of muscles and assist in returning them to normal function.
Compression
Compression garments are designed to increase blood flow to areas of your body and can improve performance as well as shortening recovery time. Studies have shown that wearing compression garments post exercise reduces pooling in extremities and can increase the oxygen uptake in muscles and reduce blood lactate levels.
Correct Footwear
Following any form of exercise that places pressure on your feet, supportive footwear is crucial. The muscles, plantar fascia and ligaments that make up the arch of your foot work hard during running or any weight bearing exercise. During the hours after exercise these tissues may be fatigued and will benefit from extra support and cushioning. To avoid overloading of these structures, correct support can assist your feet to relax and recover. If you can’t wait to kick your runners off, consider an orthotic designed sandal or Thongs for comfort combined with therapeutic support.
For more information, contact your health care professional.
These great recovery tips have been provided by our guest blogger Jessica and the team at Lara Physiotherapy Health Network.
For any free advice you can follow them on facebook https://www.facebook.com/laraphysiotherapyhealthnetwork/?rf=197853906916070
or check out their website http://laraphysiotherapy.com/
Slappa’s Thongs are available from Lara Physiotherapy Health Network or you can buy online https://www.slappasthongs.com.au/buy-slappas
Please don’t strike me down with a lightning bolt for misquoting the bible! I’m not getting a God complex. Promise!
I’m just a humble thong creator. All things thongs are my passion though. You know this because you kindly follow my blog, and/or the Slappa’s Thongs newsletters and many of you are with us on Facebook. Thanks for being there, reading, commenting and sharing ❤
So, yes, we all know Denise is thong-mad, but maybe you don’t know why …
Many people think I got this way because Slappa’s Thongs is my business. And that after years and years of thong immersion, I’ve become an incurably thong-manic. I’m not denying that’s the case, though the truth, about my condition, is embedded in my sole (yes that’s spell-checked correctly).
And it’s why I started Slappa’s …
Years ago, I was selling a brand of thongs which looked good – and for those with no feet foibles – felt good enough, so long as you didn’t expect Birkenstock comfort.
By feet foibles, I mean everything from soles that needed arch support, to feet with serious issues like Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain, or just tired feet.
People started asking me for a thong that could really deliver. Something that anyone could wear, each, and every day, with the comfort of a Birkenstock (except if you wear your Birkies in the water the cork gets waterlogged!), the support of a podiatry product and of course, it had to look great too.
Hmmm, I thought, the thongs I’m selling don’t do any of that, they’re just thongs. And I couldn’t find any other thongs that met that wish list.
Plus, I had a motivation of my own to find a solution to what thong lovers were asking for. I needed arch support too, but couldn’t find an affordable product that looked and felt good. After having my children and not having good footwear, I also started suffering from sciatica.
There’s nothing that puts you in your customers’ shoes faster than sharing your customers’ pain!
So, I started designing and producing the thong of all thongs. It’s still an Australian owned family business. I don’t just stand by my product, I literally stand on my product! Every day. The arch support in Slappa’s has been so good that I only really notice my sciatica when I am not wearing Slappa’s. They keep me aligned.
Why do you need to know about Other Thongs?
What I really want you to know, is that some Other Thongs can easily be mistaken for Slappa’s Thongs. They may look just as pretty. Exact same colours sometimes. But the good looks are only skin deep.
If you want an affordable, good looking pair of thongs that will last and love your feet to their soles (and back), make sure to check that they’re Slappa’s Thongs. Does it really matter? Hell yes! And here’s why it matters for you …
The material Other Thongs are made from can be too soft, so they flatten and lose their support and are more prone to shrinking. If you’ve ever worn Other Thongs to walk across stones and felt them (the stones not the thongs!), you’ll know what I mean. This can also lead to spreading the foot. I’m not a fan of any part of my body spreading.
If thong material is too soft they won’t support the arch enough, allowing your foot to roll in. Which is bad for your feet, posture and over-all body alignment and will need correcting. Wearing a pair of Slappa’s will help 😉.
In my profession as a physiotherapist I am concerned about the “foundation” of my patients. In other words their feet, the arches and the surface on which they stand and walk. Slappas thongs are ideal in the tropics where many people walk bare footed on tiles in the heat. Collapsed arches are very common under these environmental conditions and many patients complain of foot pain from the hard tiles. Slappas thongs are soft yet supportive of both the medial and transverse foot arches. The outer raised edge of the Slappas thongs keeps the foot exactly where the arch support is required. I love the fact that they are made of recycled material. Slappas thongs are approximately a third of the price of other orthopedic sandals and they are perfect for the very wet weather we have in the top end of Australia. I recommend Slappas thongs to many of my patients and I wear them myself.
Alice Thorn Acupuncture & Physiotherapy
After having your Other Thongs a while, have you ever found your feet flapping around in them? Not a good look unless you’re a penguin in Happy Feet. That’s because the toe piece is not as strong as Slappa’s material, so it can easily stretch – and break!
Other Thong straps can be made too loose to start with, giving your feet another lack of support issue. Like falling flat on your face maybe … ☹.
A firmer material to start with, like Slappa’s, is better for the feet, posture and your whole body alignment. Plus, your Slappa’s Thongs will last longer. Better value for money. Better quality.
I first came across your product in Darwin at the Mindil Markets. I can’t remember the actual price at the time, but I do remember thinking it was unrealistic – way too expensive! You could go to K Mart and get a set of thongs for $5.00, what were Slappa’s thinking?
As my darling and I wander around the markets, I started to reconsider. The product must be better than the original Japanese Safety Boot. It has arch support, the straps can’t pull out, it is just a matter of how well they last?
I bought a pair; I have not been more impressed with a single product for a long time. It has the extra support and it works, they are much more comfortable than a simple safety boot. The colour combination was/is good. They have lasted – (better than I would ever have believed) – I live in Alice Springs and 2 years later they are thin as, but still working. For anything to survive 2 years in Alice Springs is a statement in itself. I wear them everywhere and I mean everywhere! For anyone who is into Japanese safety boots (and even if you are not) Slappa’s are hard to beat!
Wonderful product. –Rick | Customer (NT)
Some Other Thongs have the soles glued onto the thong, so if you get them wet the glue perishes and they fall apart. I’m shocked at some leading brand name thongs and ortho products that do this. Especially the price they charge for them. You’d have to have rocks (ooh, does that rhyme with something …?!) in your head to part with that much money for that kind of ‘quality’.
Check out what some of our Stockist say
What an ethos and a stockist of Slappa’s Thongs. Sole Therapy Podiatrists believe that through the correct support and treatment of your feet you will transform your life and live at your greatest potential.
At SOLE THERAPY, we teach you ways to love your body from the sole up.
WHAT WE DO
We are experts in biomechanics and believe that through the correct support and treatment of your feet you will transform your life and live at your greatest potential.
What’s next at Slappa’s Thongs
Exciting new stuff! Yay!! When? What? My lips are zipped. For now. But here’s a heads up:
If you have a favourite in the current Slappa’s range, grab an extra pair now, before they run out the door! Check out the specials on now until 26th April. You might be able to snare your Slappa’s size.
Have a Happy Slappa’s Easter!
Thongs On!
Denise
Who’s spending November in a pair of Slappa’s Thongs?
If you’re a lover of foot fashion, then this is the time to thong-up for summer!
A great spin-off to wearing Slappa’s Thongs is that not only do your feet look pretty, but they’re also happy feet :).
Many of our customers tell us how much they love Slappa’s Thongs for their good looks and their great arch support. A big bonus if you need that extra support and comfort.
Why shouldn’t you have stylish, fashionable, footwear in fun colours, just because you need support? At Slappa’s we don’t buy in to the idea that special needs feet have to be encased in clunky, ugly orthotic shoes and sandals.
When I designed the first Slappa’s Thongs, it wasn’t with the intention to set up a range of orthotic thongs. I certainly don’t market my thongs that way, although some orthotic retailers do stock Slappa’s Thongs. I just wanted to create a thong which looked great and felt great.
I think most of our customers are initially attracted to the Slappa’s Thongs range because they look fantastic, with loads of zany, fun colour choices. Plus, you can see right away that they are high-quality, robust thongs – a big differential from most other fashion thongs.
What makes them so super comfy?
Here’s the techy bit …
Slappa’s Thongs are super comfy because they are made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) foam. Made in a closed-cell injection mold means Slappa’s Thongs are all one piece, unlike most rubber thongs which have a plug – have you ever been booby-trapped by a thong plug coming out?
Not a good look. Or feeling!
Slappa’s are designed to stay on and mold to your feet, obtain your personal foot shape, have great arch support, are extremely light, very durable, relax tired feet and are orthotic-friendly footwear.
That’s why when you slipped on your first pair of good-lookin’ Slappa’s, your feet sighed with happiness.
That’s why Slappa’s lovers post comments like this “just glad I bought 2 pairs. With Plantar Fisciitis and now odeama, they truly are my life saver,” on our Facebook page – thanks Rachel Higgs for sharing your Slappa’s experience with us.
You don’t have to be a fashion victim just because your feet need some extra TLC.
Give your feet a treat this summer!
Warmest wishes,
Denise
PS – Need Slappa’s for Christmas?The weather is hotting up and it’s the perfect time to break out some new thongs! Order your Slappa’s Thongs online and choose from our fabulous range of colours to suit every member of the family.
In Darwin one of the lucky things we get to do is to take the tinny out into the rivers just off the Darwin Harbour to catch some giant mud crabs. There’s nothing better than coming home with a feast of Darwin “Muddies” to cook up and enjoy.
Darwin mud crabs have a very sweet, delicious taste and can be enjoyed many different ways. Most times we just eat them fresh straight from the pot. Spread out plenty of newspaper over the outdoor table, a few water bowls, hammers and go for it.
But for a special occasion and when we have time we all love “My Magnificent Chilli Mud Crabs.” The flavours just explode in your mouth and if you can’t eat it all it just gets better the next day.
There are a few fishing charters in Darwin who can take you mud crabbing or you can buy them live from MR Barra or sometimes at Parap and Rapid Creek markets.
So when visiting Darwin, take the opportunity and experience catching, cooking and eating delicious Darwin Mud Crabs. As a special gift to readers of my blog, here’s my secret recipe which is easy to make and can be changed to suit your taste buds.
4 mud crab, cut into sections
6 tablespoons peanut oil or any oil you have
6-8 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tablespoons ginger, julienned or crushed (use to your taste)
2 tablespoons coriander root
4-6 red chillies, chopped
1 red capsicum sliced
2 tablespoons fish sauce to suit your taste
Juice of 2-3 limes
2 tablespoons sugar
Sprinkle of sea salt to taste
½ cup of your favourite sweet chilli sauce or chilli sauce
1-2 cups chicken stock
4-6 whole green spring onions chopped
1/2 cup chopped coriander
Coriander sprigs, for garnish
METHOD
For this recipe we use live mud crabs which we freeze to kill them humanly. You can use crabs which have been cooked but the flesh will not be as juicy.
Remove the top head shell and gills and throw away.
Rinse lightly to clean out
Cut crab in into 4 pieces and pull off big claws.
Crack the claws slightly with a cleaver or hammer so they allow the sauce to get in.
Heat wok and add oil.
Add garlic, ginger, coriander root and chilli. Be careful not to burn ingredients.
Add sliced red capsicum
Add crab tossing for 1-2 minutes
Add fish sauce, chilli sauce, lime juice, chicken stock, sugar and salt
Toss ingredients then cover with lid and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Toss spring onions and coriander through.
Serve straight from the wok
I hope you all enjoy my magnificent chilli mud crab recipe as much as we do and feel free to share it with your friends and family.
Warmly,
Denise
http://www.slappasthongs.com.au/buy-slappas
In Darwin, our kids get four weeks holidays in the dry season in the middle of the year and six weeks holidays for the Christmas break.
You’ll understand why Darwin is the home capital to the best thongs in the world, when you learn that during our dry season the temperature is a glorious 30-32 degrees Celsius every day and the wet season is hotter.
In the Slappa’s Thongs household, we exploit this to the full – and plan a few school holiday days – by chilling at the Darwin Waterfront.
Surrounded by lush, green parkland, the Waterfront has a fantastic wave pool lagoon, along with a safe recreation beach that is free from crocodiles and stingers (jellyfish).
The beach is half natural and half man-made and it’s my preferred choice when I’m entertaining four kids.
The Waterfront features a large hotel car park where you get two hours free or pay $2 for three hours.
However, when its school holidays and our plan is to stay as long as possible, my tip is to park under the Darwin Convention Centre which costs $5 for the whole day. Bargain!
There are restaurants, bars and cafes all around the parkland but you can also bring your own provisions and have a picnic.
In my experience, this is the easiest way to organise school holiday days, get some peace of mind, keep the kids occupied, and road test some new Slappa’s Thongs out under the glorious Darwin sky.
http://www.slappasthongs.com.au/buy-slappas
Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a great supporter of home grown music. Every Thursday and Sunday from the Sound Shell you can sit down at the tables set up by the markets, enjoy your dinner and a few drinks while listening to something different each week ranging from Reggae, folk, rock, jazz and country. Some of the local bands and musicians that have performance this year are Bridey Rose, Dave Garnham and his band The Reasons to Live, Reggae Dave, Skarett, Kormilda College Band, Darwin Army Band, After The Rain and recently brother’s Livi & Aaron VanderAa who have just returned from 2 years touring overseas.
It was great to listen to The Kormilda College band which was only created this year and is made up of talented junior music students, performing modern, classic soul and r’n’b inspired songs. Featuring upcoming diva Stevie Kyriacou, winner of the Darwin Schools Pitch Perfect singing competition, the band exhibits some of the most exciting young musicians in Darwin. So great to see so many young talented people in Darwin!
Performances from the Australian Air force Jazz Band, Darwin Army Band and the Australian Army Band draw in the crowds and are always extremely popular.
But the music which is best known at Mindil Beach is eMDee who play each week at the Casino End of the markets. You will experience the amazing sounds of extremely fast drum and didgeridoo laying at its best. They have even performed at the Sydney Opera House!
So if you are coming up to Darwin for a holiday or moving to Darwin this is just a taste of what is on offer when it comes to live music.
To see where all the live music is happening, you can look up the local Gig Guide either in the NT News on Thursday or the website www.darwinlive.com.au or their face book site.
Pictures courtesy of Mindil Beach Sunset Market
