Testing Out a New Travel Flat: FlipSlips + A FlipSlips GIVEAWAY!

*I received a pair of FlipSlips + a pair to give away to blog readers. As always, all opinions are my own.

The most popular post I’ve ever written was on finding the perfect travel flat, with my reviews of the Tory Burch Minnie, the Cole Haan Avery, and Tieks (read that here). I was contacted about a month ago by FlipSlips, a new travel shoe brand/company and when they offered me a pair to try (and a pair to give away to readers–see below!), of course I said yes. Because, well, I wear flats pretty much all the time. And I like shoes. And getting packages in the mail.  Have I mentioned that I wear heels probably twice a year? Yep. True statement.

I’m certainly an old hand on the travel shoe circuit, so FlipSlips had a lot to live up to. A lot. I’m particular at best and extraordinarily picky at worst. I want comfort and style. Shoes must work for travel, for work, and for life. While FlipSlips aren’t perfect (no shoe is!) they are pretty great and a really, really good budget friendly alternative in the travel ballet flat market.

I picked the navy, despite the fact that the bright yellow ones look awesome (www.flipslips.com). I’m a bit short on navy shoes right now, so was hoping these could fill an actual need for work as well as for travel. While yellow is cool, I also have a hard time matching bright colors with lots of outfits and they aren’t quite….as….work appropriate. I mean, I have a relatively casual office but I’m not sure I’d be rocking those at conferences.

Shoes c/o FlipSlips, Navy // J. Crew Pixie Pant // Land’s End Lofty Turtleneck Tunic Sweater

Here’s my rundown on this new shoe:
Pros:
– Upper is not leather (though the insole is). They hold up/work significantly better in wet conditions than any of the other shoes. In fact, I’ve had some significant issues with my Tieks that got wet (errr bright freaking colored feet), and the Tory Minnie’s also hate water and droop like a sad tulip. So FlipSlips are my absolute go to for rainy climates.
– Exceedingly light and packable. These are as lightweight as the Tory Minnie’s, but they don’t feel like they are going to crack when you fold them.
– Cushy, cushy footbed. I’m all about fluff: from my pillowtop mattress to my puffy down vest, more is (almost) always better. This footbed is super cushy, much more so than any of the other shoes. By far the most comfortable insole for long periods of standing or walking.
– Exchangeable straps in 2 different lengths gives a different look/style to a single shoe. I find I wear the the most without the straps and with pants, but this is a really nice option particularly with skirts/dresses. I received Navy straps (with a reflective back for you bikers out there) as well as a gold/silver reversible strap, so lots of color options means that I will always match. Matching makes me happy and soothes my Type A personality.
– Pricepoint is very reasonable. At $78, these don’t break the bank like Tieks and you can actually stomach the thought of buying them in more than one color.

Cons:
– Does not come in half sizes. As a true 9.5, the 9’s are just a touch snug on me but have stretched out just a bit since I received them. For me, I usually think that sizing down is a better option so my shoe doesn’t fall off while running across a DC street. It’s happened before and it not only sucks because you lost your shoe, it sucks more because the streets here are gross with a capital G.
– Straps not for the spatially and directionally challenged (cough, me). Ok, so this is really dumb, but it took me a while to figure out how to put them on. I have issues. They are also just a bit long for me. Not a deal breaker as I usually wear them strapless anyway.
– Not leather, and maybe slightly less dressy than alternatives.  Certainly fine to use when you are switching out of heels, but for me, these aren’t going to work as shoes to wear to a dinner out with a little black dress (code: when you should be wearing heels and aren’t). And for me, that’s ok, because I have other less packable, less comfortable shoes to wear for such occasions.

Overall, these are a huge win. I honestly was a bit skeptical, even after wearing them around the house, but they are very comfortable after a day walking around at work. I’m excited to have them in my closet!

Now, do you want to try a pair of FlipSlips?!  Comment below and I’ll draw a winner on 11/26! 
– Leave a comment about why you’d like a pair of FlipSlips.
– I’ll use a random number generator to select a winner.
– Be sure your email is correct! If you win, you’ll be contacted by email.
– U.S. addresses only (sorry international readers).