Canada slang for sandals: What Canadians Call Flip-Flops and Other Footwear

When people in Canada talk about flip-flops, a type of open-toed footwear with a sole held by a Y-shaped strap between the toes. Also known as thongs, it's not just a shoe—it’s a summer staple across provinces from Ontario to British Columbia. But here’s the thing: if you ask someone in Toronto what they wear to the beach, they won’t say "sandals." They’ll say "thongs." And if you’re from Ireland and you’ve never heard that before, you’re not alone. The term "sandals" is used in Canada, sure—but "thongs" is the everyday word, especially for the basic rubber kind you’d wear to the pool or out for ice cream. It’s not about fashion; it’s about speed, ease, and weather that turns sidewalks into puddles by noon.

Why does this matter to you? Because if you’re buying footwear online from Canadian retailers—or reading reviews from Canadian customers—you’ll run into this term a lot. And if you think "thongs" means underwear, you’re not wrong. That’s the same word used in Australia and New Zealand too. But in Canada, context clears it up. You don’t wear thongs to a wedding. You wear them to the lake. You wear them to the grocery store in July. You wear them because your feet are sweaty and the weather’s warm for three months out of the year. Other terms you might hear? "Flip-flops" is still common, especially among younger folks or in urban areas. "Slip-ons" sometimes gets thrown in, but that’s usually for closed-toe shoes. "Birkenstocks"? That’s a brand, not a category. And "jandals"? That’s New Zealand. Stick to "thongs" if you want to sound like a local.

What’s interesting is how this ties into Irish footwear culture. In Ireland, we say "sandals," but we don’t wear them much. The weather doesn’t allow it. So when you see a Canadian post talking about "thongs" in a summer outfit, it’s not just slang—it’s a whole lifestyle. In Canada, sandals mean freedom. In Ireland, they mean rain boots and waterproof socks. That’s why the posts here don’t talk about beachwear. They talk about what works when it’s wet, windy, and never quite warm enough. But knowing the difference? That’s useful. If you’re shopping for footwear from abroad, or just trying to understand a review, this little word gap can save you from buying the wrong thing. And if you’ve ever wondered why your Canadian friend ordered "thongs" and got something that looks like a flip-flop—you now know why.

The collection below dives into exactly this kind of real-world footwear confusion. From what trainers are called in the US to how Irish women pick jeans that survive the rain, these posts cut through the noise and give you straight answers based on local life. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what works when you’re standing in a Dublin puddle or trying to figure out if your new shoes will last through a Canadian summer.