Thongs in Canada: What Irish Women Need to Know About Footwear Styles

When people talk about thongs, a type of open-toed sandal with a strap between the toes. Also known as flip-flops, it's a shoe style that’s common in warm climates but often impractical elsewhere. In Canada, where winters last half the year and rain is constant in spring and fall, wearing thongs isn’t just a style choice—it’s a weather gamble. Irish women who’ve tried them abroad often wonder: can you really wear these in places with snow, mud, and icy sidewalks? The answer isn’t about fashion—it’s about safety, foot health, and how your feet react to cold and wet conditions.

Thongs are designed for dry, warm surfaces. They offer zero support, no grip, and almost no protection. In Canada, where temperatures drop below freezing and sidewalks turn slick with ice, that’s a recipe for slips, sprains, and cold feet. Compare that to what Irish women wear daily: sturdy boots with rubber soles, waterproof ankle coverage, and arch support. Brands like Born shoes, European-made footwear known for durability and comfort in wet climates or Hush Puppies, a heritage brand with a long history of making shoes built for rough, damp conditions dominate Irish wardrobes for a reason—they’re made for weather like this. Thongs don’t just look out of place in Canada; they’re functionally inadequate. Even in summer, Canadian cities have unpredictable rain showers and uneven pavement. A pair of thongs won’t keep your feet dry, warm, or safe.

It’s not just about the climate. Foot health matters. Walking long distances on hard surfaces in thongs can cause plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and arch strain. Irish nurses, teachers, and retail workers know this—they’ve seen too many people with foot problems from wearing the wrong shoes. In Ireland, we’ve learned the hard way that comfort isn’t optional. The same applies in Canada. If you’re visiting or moving there, skip the thongs unless you’re on a beach in July. For everything else, choose footwear that handles wet ground, cold air, and uneven terrain. The posts below cover real Irish experiences with footwear in tough weather—from what shoes to avoid in rain to the best brands for foot health. You’ll find practical advice on what actually works, not just what looks good in a photo.