What Canadians Call Thongs - The Irish Guide to Flip‑Flops Down North

When you hear the word thongs is used for a type of open‑toe footwear that’s essentially a sandal with a Y‑shaped strap in Canada, you might wonder if it’s the same as what we call “sandals” here in Ireland. The answer is a mix of language, climate and a bit of local pride - and a thongs in Canada can spark a fun conversation at Dublin’s Grafton‑St‑based shoe stores.

How Canadians Talk About Footwear

In the Canadian market, the word “thong” does not refer to the tiny under‑garment you might be thinking of from the UK. Instead, it’s the everyday term for what most of us call flip‑flops or summer sandals. If you ask a Toronto‑based cashier at Clarks for a pair of thongs, they’ll point you to the rubber‑bottomed, strap‑through‑the‑toes styles lining the beach‑wear section.

Across the country - from the breezy streets of Vancouver to the snow‑capped peaks of Banff - the slang stays the same. The word appears in advertising, on e‑commerce sites like Amazon.ca, and even in weather forecasts: “Expect a warm spell, perfect for thongs.”

What Ireland Calls the Same Shoes

Here in Ireland, the most common name is simply “sandals” or “flip‑flops”. At stores such as BrownThomas or the local branch of O’Neill Shoes, you’ll hear sales assistants saying, “Do you want a pair of flip‑flops for the summer?” The word “thong” is largely reserved for the under‑garment, mirroring British usage.

“Slide” is another term that’s gaining traction, especially for the back‑strap designs that slide onto the foot without a thong‑style Y‑strap. This subtle shift reflects a global fashion trend, but the core meaning stays tied to the same piece of footwear.

Why the Difference Matters for Irish Travellers

If you’re planning a trip from Dublin Airport to Montreal or Calgary, knowing the local lingo can avoid a few awkward moments. Imagine you’re at a souvenir stall in the historic Distillery District, and you ask the vendor for “sandals”. They’ll understand you, but you might get a confused look if you ask for “thongs” while pointing at a pair of flip‑flops. The vendor might instead think you’re looking for a very specific style of shoe that isn’t on their rack.

Understanding the term also helps when you shop online. Canadian e‑commerce sites list the product under “thongs”, so if you search for “flip‑flops” you might miss out on sales and free‑shipping offers. Conversely, searching “thongs” on Irish sites could pull up underwear, not the summer footwear you need for a Galway‑to‑Cork road trip.

Where to Buy Thongs in Canada - An Irish Perspective

Here’s a quick cheat‑sheet for Irish expats or tourists looking for quality thongs while in Canada:

• Clarks Canada - Offers a mix of classic rubber thongs and leather slides. Their stores in Toronto’s Eaton Centre and Vancouver’s Pacific Centre stock sizes up to a UK 8 (EU 41).
• Sport Chek - Ideal for sport‑oriented thongs (think waterproof, hiking‑ready). Look for the “Vans Slip‑On” line, which is popular among university students in Halifax.
• Local boutique markets - Smaller towns such as Lunenburg (Nova Scotia) or Banff have artisan‑made leather thongs that make great gifts and showcase Canadian craftsmanship.

Don’t forget to check the exchange rate - the Canadian Dollar is often favourable against the Euro, especially when you use an Irish-issued card with no foreign‑transaction fees.

Comparing Terminology Across the Pond

This table shows the subtle shift in naming. If you’re shopping on a Canadian website, tick the “Thongs” column; if you’re browsing an Irish online store, look under “Flip‑flops”.

Practical Tips for Irish Shoppers in Canada

1. Size conversion - Canadian sizes match US sizes. Convert your Irish size by subtracting 2. For example, an Irish 7 (EU 38) becomes a Canadian 5.
2. Seasonal timing - Canadian summers are short but intense. Stock up on thongs in June‑July; by August you’ll see many stores shifting to hiking boots.
3. Material matters - If you plan to trek the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, choose waterproof EVA thongs. For city strolling in Toronto, leather slides feel more polished.
4. Return policies - Most Canadian retailers allow a 30‑day return with receipt. Keep the original packaging - it’s often required for refunds.
5. Tax considerations - Prices shown on Canadian sites exclude HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). Add roughly 13% for Ontario or 15% for Nova Scotia before converting to euros.

Bridging the Gap - How Irish Brands Are Adapting

Some Irish retailers are already aware of the terminology gap and are adjusting their online catalogues for Canadian shoppers. The Irish Shoe Store, based in Dublin, now tags its summer range with both “flip‑flops” and “thongs” to capture traffic from Irish tourists researching their next trip to Canada.

Meanwhile, Canadian brands like Nomee have launched a “Irish Summer Collection” featuring colours inspired by the Cliffs of Moher and pricing in euros for the Irish market, clearly using the term “flip‑flops” in product titles to avoid confusion.

Bottom Line for the Irish Reader

Understanding that Canadians call what we know as flip‑flops “thongs” helps you shop smarter, avoid miscommunication at the checkout, and even score a better deal thanks to favourable exchange rates. Whether you’re strolling the streets of Dublin in April or exploring the vibrant waterfront of Vancouver in July, you now have the linguistic toolkit to talk footwear like a local.