8.9 out of 10. Patagonia is a co-founder of 1% for the Planet.

Most of the kazillions of flip flops bought, sold, worn and often lost or trashed each year are made out with toxic glues, non-biodegradable (ever) plastics, and leathers tanned in a process that poisons ourselves, our waters, children and wildlife.

Not Patagonia’s Flop Along Flip Flops. These things are the vintage biodiesel Mercedes of flip flops: hip, elegant, cushy.

Made of naturally tanned leathers with partially recycled plastic, you can now flip flop walk your “I-care-about-the-earth and want-to-look-good-and-be-comfortable while doing so” talk.

They are Made in China, which makes us here at elephant sad—we’d love to support local, USA businesses first—but Patagonia is wonderfully transparent (unlike most) about their manufacturing process, and closely supervising their factories.

To purchase, or for more info, go to Patagonia’s site.

Flop Alongs make naked feet sigh with pleasure. The soft nubuck strap and footbed are tanned to Leather Working Group environmental standards, and the contoured, extra-cushiony EVA footbed/midsole (20% recycled) provides arch support. The nonmarking rubber outsole has 20% recycled content.

Details

• Recycled nylon post is comfortable between toes
• Extra-comfortable, contoured EVA footbed (20% recycled) with soft, embossed nubuck overlay
• Nonmarking, nonslip rubber outsole with 20% recycled content
• 8-mm layered arch support where you need it
• Medium width, medium arch/instep
• 425 g (15 oz)
• Made in China.