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When I say flip-flops what is the first image that pops into your head?  I bet I can guess, white sand beaches, painted toenails, waves lapping on the shore, the aroma of sunscreen.  Perhaps a drink in one hand, and a book in another.  You’re not thinking about your flip-flops at all are you?  Yet OLLI is changing the world with flip-flops.

Olli Flip Flops Review

If you asked the same question of the Co-Founder of OLLI, Heather Shuster, you’d get a different answer.  When the former teacher arrived on a beach in Hawaii to find out she had forgotten her flip-flops, her journey quickly became less focused on simply finding a pair of shoes and more attuned to her carbon footprint.

Olli Flip Flops Founders Heather and Holly Shuster
Olli Founders Heather and Holly Shuster

Heather’s disappointment in the lack of comfortable, reasonably priced, eco-friendly shoes quickly became a crusade. Inundated with low quality options that hurt her feet, and the environment, she was determined to source a shoe that wasn’t cheaply made with harsh chemicals.

If you’re like me, you live in flip-flops during the warmer months, but bare skin swaddled in phthalates, a group of chemicals used to make plastic more soft and flexible, isn’t the relaxed vibe I’m looking for.  And if that doesn’t scare the PVC out of you, go ahead and google “phthalates” for more reasons to quit plastic.

Sustainable fashion isn’t new.  From A-list celebrities participating in red-carpet Green Dress Challenges to tourists looking for eco-friendly beachwear.  Renewable and biodegradable has long been the popular choice for consumers looking for clothing and accessories that make us look good, and also helps us feel good.

Inspiring Change One Step at A Time

In pursuit of an earth-friendly flip-flop Heather decided to team up with her sister Holly. Together the Shuster sisters journeyed to Southeast Asia in search of natural rubber.  Natural rubber is collected through a system very similar to the collection of maple syrup.  The rubber is extracted from a rubber tree (Hevea Brasiliensis).  A “tapper creates an incision in the tree and the milk is collected in a cup.

Olli the collection of rubber

The sisters soon learned that eco-friendly didn’t necessarily mean humane.  During their travels they were witness to poverty and exploitation, and were shocked by the living conditions of many rubber tappers.  This could have been the collapse of their dream, instead it energized them.  Heather and Holly persevered, insistent on becoming the solution to the problem.

Founder of Olli Flip Flops

With more research, they came across the Fair Rubber Association and from there OLLI was born.  These striving sibling entrepreneurs were now able to source the natural rubber, and also ensure safe and fair working conditions for the tappers.

Tapping rubber trees

OLLI pays a premium for the natural rubber to ensure these workers receive fair wages, medical care and safe working conditions.  Every purchase literally changes a life.

Heather has personally visited every factory they work with in Sri Lanka, proving her passion for the product, process, and working conditions for the people who make these fair trade flip-flops.

Checking the rubber
Heather checking the rubber tapping process in Sri Lanka
Rubber factory in Sri Lanka
Holly at a rubber factory in Sri Lanka

Rubber farm in Sri Lanka

So, what about the final product, and how does it stand up to the cheaply-made, over-priced, and chemical ridden competition?

OLLI sent us a pair to try for ourselves, and here’s the verdict.

Olli flip flops review

Olli flip flops fair trade rubber tag

To be honest, I was skeptical.  In my experience products that are trying too hard to be everything often fall short.  I thought that while the natural materials were a dream come true, the actual fit and comfort could be lackluster.  My test shoes arrived just in time for Spring Break and slipped nicely into my southbound luggage.

OLLI Flip flops review

For 8 days I lived in these shoes, escorting me on shopping trips, beach dates, and even an afternoon spent strolling on a boardwalk spotting manatees.

The first thing I noticed was how much softer they felt than my other flip-flops.  Also, they were much more flexible and comfortable.  After wearing them for several hours I didn’t feel the fatigue in my feet that I usually get while wearing flip-flops.  I also didn’t experience the chaffing I usually do when breaking in a new pair of sandals.  It was like they were instantly broken in. Even while hiking on the boardwalk, which I typically wouldn’t do in flip-flops, I felt no discomfort.

Strolling on the boardwalk in OLLI flip flops

OLLI flip flops review

So, let me get this straight, natural, chemical-free, sustainable, renewable, blister-free, softer, more flexible than man-made, longer lasting, fair-trade, guilt-free fashion, with a mission to make the world a better place?  Sign us up!

OLLI Flip Flop review

OLLI is in pre-launch right now, which means when you head to their Kickstarter Campaign you can have these little eco-friendly miracles at distributor cost until April 12th!

After the Kickstarter campaign, the shoes will be available at OlliWorld.com retailing for $29. They come in a range of colorful styles and unisex patterns.  Shipping is offered worldwide.

It gets better…

OLLI is giving away 3 pairs of their Earth’s favorite flip-flops absolutely free exclusively to TryBelle Magazine readers!

The Giveaway is now closed.  The Winners are:

Carrie Conrad

Jeanne Rousseau

Karen Laing

To Enter All You Have To Do Is:

  1. Comment below – Why are you ready to kick your expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb? (Please state your country in the comment.)
  2. Share this post link on social media. (Yes, we do check before we qualify our winners.)
  3. Like TryBelle Magazine’s Facebook Page
  4. Receive a bonus entry for following us on Instagram @TryBelleMag and commenting on our OLLI Giveaway post.

 

GIVEAWAY RULES:

  • Giveaway contest is International.
  • Giveaway contest begins at time of publication: March 30, 2017 and ends April 13, 2017 11:59pm EST.
  • Winner(s) will be randomly chosen and notified by email by April 21, 2017.
  • Winner(s) must reply to notification email by April 28, 2017 11:59pm EST.
  • Failure to accept prize within the designated timeline will result in forfeiture and a new winner(s) may be chosen.
  • Decision on winner(s) is final and prize is non-negotiable, non-substitutable, and non-transferable.
  • This is a sponsored post and your gift comes directly from Olli.
  • Our Legal Terms

Go ahead and enter now so you can change your world and walk the walk this summer in earth’s favourite flip flop by OLLI.

Tags:
Categories: Apparel Equipment Wellness

198 Comments

How an OLLI Flip Flop is Changing the World

  2. I am ready to kick my expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb because I want and desrve better. Ready for a change in Canada!

  3. i am ready to trade in my flip flops for these because iit’s time to cut my carbon footprint

  4. I’m so sick of battling so hard to do the right thing! Its great to know a brand of shoes has got it all. My health is important and I work wayyy to hard to feel healthy to ruin it with chemicals! But I don’t want other people to be harmed in the process, these are perfect!

  6. I am ready to get rid of my expensive flip flops that are cheaply made BECAUSE they are over priced, over-hyped, and they count on ME being foolish enough to overpay for an inferior product!!

  7. I’m ready to trade in my flip flops for a pair of these because they are ethically sourced and look very comfortable! (Natasha from Canada)

  9. I am ready to kick my expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb because the most important factors are important in my eyes.
    Live in Tunisia.
    Following via facebook:Jens Ken Lundstrom
    Instagram :@helana10000
    Shared the giveaway via fb:
    https://www.facebook.com/jens.lundstrom.33/posts/785696784917674?pnref=story
    And google +:
    https://plus.google.com/u/0/+HelenaOops/posts/S49CqHbv8WJ
    And twitter:
    https://twitter.com/irjas1/status/847525942142672896
    Good luck everyone !

  10. I’d love to have a comfortable ‘green’ affordable pair of flip flops to wear all summer. It is hard to get what I want in a summer shoe and feel good about it. – CANADA

    I have shared on twitter, Google+, facebook, pinterest, and like TryBelle Magazine’s facebook page.

  11. I am from the awesome USA and I would love to trade my flip flops that are uncomfortable and made out of god knows what for a pair by OLLI that is chemical free and especially blister free, sounds like a no brainer to me.

  13. i want better flip flops that can hold the test of time and these flip flops can do that. i am from the united states and did the extra entry.

  14. I’m ready to kick my cheap flip flops to the curb because the break and hurt my feet. I shared @sarahfe60201169, followed on instagram @sarahjferg, liked on FB Sarah Ferguson. I’m in Canada.

  15. I am ready to kick my old flip-flops to the curb for a chance to win these. I am in the USA.
    I followed on Facebook and Instagram .

  24. I am more than ready to kick my cheap Flip Flaps to the curve because , l have paid a ridiculous amount of money for cheaply made flip flops that have given me no comfort or support Tanya from Australia

  27. I am ready to kick my cheap flip flopd to the curb to replase them with a smarter, greener & sensible flip flop ?

  28. Following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I need flip flops for the hot summer days in New York City !!

  31. I’m here in the United States, and I’m ready to ditch my old flip flops for a pair that are eco-friendly.

  32. I am ready for new flip flops because my dog chewed one up when he was a puppy.

  35. The wife needs some nice flip flops as its mad to pay for post spa days in Iceland and go in £1 shop flip flops.

  38. I’m so ready to flip my flops away because although they look cute, they are extremely uncomfortable, especially when I walk quite a bit !

  39. Puerto Rico over here. I want to trade my flip flops because they are cheap and dont look cute like Olli… I am bless sorround by beach and sand!!

  42. I am in the United States. What appeals to me most about these flip flops is not only the comfort and eco-friendly aspect but more importantly the working conditions of the people who are making them getting fair wages, medical care and safety. Rosanne

  46. I’m ready to get rid of my flip-flops because they are falling apart and super uncomfortable. These look really comfy and I love that they’re eco-friendly! Shared and following on Instagram (@monicamccarthy)

  48. I don’t like those yucky flip flops, I refuse to wear them. Hopefully that doesn’t count against me. But yours sound nice, would love to try them. Following you everywhere!! USA here.

  49. I love seeing where things are made. This post really opened my eyes and made me respect the brand. posted on twitter lesh4537. follow on fb kelsey
    From the US

  52. I am ready to kick my flip flops to the curb because they are not comfortable. I also like to feel good about how the product I am wearing is made. I am from Canada.

  58. I am a diabetic and need proper footwear I have given up on flip flops long ago but these seem like a set of flip flops that needs a 2nd look. I live in western Canada and walking is a big part of my day.

  65. I am ready to trade in my flip flops because it’s been 3 years since I got new sandals and my flip flops are definitely a flop no no I’ve got them way too wet and they seem to be getting old 🙂 I’m in Arizona, USA

  68. USA – I am ready to kick my expensive, cheaply made flip flops to the curb because they rub my fit and are uncomfortable. They are also bad for the environment. We need somewhere to recycle our old flip flops!
    Shared and liked on fb as Kim Henley
    addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
    Ashley C

  70. Hi! I’m from Canada and these flip flops seem to be too good to be true. I would trade for anything that doesn’t give me blisters and doesn’t rub between the toes. Thanks for hosting this giveaway! I would love to win these flip flops and brag about them to my friends

  72. I’m ready to kick my cheaply made flip flips to the curb because they hurt my feet and fall apart after just a few trips to the beach! I live in the USA.

  73. I’d love these flip flops as I have already thrown my old ones away this year as the one of them split in half! Although I don’t need them much here in Wales, UK I’d still love a new pair for my holidays!

  75. I’m ready to kick my cheaply made flip flips to the curb because they hurt my feet and are all scraped at the front. Plus at school we have taught the children about fair trade. We sell fair trade hot chocolate, chocolate biscuits and bananas at our tuck shop on fair trade Fridays. We only use fair trade tea and coffee in the staff room and at parent social and fundraising events.

  79. Im ready to kick my cheap flip flops to the ground as I try to live as clean as possible – why shouldn’t that include that I am putting on my feet?! It’s time to move on 🙂

  81. In the U.K. Pam finds dimensions of feet difficult to get comfy and cheap made flip flops generally are uncomfortable

  82. I’m ready to kick ’em to the curb because they destroy my feet, I need quality!

  84. from Ontario Canada and ready to kick my old flip flops away is because they hurt my feet
    brendawitherspoon at Hotmail dot com

  86. I am ready to kick my cheap flip-flops to the curb because I wear flips from now thru September and I HATE when they break!!

  87. I love to wear flip-flops, but I’m tired of them ripping and falling apart after a few weeks. I’m ready to get rid of my cheapies and start wearing high quality Olli Flip Flops.

  89. I sure would love to have these flip flops as they would be very durable for years to come

  90. I am from the UK and ready to get rid of my old flip flops because I would rather wear proudly these flip flops with a story to tell.

  91. I keep a pair of flip flops by the back door under the porch to slip into while in the garden.Come Autumn the cheeky squirrels nibble them….it would be good to know they were ingesting a natural product if they were Olli’s : )

  92. As you already know the flip flops that are readily available cost way to much for the quality. Oh and the way my feet feel after wearing them all day…it’s just not worth it. So I would be honored to win a pair. Good luck everyone!
    One love,
    Gannon Seago

  95. I am ready to trade in my flip flops because I go to the beach all the time. I want some great flip flops like these. Thank you, I love the way you write!

  96. USA here. I’m ready to trade my flip fops because I love how they’re sustainably made, among many other reasons.

  97. I’m Canadian and I’d like to have the most environmentally friendly flip flop available!

  98. Hi, I’m from Canada. I’m ready to trade them in because my son is now 17 months old so this summer will be his first that he is mobile! I can’t have crappy flip flops that are going to fall apart on me with all of the running around I’m sure I’ll have to do lol

  99. I can only wear cheap flip flops for a short time before my feet get sore. I’m ready to try better quality ones in hopes my feet will feel better

  101. I’d like to get rid of my old flip flops since it’s worn out after just 1 summer of wear! I’d like to have flip flops that are more well made. I’m also in transition to a more natural eco-friendly and fair trade wardrobe that is made to last. <3 from Toronto, Canada

  102. I’m ready to kick the cheapo’s to the curb, because I practically live in flip flops and want the best!
    bethelderton59 at gmail dot com

  106. They always break and it’s certainly not good for the environment to be purchasing new rubber flip flops every month! – Kimmy, USA

  107. YES! Get rid of my Old Navy flip flops forever!! I’m in the USA. Thanks for the chance to win!

  109. I live in flip flops most of the year. It would be great to have some quality flip flops! Commenting from Canada.

  110. My cheap flops always break! Time to have some good quality ones! From AB, Canada

  111. I am ready to make the change to these awesome flip flops because they are sustainable, and is better for the world in general.

  113. I want the kind of flip flops that i grew up with in Australia and have never kicked the habit while living in Canada. I am either barefoot or wearing flip flops as soon as the snow dissapears, and allway’s on the lookout for some nice comfortable rubbery flipflops that don’t hurt the feet.

  114. YES, my Prada flip flops are all ready to be traded some I want some comfy ones that don’t hurt my feet!

  122. I’m so ready to kick my cheap made flip flops off! While walking down my garage steps the strap broke, came out of the bottom. The shoe folded and half and I fell a few steps. Hurt myself, I swore off cheap flops, but my good ones are now worn out and would love to win some! Thanks for the chance!

  123. I had given up on flip flops but natural and fair trade will bring me back . I’m from Winnipeg Canada

  124. My country is Canada. I am ready to trade in ; it costs me more to keep buying more & more cheap flip- flops to replace the old ones. I liked FB & instagram @cute88sky. . Thank you for the kindness, the contest, and generosity. 🙂

  125. Really want to do something sustainable for the planet.Am from Mauritius!

  127. The thong part keeps popping out so it would be good to have quality replacements!

  128. I want a pair of flip flops that last, and won’t run flat after a few months.

  129. I’m from the USA and I’d love to own a pair of well-made flip flops that I can feel good about! Thank you!

  130. I am from the USA. I like to have several pairs of flip flops per season so good quality and better for the environment is a plus.

  134. It’s about time I knew where my products come from and what goes into to making them… And they’re cute. (USA ??

  135. I am ready to trade in my flip flops I picked them up in China and they lasted around Asia but defo needing some new ones.. I’m from Scotland so we don’t need them much here but planning visiting my Boyfriend’d homeland in OZ 🙂 Followed and commented on Instagram (highlandbirdie) Thanks

  137. I am ready to kick my cheap flip flops to the curb because I am tired of flops that don’t last a season. United States

  139. From USA. What a totally cool giveaway, I’m just so in love because I have yet to invest in ANY pair of flips for years & years for all of these exact reasons. So buh-bye to all those old memories of flips all summer long in College & Highschool, these are my super-new-adultlike-filled-with-wisdom-Flips-of-the-Future. Again, total thanks for this super giveaway!

  141. I like to know where my products come from and what goes into to making them… And they’re nice

  142. I am from Canada. I am ready to trade my flip flops because I have to keep replacing them because they break.

  143. I live in Louisiana. I wear flip-flops everyday. I’ve gone through so many, it’s not even funny. I recently tossed an old pair out because I wore a hole in the bottom of both of them. They weren’t pretty but they were comfortable. I’m now in a crappy pair of Old Navy flip-flops until I can find another pair of comfy ones.
    I’m so ready to toss cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb…

  149. I am always looking for environmentally friendly products and finding a flip flop that is not poorly made of cheap materials that is also kind to Mother Nature is a real bonus! Thank you for introducing me to Ollis! Thanks also, for the awesome giveaway opportunity!

  150. Here in the SE of USA we’re flop wearin’ fools. Can’t stand the sensation of cheap flop between my toes.

  153. We are ready to try better flip-flops than the over priced “toxic” sold here in Canada.

  159. It would be lovely to wear something that doesn’t have a negative effect on the world. If we were all like this can you imagine the change to the world. Oh and I love flip flops

  162. Better for the world, comfy and more affordable where do I sign up? they sound wonderful! im ready for a huge change!! im from the UK <3

  164. I am ready to kick your expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb because they keep tripping me up and I deserve better! I am in New Zealand 🙂

  168. I am ready to kick your expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops to the curb because they keep hurting my feet and causing me loads of discomfort, my feet deserve better.

  171. I’m from South Africa.Im known by my friends for being the organic eco friendly one amongst us so I had to stop when I saw these shoes . firstly this is a great ideaa.But to cut it short I’ve bought aflip flops and they’ve given out while I was in public.i definitely am tired of dealing with that,buying stuff whether it’s cheap or not only for the thing by the big toe to rip? so I’m gonna try this since your review seems trustworthy.Thank you!

  172. I’m starting to move away from fast fashion and towards better quality, well made, ethical fashion. I live in sunny England 🙂

  174. I’m in the uk and would love kick my flip-flops to the curb because I want a comfortable, natural and eco friendly new ones!

  175. I’m finding with cheep shoes you spend so much more as they just don’t last and are very uncumfy

  176. I live in flip-flops in the summer and we all want a decent comfortable pair and the fact that these are eco friendly is wonderful too,I also like the fact that each factory has been visited personally and that the workers get a fair wage and good working conditions.I’d be thrilled to win and try a pair of these x

  177. I am ready to trade in my expensive, cheaply-made flip-flops for these Cute, Comfy and High Quality Flip-Flops! As a busy mom of three, I am all about comfort when it comes to running all summer long! Bring Em On! 🙂 USA

  178. We call these jandals where I come from, and we live in them all summer but, since I am in the UK at the moment, I will just say thank you for the brand intro, the story and the giveaway.

  179. No more fake, ugly, expensive and not healthy flip-flops, OLLI I am more than ready for you! please be mine, make my summer unforgettable ? ❤️

  181. I’m ready to trade in my flipflops because I want some that don’t fall apart as I’m walking in them! And that look so nice & solid too!

  183. We are going away and my old ones are past their day well I have had them two mins and they were cheap

  184. My flip flops are past there sell by date and we go away soon please let me win a funky new pair (uk)

  185. Already kicked mine away but have yet to replace them! I’m in the uk 🙂

  187. I am ready to trade in my flip flops for these, because I deserve to have a good comfortable pair of flip flops. I am from Canada

  189. I am ready to trade my flip flops as they rub the ‘soul’ out of my feet!! Would love to have ‘ happy feet ‘ x

  190. I’d love to win these as my current flip flops are rather shabby, and these are a gorgeous colour. I’m from the UK. Shared on Twitter, Facebook, G+ and also entered on Insta.

  192. I am ready to trade in my flip flops because I am 8 months pregnant and could use good flip flops for the nicer weather! Commenting from Ontario, Canada 🙂

  193. *re-posting comment to include social media share info:

    I am ready to trade in my flip flops because I am 8 months pregnant and could use good flip flops for the nicer weather! Commenting from Ontario, Canada ?

    shared on twitter https://twitter.com/

    liked FB page

    thanks for the chance!

  195. I am ready to trade in my flip flops for these because they would be helping the world rather than damaging it.

  196. I’m in the UK and haven’t had a decent pair of flip flops for years, they are always cheap and break x

  198. I am from the United States and am ready to get rid of my cheap flip flops because of the discomfort, and the color they leave behind on my feet.

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