I've Always Been Fickle About Flip-Flops—Then I Met These TKEES Platforms

When it comes to controversial footwear, flip-flops are up there as one of the most debated styles. Questions arise over how you can style them, where you can wear them and, for me and my fellow New Yorkers, whether you can even wear them at all (blame the curbside mystery puddles).

Personally—and pun not totally intended—I've always flip-flopped on the matter. Sometimes I'd go through multiple pairs in a single summer, cycling through cheap foam ones on beach days and vacations, usually finding faults in the fit or the soles or the quality (a snapped strap does not a good getaway make). Then I'd go through stretches of avoiding the style altogether, opting for clunkier sandals to add some height to my 5'1" frame.

But once again my tastes have shifted, and I have TKEES to thank. While perusing its website full of clean, timeless sandals in skin-tone neutrals, I fell in love with the Lily Platforms ($95) and knew that these were no basic, beach-only shoes.

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While the term "fancy flip-flops" may seem like an oxymoron, these really are just that. For $95, you get a shoe crafted with velvety-smooth Brazilian leather, making up both the insole and straps—no stiff plastic here. A layer of rubber forms the outsole, which I've so far found to be slip-free.

Now, the feel of the V-strap and toe thong is always a dealbreaker when trying on flip-flops, but in the Lily Platform's case, it's a dealmaker. That crucial component is soft and flexible, not to mention particularly thin. While wearing the shoes around the house (and even outside a few times on the warmer days between snowstorms), the straps didn't cause any friction that I could see leading to blisters. Granted, I have yet to take them for a spin in weather conditions that would cause my feet to swell and sweat, but they seem promising.

The insole, meanwhile, is flat and smooth, free of any contouring. I, a high-arch haver, was concerned about this at first. But after getting some steps in, I felt plenty supported. The leather insole is firm and lightly padded, and the platform is dense and sturdy. Throw in their slight elevation, and I could confidently stride across even the dingiest NYC sidewalk in these with no fear of getting my feet dirty.