I was working in banking, raising two young kids, and dreaming of a six-month-a-year gig that gave me more time at home. Never in a million years did I think I’d end up creating one of the most comfortable, podiatrist-approved thongs in Australia, but here we are.

It all started during pregnancy. I was desperate for open, comfy footwear, but traditional thongs just didn’t offer any support. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment.

What if I could design a thong that was comfortable enough and cool enough to wear every day but actually supported your feet?

So that’s what I set out to do, and I did it. That’s how Slappas was born.

So what makes Slappas so different from any other Aussie thong?

We use a process called closed-cell injection moulding to create a one-piece EVA foam design which means no joins, no glue, and most importantly, no weak spots.

Other thongs blow out, ours don’t.

Other thongs form cracks and wear down, ours don’t. 

Each pair moulds uniquely to your foot shape over time, providing a tailored fit and superior comfort.

In a nutshell, they’re the best arch support thongs on the market and the most comfortable because we’ve added built-in arch support to help relieve pain for people with plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, back pain, and knee issues.

And because they’re lightweight and durable, they’re perfect for everyday wear from the beach to the backyard.

Slappas are so good that they’re stocked by podiatrists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors across Australia, and we have happy customers worldwide who can’t wear anything else.

We might be small, but we’re serious about quality and sustainability too. When we launched nearly two decades ago, ‘sustainable’ wasn’t an option in our category, but we’re always on a journey to find the most sustainable, planet-saving way to make our thongs, and we’re currently working towards several sustainability
goals.

• We already produce with a closed-cell injection moulding method which minimises waste compared to open moulding, but we’re working toward a production method which will allow us to be zero waste in the future.
• We work only with ethical manufacturers who meet high labour and quality standards.
• We put every batch through strict quality control and performance testing to ensure no blow outs and no breakages, which means they last longer and they don’t end up in landfill after the first summer like so many other brands do.

We’re often asked about recycled or plant-based materials and the short answer is yes, we’ve considered them, but they don’t meet our durability standards yet.

It’s a catch 22. If we use 100% plant based EVA we’re 'more sustainable', but if our thongs don’t last as long because plant based EVA breaks more often than traditional EVA, we’re only adding to landfill and that’s not sustainable.

So what about recycled EVA? It tends to burn during the moulding process, leading to more production waste and lower quality.

Sugarcane EVA has its own environmental and ethical challenges too, like land displacement, pesticide concerns, modern slavery risks, and performance issues in moisture-heavy environments.

Algae EVA looks promising, and we’re currently workshopping it as an alternative, but we can only include 10% of the material before it breaks down too easily.

So you can see there isn’t a perfect solution, but there is a pursuit for the most sustainable arch support thongs that last, and it’s a journey that we’re on.

We’re not giving up on better options but we won’t sacrifice durability or quality just to tick a green box. 

That said, the waste from our production is recycled, often used for things like industrial matting, and we’re committed to improving our environmental footprint as materials and technology evolve.

When your feet don’t get the support they need, your arches collapse, your posture suffers, and you end up with everything from plantar fasciitis and heel pain to aching legs and misalignment. And if you're on your feet a lot, the pain adds up fast.

• Built-in arch support to help maintain healthy foot alignment.
• Shock-absorbing EVA foam that moulds to your feet and cushions every step.
• Recommended by podiatrists, physiotherapists and chiropractors around Australia.
• Supportive enough for all-day wear, even if you’ve got plantar fasciitis, heel spurs or flat feet.

We’re proud to say that Slappas don’t just feel great, they actually support your body and help reduce pain and fatigue. Because comfort isn’t just a luxury. It’s a necessity.

From six-year-olds to grey nomads, our customers span generations. Whether you’re
chasing the kids, recovering from foot pain, or just after a pair of lightweight thongs that look great and feel even better, Slappas are here to support you.

With bright colours, bold Territory energy, and Aussie-designed comfort, Slappas Thongs are made to support your every step. 

Thanks for being part of the journey.

Denise.