The Emotional Toll of Breast Cancer

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is earth-shattering. It brings fear, uncertainty, and pain. The treatments, whether surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, are gruelling and come with a host of side effects that leave individuals feeling drained, both physically and emotionally. Beyond the physical discomfort, the emotional rollercoaster is relentless. Women often feel like their femininity is being stripped away, leading to issues with body image, …

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) takes place every October. The aim of the BCAM is to shine a light on the devastating impact breast cancer has on thousands of Australians each year.

• Every year over 21,000 people in Australia (including g around 200 men) will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Every day 58 people in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Every year over 3,300 people in Australia (including

My first experience with Breast Cancer was when I was 11 years old. I vividly remember the funeral. I could not stop crying. All I could think of was my friends, twins 9 years old have to grow up not having a mum.

There is no family history of breast cancer in my family, but I still always do routine breast checks every month as I know how important early …

After a long day of walking, standing, or even just wearing the wrong shoes, your feet end up sore, tired, and aching. If foot pain is an unwelcome part of your daily routine, it’s time to find a solution.

Slappas Thongs are your new go-to for supportive, pain-free comfort and they’re the fastest, easiest cure for foot pain.

A major cause of foot pain, especially for those of us who …

We’ve been making thongs for Australians for 14 years. What started as a small family operation in Darwin has grown into a proud, Aussie-owned brand that stands for comfort, durability, and the laid-back Australian lifestyle.

Now we’re excited to take our passion for the perfect pair of thongs and partner with the 2024 We Wear Australian campaign, and we want to share why this is such a big deal for …

Whether you’re here for a weekend or have lived here your whole life, there’s a few quintessential Top End experiences you have to tick off. Darwin is famous for a lot of things (some good, some funny, some scary) but we’ve rounded up the top five things to do in Darwin to add to your bucket list…

1. Watch the sunset at Mindil Beach.
Darwin’s sunsets are legendary, and there’s …

If you’ve spent your life in heels, you’ll know how good it feels to kick them off at the end of the day. For those of us who wear bras, it’s the same feeling – that ‘ahhhhh’ moment when you walk in the door at the end of a long day, fling off your bra, kick off your heels, flop onto the couch and sink your feet into a foot …

Thongs are a classic Australian icon; they’re the humble everyday choice for every Aussie. An Aussie without their thongs is like a football game without a meat pie – it just doesn’t happen. And whether you call them thongs, flip-flops, jandals, or the mighty pluggers, there’s no denying that the simple thong has earned its place in the hearts (and on the feet) of Aussie dads everywhere.

Now, as Father’s …

If you’re a Northern Territory local or just traveling through, the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets are a Darwin must-do. They’re one of the best local traditions where the sun meets the sand, offering a great night out to soak up a real Darwin experience.

Stroll through the buzzing sea of stalls, sample the best local food, arts, and crafts the Top End has to offer, and stay for the live …

Yes, it’s exactly as it sounds – a regatta for boats made from beer cans – and yes, it’s just as fun as it sounds too. The Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta is an iconic local event where participants build boats from empty beer cans, soft drink cans, and milk cartons to race at Mindil Beach. 

It’s a fun-filled family day featuring creative boat designs, family-friendly activities, and plenty of …

If you’ve been blessed with big flat flippers, lucky you. You might not ever make it as a foot model, but those flat feet will give you a good grip on the world. The trouble is, your flat feet might be failing your body, and what’s going on with your flippers might be the answer to your ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain and lower back pain.

Flat feet, or …

Us Aussies are known for our laid-back lifestyle, our love for the great outdoors, and an unshakeable spirit that embraces the simple pleasures of life. But let’s face it, nothing puts a damper on the day faster than a pair of dodgy thongs that blow out at the beach.

One moment you’re strolling, the next you’re hobbling with one bare foot on the hot sand, trying to keep your cool …

Finding the right fit for flip-flops is essential for comfort, foot health, and stability. Properly fitting flip-flops prevent blisters, arch pain, and slips, ensuring your feet are well-supported and comfortable during wear.

Comfort in everyday footwear is vital for preventing foot pain and enhancing overall well-being. If the footwear you are wearing is not fitted correctly for you this can lead to other discomforts and long-term pain. The …

With a simple switch of thongs, you can transform your entire look from casual to chic in seconds. Whether you’re hitting the beach, strolling around town, or lounging at home, coloured thongs add that pop of personality to your outfit like nothing else can. Get ready to explore the fashion trends of 2024 of coloured thongs and discover how they can elevate your fashion game to new heights!

Achilles tendonitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is a large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. This inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected area.

The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in activities like walking, running, and jumping. When it is inflamed, these movements can become painful and challenging. Achilles tendonitis is often a …

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel bone to your toes, becomes inflamed. The exact cause of plantar fasciitis is often multifactorial, and several factors can contribute to its development. Here are some common causes and risk factors:

1. Overuse or Overloading
2. Foot Structure and Mechanics
3. Improper Footwear
4. Tight Achilles

Recycling old clothes and textiles is important for several reasons. First and foremost, it helps to reduce the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfills. When textiles are sent to landfills, they can take hundreds of years to break down and release harmful greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.

By recycling textiles, we can also conserve natural resources such as …

Let’s face it – everyone loves arch support thongs, and would live in them if they could!

Slappa’s Thongs have been growing in popularity for providing the easy breezy comfort of normal thongs plus the proper arch support of orthopedic shoes.

Unlike normal thongs that contribute to heel pain, overusing muscles and provide zero arch support for the feet, Slappa’s Thongs are all about real arch support that promotes body …

“I crave a love so deep; the ocean would be jealous.”

This quote, from Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, captures the spirit of Karla Spectic’s 2022 Fashion Week Collection, Oasis Resort 23.

“The Collection narrative is driven by the desire to escape to an oasis, experiencing tropical bliss in a faraway place,” says Karla. “I want to evoke that feeling you have after a day at a beautiful beach, with aqua …

Thongs play a huge role in Aussies’ daily lives. They, quite literally, direct our steps! After a tiring day at work, there is nothing better than removing our shoes and slipping into comfortable thongs that let our feet breathe and rest to recover for the next day. 

Consider your thongs a more comfortable pair of shoes in the comfort of your home or outside. An excellent pair of thongs can …

The humble thongs found its way into the hearts of beach-loving, easy going Australians far back in history. What was known as the wooden “Japanese sandals” evolved into lightweight thongs that is one of the most beloved footwear in the land down under.

In the early 1900s, early slippers were noted to make a painful “flip flop” sound whenever the wooden material hit the heel. The name stuck everywhere else …

With a wide array of available footwear, we tend to first look at the style. Beyond the aesthetics though we must look at our own two feet and prioritise arch support. After all, arch support is essential for both mobility and comfort.

In this quick guide, let’s learn about our foot arch, the dangers of not wearing arch support footwear, and the benefits of wearing footwear with arch support.

Oh yes it’s that time of year again!  Santa has something your feet will be forever grateful for.

There are numerous advantages to wearing supportive, orthopedic footwear. Orthopedic footwear not only supports your arch and reduces your risk of acquiring common arch ailments, but it also provides some other advantages. 

Slappa’s thongs provide arch support required to cushion your feet. Furthermore, supportive footwear can aid in the reduction of edema, …

If you’ve ever considered visiting the top end, there has never been a better time than right now.

Whilst the rest of the country, in fact the rest of the world, is in absolute chaos, you will find your oasis in tropical Darwin.

As the territory opens its borders on 17^th July, there’s an array of events and things of interest that will take you all the way through …

Pregnant and uncomfortable. A pretty familiar story for most women carrying their first child. But for Denise Dunn, this was the motivation for what was to become a revolution in arch support thongs.

“During pregnancy, I craved comfortable and open footwear, and as much as I loved wearing thongs, they provided no foot support,” Denise said. “That’s when I had my light-bulb moment, and Slappa’s Thongs were born.”

Fast forward …

Will the simple handshake be consigned to a form of greeting and social interaction from a bygone era?  And will the less formal celebratory “high five” meet the same fate?

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us all to act, think, and live differently.

Yes, we have had to adapt, but us Aussies are a resilient bunch.

It’s some of the small things (and not so small things) that I’m sure …

Anzac Day has a strong meaning for my family and me.

We have attended many dawn services over the years. For us, these occasions honour the brave men and women who served our country and it is a special time of reflection for many Australians.

So, this ANZAC Day we would like to extend our thoughts to all Australians, especially those who served our country to enable the freedom we …

Australian’s all let us rejoice, our thongs make us feel free!

Yeah OK, maybe that’s a bit corny but hey, we are talking about some seriously comfortable and locally designed foot hugs here.

Why ‘An Advanced Australian Pair’? We often get asked are our Slappa’s Thongs manufactured here in Australia… well unfortunately, no they are not.

Why? Because there isn’t a single manufacturer on shore with the machinery capable of …

Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the “Apostle of Ireland”, he is the primary patron saint of Ireland.

Patrick was never formally canonized. Nevertheless, he is venerated in the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Churches, the Old Catholic Church, and in the Eastern Orthodox Church as equal-to-the-apostles and Enlightener of Ireland.

The dates of Patrick’s life cannot be fixed with …

On February 16^th to 26^th, the South Australian streets come alive in the city and hills for the Santos Tour Down Under.

There will be more lycra and saddle sores than you can shake a spoke at… and if you own a coffee shop; well, all your Christmases are about to come at once!

Jokes aside though, the Santos Tour Down Under is Australia’s greatest cycling race, …

We all know it’s crucial to be sun smart at this time of year in Australia.

However, melanoma skin cancer was the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2015 and it’s estimated that it will remain the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2019. 

It’s also estimated that 1725 people died as a result of melanoma cancer in 2019 in Australia and over 15,000 new cases were diagnosed. These are staggering statistics; …

Bruce Munro: Tropical Light is a free outdoor exhibition featuring eight illuminated sculptures across Darwin’s CBD by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro.

The display will include a collection of new and existing work that reflects Mr Munro’s experiences in Australia and the Territory, including Darwin’s natural beauty, distinct wildlife, welcoming locals and spectacular sunsets.

Bruce Munro is internationally renowned for his site-specific light-based sculptures and installations.  

Tropical Light is a …

Did you know that in our lifetime the average person will walk over 150,000 km? (that’s about 216,262,500 steps), each foot takes 1.5 times our body weight while we walk, so it’s important to take good care of our feet.

OCTOBER 14-20, 2019 is National Foot Health Week, it’s a week to say ‘Thanks’ to your feet for all the support they provide you with each and every year!

One of the …

Did you know 1 in 10 people suffer from Plantar Fasciitis?!

The plantar fascia is a piece of strong and thick tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. It connects the heel bone to the toes, creating the foot’s arch. Plantar Faciitis is inflammation for the plantar fascia, either through overstretching, overuse or a medical condition.

If you or someone you know suffers from Plantar Fasciitis …

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a cause very close to our hearts and this month we are proud to be joining the #CFArmy to help spread awareness of CF by donating $5 from every pair of Slappa’s purchased online plus to help cure CF.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited disease affecting the developed world, with one in every 2,500 …

We have always been great allies with America be it through trade, politics or war, and with ANZAC Day being next week we wanted to take a moment and honour just how special that history of friendship has been.

For this subject we’re pleased to have a Guest Contributor that has not only lived on both continents but is one of very few military personnel to have …

Autumn is officially here and in most states and territories that means cooler weather. For some this is a welcome reprieve from what has been a particularly hot summer, particularly in the Southern states; for others it’s an opportunity to chase the warmth and travel.

So here are our 6 top tips for comfortable air travel to warmer climates.

1. Wear comfortable clothes

If you want to be able to …

Reflexology is an old technique that aims to increase blood flow to certain parts of the body to relieve pressure and pain. These points, often found on your feet and hands, are connected directly to the body’s glands and organs. Every person’s experience with reflexology is a little bit different.

With reflexology, you may experience cold or hot sensations, the need to breathe deeply, sweating of the hands and feet, …

Especially in Australia where they become the standard footwear for 90% of the country! In fact, our beloved thongs even make it onto Traveller.com.au’s list of Summer Holidays in Australia: 13 Things That Shock Foreign Visitors where according to them.

We Really Like Wearing Thongs: Yes, thongs. Not flip-flops or jandals. Thongs. Get used to it. And in summer we’ll wear thongs pretty much everywhere. We’ll wear them to the …

Slappa’s Thongs has always been a family business; anyone who has come to see us at the Mindil Beach Markets in Darwin or has called past our house in Fannie Bay to pick up a pair while they’re in town will know that we all eat, sleep and breathe Slappa’s Thongs and have tens of pairs each from over the last 8 years. They are …

We often receive emails with wonderful feedback from our customers who have been travelling all over the world saying how they were so glad they purchased Slappa’s Thongs before leaving on their trip.

Recently our founder and owner Denise Dunn trekked the Inca Trail and explored the wonders of Machu Picchu in Peru, so we sat down with her to find out how Slappa’s had helped her …

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and as a cause close to our hearts we want to take this opportunity to share some information and help raise awareness.

We are excited to announce both our Magenta Pink and Fuschia & Pink Slappa’s will be discounted to $32 for the rest of October and $5 from every sale we will be donating to the …

We at Slappa’s Thongs have always felt flip flops were catwalk worthy but this year they were officially debuted on the runway at New York Fashion Week!

Marie Clare stylist Monica Russell predicted in July this year;
“According to our fave street style stars the casual footwear once reserved for the dash from the car to the beach has now made it’s way to the …

July is racing carnival time in Darwin and it’s one of our favourite times to get dressed up and head out with friends; no matter where you’re headed this Dry Season never leave home without a pair of Slappa’s in your bag!

Or accept our challenge to get “crafty” and you’ll never need to take them off at all…

We all loved to get dolled up from …

While peak wedding season for most of Australia is between November – March, here in Darwin the majority of couples choose to tie the knot during dry season which is May – October so in the spirit of all things LOVE we thought we’d talk a little about getting married in Darwin…

Darwin is the perfect place to get married; it’s unique, spectacular locations ensure your …

This week is National Family Week in Australia; an annual celebration of families that aims to recognise and appreciate the vital role that families play in Australian society. They ask us to take time this week to reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children, especially as they grow.

Since Slappa’s Thongs is a proud family owned and run business, I …

The holiday season has passed for the moment, what a relief! Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with the family and enjoying the Christmas and New Year celebrations. But, it’s a bit overwhelming at times and I’m eager to get back into the business.

Of course, that said, there is another Public Holiday on the horizon and it’s a biggie….

Being an Aussie girl, born and …

Summer is in full swing, the holiday season is upon us, and it’s definitely the season for thongs!

Here in Darwin, we’re hoping for a dry Christmas but we’ll still have fun even if it does rain.

I’ll admit, sometimes I’m a bit of a bah-humbug over the holiday. But, it does give me extra time with the family and for that reason alone I cherish this annual holiday.

We’re halfway through November, and that means December is fast approaching so I’ve got one thing on my mind – gifts!

Gift shopping is a fun activity for me.  I know it can be troublesome and stressful but it’s  a great way to focus on those who mean the world to us.

Every year I like to get my family gifts I think they’ll love because I love them.

Post Exercise Recovery Tips

What you do before and after any form of exercise seriously impacts the speed and quality of your recovery. While training may seem like the most important aspect, aches or pains caused by incorrect recovery can be just as crippling as any injury caused during exercise. Here are some easy tips to ensure you recover correctly.

Foam rolling

Self-stretching or myofascial release, also known as “foam …

What’s the best treatment for heel pain?

There are several treatment options for heel pain. Research shows that the best approach is to combine several therapies for best result. These include stretching, massage, ice therapy, strengthening exercises and custom orthotics.

Do orthotics work for foot pain?

Yes. Orthotics work by placing your foot in its most optimal functional position. This allows all the structures to function, as they should; avoiding …

Spring is here, and you all know what that means… it’s time to break out of your winter footwear. Yep, time to get your tootsies ready for summer!

All across Australia, the temperature is starting to rise and here is sunny Darwin that means the build-up has kicked off. Of course, summer isn’t quite here yet, which is a good thing because that gives you plenty of time to condition …

August in the Top End is always awesome!

I thought I’d share some of the amazing awesomeness that the Dunn family get up to at this time of year …

You probably know that our whole family is bonkers about bike riding.

What’s really special, is when you’re riding for a close-to-your-heart cause.

Earlier this month, it was a pleasure to welcome an inspiring young man to Darwin …

Work life balance is very important to me. My passion is my family, friends and Frank, my dog –  you’ve seen him starring in our 7^th birthday video.

Life changed for our family when I took a simple idea – thongs with arch support – and built it into a successful business that now allows our family to have financial freedom.

I had a young family at home when …

This is the time of year the Northern Territory starts to bloom. The Wet Season has ended and the Dry is in full swing. Darwin is lush and full of life, kicking off with heaps of happening, fun stuff in July. Making it the perfect time, especially for those of you who don’t live in Darwin, to come on up and see the sights.

I’m giving you the heads up …

I am a huge supporter of Australian made, both clothing, footwear and produce for the table.

From when I first started buying my own clothes and footwear I’d more often than not, choose to buy items made in Australia.

I’m not sure if it had something to do with being brought up on a farm. Or I just felt it was important to support Australian businesses.

But one thing I …

Please don’t strike me down with a lightning bolt for misquoting the bible!  I’m not getting a God complex.  Promise!

I’m just a humble thong creator.  All things thongs are my passion though.  You know this because you kindly follow my blog, and/or the Slappa’s Thongs newsletters and many of you are with us on Facebook.  Thanks for being there, reading, commenting and sharing ❤

So, yes, we all know …

One of the things that we Territorians love about living in the Top End is our outdoors lifestyle unique to this terrific tropical Territory.

We have some of the most un-spoilt natural beauty spots in Australia, many of which are ocean and freshwater locations which provide some of the best fishing you could hope for.

And Slappa’s make great fishing footwear!

Slappa’s Thongs have been sponsors of the Darwin Flyrodders …

Did you think I had illusions of grandeur with that title?

Have those Slappa’s folk invented some way to morph the humble thong into an actual shoe?   The kind you can wear for any occasion … well yes, we have, pretty much!

That may sound ambitious, since an occasion can be anything from fine dining, race day, clubbing, a wedding, Christmas Day, Valentine’s Day …  Oh, here’s some V day …

January – the peak of our Aussie summer and so, peak thong fashion time. It’s hot, hot, hot and there’s no better way to keep those twinkle toes feeling cool and better still – looking cool!

Take a peak at some of these pretty as a picture fashioned-up feet rockin’ their Slappa’s …people are so clever! Pretty polish, anklets, a bit of bling or a ribbon and viola!

How you …

With new sellers and many of our sellers having their own Facebook pages, I reckon there’ll be more than a few first time Slappa’s wearers around the beach and barbie this summer.

We even had a Facebook post last month of a pair of Slappa’s Thongs in the Sahara Desert!

Thanks to our lovely customers who took photos, making Slappa’s a part of their travel experience.  We love to see …

If you’re a lover of foot fashion, then this is the time to thong-up for summer!

A great spin-off to wearing Slappa’s Thongs is that not only do your feet look pretty, but they’re also happy feet :).

Many of our customers tell us how much they love Slappa’s Thongs for their good looks and their great arch support. A big …

Before any great trip there is the inevitable question of what to pack.

For me, one of the biggest packing decisions is “What shoes should I pack?” Not only do shoes take up so much room, you never end up wearing most of them. And, bugger it, you are on holidays! So why not wear your thongs?

In actuality, having your thongs be your travel shoes makes sense and is the practical thing to …

COME ON! Darwin Darwin Darwin Oi Oi Oi here we go, here we go, here we go, and here we GO to Darwin for the Davis Cup 2015!

The Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles and Sport and Recreation Minister Gary Higgins were joined by Tennis Australia’s Todd Woodbridge to make the historic announcement in Darwin.

“This is huge for the Territory and great news for local tennis fans, Mr Giles …

Easter for me is a special time of the year spiritually but just being able to stop work, no rushing, spend time with family and friends and be happy is very important. But for most in Darwin the excitement does not stop here!

Firstly the Dry Season is not far away or has already arrived, so it is the first opportunity for most people to go out camping, the run …

I’ve written before that a favourite past time for my family is to spend a lazy day chilling at the Darwin Waterfront.

While it is possible to get all your needs from the shops, cafes and restaurants all around you, in the true spirit of Slappa’s Thongs culture, I want to share with you the packing list we use for days of self-contained bliss.

For our days at The Waterfront, …

Darwin mud crabs have a very sweet, delicious taste and can be enjoyed many different ways. Most times we just eat them …

After long delays with getting the final building permit,  the new tavern at Berry Springs has finally opened. “It has been a Berry long wait for a beer!” quoted the NT News.

Berry Springs is about a 40-45 minute drive from Darwin if you go via Finn Road or about an hour if you take the Stuart Highway. We opted for Finn Road as our friends had never driven that way before so …

In Darwin, our kids get four weeks holidays in the dry season in the middle of the year and six weeks holidays for the Christmas break.

You’ll understand why Darwin is the home capital to the best thongs in the world, when you learn that during our dry season the temperature is a glorious 30-32 degrees Celsius every day and the wet season is hotter.

In the Slappa’s Thongs household, …

The pace has certainly picked up over the last few years when it comes to great coffee shops in Darwin. Having lived in Darwin for over 20 years I can say The Cool Spot at Fannie Bay, Duck’s Nuts in the City and The Groove Café in Nightcliff now have some serious competitors.

On the dance floor at the Ladies Day event in Darwin, I’m sure I caught a few expressions from other women which I read as saying, I wish it were fashionable to swap the high heels for some comfortable thongs or orthotic friendly shoes!

Sadly, …

If you have a love for flowers and trees October is definitely a great time to visit Darwin. The air is filled with the sweet smells of trees blossoming. Rain trees, flame trees and frangipani’s are a mass of magnificent flowers and also attract plenty of native birds.

The flame tree has a striking red/orange flower which is so beautiful and bright. Such a happy tree with so much character and can …

Mindil Beach Sunset Market is a great supporter of home grown music. Every Thursday and Sunday from the Sound Shell you can sit down at the tables set up by the markets, enjoy your dinner and a few drinks while listening to something different each week ranging from Reggae, folk, rock, jazz and country. Some of the local bands and musicians that have performance this year are Bridey Rose, Dave …

Fast becoming known for producing great music and bands, Darwin has come a long way since Yothu Yindi released ‘Treaty” in 1991 and it just keeps getting better and better.

Triple J’s Home and Hosed, Dom highlighted some of the amazing and talented musicians in the Northern Territory, dedicating an hour of his show to bring the wide variety on offer.

One of the bands GREEN STONE GARDEN are a …

Wow what an amazing year it has been for Slappa’s Thongs. New colours, New website, New branding, New stockists and lot’s, lot’s, lot’s of New Slappa’s clients.

The year started with a very quick trip to China to see the new shipment be produced, packed up and sent to Darwin ready for the start of the Mindil Beach Sunset Market season. I was very excited as the new colours Red, Orange, White, Olympic Blue …

Slappa’s were born at Mindil Beach Darwin, a place where locals and tourists get together to eat, shop and be entertained.

It really is the soul of the Territory, multi-cultural, relaxed, friendly and fun.

From the moment the sun goes down over the Timor Sea like one huge fireball, Mindil Beach comes alive with colour, sounds and the most delicious smells.

Mindil Beach is a comfortable walk from Darwin City …