There’s something magical about getting back to the source of what you create. On our latest family trip to Thailand, we hopped on a motorbike with one simple goal—find the rubber trees. This journey was more than just a holiday adventure; it was about connecting with the natural rubber that makes every pair of Flipslides special.
What we found was a fascinating process that left us in awe of how nature can provide something so simple yet essential, all while leaving the trees thriving for years to come. As we rode through the lush countryside, the landscape around us slowly transformed. The bustling sounds of the city were replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the steady hum of insects.
Eventually, we found what we were looking for—rows upon rows of rubber trees, standing tall and proud.
When it starts to cool down, the local farmers begin their nightly ritual, making small, precise incisions into the bark of the trees. The latex, a milky white fluid, began to flow, collecting in small cups attached to the trunk.
It was fascinating to learn how sustainable this process is. By morning, the trees would start to regenerate their latex, ready to be tapped again the next night. This cycle can continue for decades without harming the trees, making it an incredibly eco-friendly way to harvest natural rubber.
The farmers spoke about the resilience of the trees, explaining how they nurture them so they can continue producing for years to come—a perfect balance between nature and industry.
As the sun rises and the day heats up, the latex begins to coagulate. The rubber particles separate from the water, forming a thick, squishy lump that’s as fun to poke as it is to watch transform! These lumps are then pressed into sheets and hung out to dry, removing any remaining water and preparing them for the next stage of their journey.
And that’s the beauty of Flipslide—every component is made from these very sheets of natural rubber. It’s incredible to think that something as simple as a tree could provide such a high-quality, durable, and renewable material.
Most thongs and slides on the market are made from synthetic rubbers or plastics that come from petroleum, contributing to environmental damage. At Flipslide, we’re proud to take a different path, using only natural rubber that’s kind to the planet and soft on your feet.
There’s a real sense of connection knowing that every pair of Flipslides we produce comes from this natural, sustainable source. When you slip on a pair of our slides, you’re not just putting on shoes—you’re stepping into a story of mindful craftsmanship, sustainable choices, and a commitment to the environment.
If you’re searching for the perfect pair of slides—whether you’re planning a holiday or just looking for something comfy to wear around the garden—remember that each pair of Flipslides is crafted with care, straight from the trees we visited in Thailand.
If you want to see more, check out our reel from our Thailand trip here to watch the rubber being harvested, and don’t miss our previous reel here showing how those rubber sheets are crafted into the comfortable, durable Flipslide straps you know and love.
It’s all part of the journey we’re proud to share with you in every pair.
Shop our Flipslides here.