The idea of ​​interchangeable shoes has been around for a while. There are some claims about the first to get the idea.

I think it’s between Lindsay Phillips and Dominique Barteet, although there may be other claims.

Dominique Barteet was the recent winner of Shark Tank on American TV with her impressive performance of her Onesole brand of interchangeable shoes. Dominique had developed her shoes after working on her feet for 12 hours a day as a pharmacist. She wanted a shoe that was comfortable. She developed Onesoles with Soft-Step insoles and interchangeable tops.

The idea for Dominique Barteet’s Onesole shoe is a 20-year vision that came to life in 2002. She wanted to create a shoe that was versatile, fun, affordable, and easy to travel with. You can practically have a closet full of different shoes with a pair of soles and a few tops. Each sole has interchangeable uppers that snap onto each sole with just a couple of snaps. This allows you to combine any outfit easily, cheaply and with great comfort. The idea has been patented and is constantly expanding every day to fulfill an innovative footwear niche in today’s market.

However, Lindsay Phillips has a very interesting and equally impressive statement.

Lindsay developed her concept while she was still in high school. He designed a pair of ceramic flip flops, received such a huge response that he knew a great idea had been born. Lindsay’s first product was SwitchFlops, which uses Velcro as a method of securing interchangeable straps. Before graduating from high school, he applied for the patent.

While attending college, Lindsay Phillips traveled extensively looking for inspiration for new strap designs. she developed merchandising, development and manufacturing skills over the summer vacation working for Polo Ralph Lauren. The patent for it was finally granted in 2004.

However, it wasn’t until 2007 when SwitchFlops made their appearance in Orlando to critical acclaim for a truly innovative product that they began to arrive. Lindsay’s mother joined her in the business and helped her find a suitable manufacturer.

The SwitchFlop brand is now a global hit with a huge variety of sandal and strap designs, allowing the shoes to transform from beachwear to formal wear in seconds.

Other interchangeable ideas available come from leather flip flops for women and Bare Sole straps for them and other interchangeable ones like Popperoo, Jane Rafter Slinks etc.