Perhaps I gave my old Toe Foo flipflops from Simple Shoes too much love, because they're now Foo'd out and tattered. And so this time, I tried out some new, hopefully-more-durable flip flops from Ocean Minded.

Ocean Minded, a surf-inspired footwear line that uses sustainable and recycled materials like organic cotton, bamboo, recycled car tires and recycled plastic bottles. Headquartered in San Clemente, Calif., Ocean Minded organizes beach cleanups all over the world, working with a roster of 16 pro U.S. surfers to popularize the events and raise environmental awareness.

I opted for a simple black pair of Del Mar flip flops (right, $32), made with an EVA outsole with at least 35% recycled content and metal-free leather. While I wish the shoes were made in the US instead of China, and that the leather used was more sustainable, the Del Mars are comfy, cute, and more eco-friendly than most flip flops on the market.

I think the Del mars will also look better and last longer over time than Simple Shoes' Toe Foos, which were made with very eco materials but did start looking grungy (biodegrading?) fairly quickly. The Del Mars' recycled EVA outsole also provides a lot more comfy cushioning than the Toe Foos.

If you're wondering why I'm writing about flip flops in November, you probably don't live in SoCal. The high's supposed to be 83 degrees today! Interested in a pair of your own? Ocean Minded has a store locator as well as a web store.

For more flip flopping fun, here's my roundup of eco-friendly flip flops on the market (at least as of April 2007).

Related links:
>> Ocean Minded's Torreys are the "perfect casual, but dressy and comfortable accompaniment to your fall wardrobe," says Green Me in her detailed review of these shoes, made with hemp, organic cotton, and recycled EVA.

>> EllaBelle at Blooming Lily and Jessica at Green Mama also like Ocean Minded Shoes, though their reviews get most of their content directly from Ocean Minded's marketing copy.
____

BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs at greenLAgirl.com.