PDM designs paving stone flip flops to "surprise and delight"

Design brand PDM has created a pair of flip flops that look like the zigzag, concrete paving stones found across Thailand.

Set to be launched later this month, the flip flops directly imitate the distinctive zigzag-shaped paving stones that are commonly used for roads in the country.

"We wanted to design a product that feels deeply connected to everyday surroundings – something familiar yet reimagined," PDM told Dezeen.

"The flip flops take inspiration from local paving stones found across Southeast Asia, translating a common ground element into a playful, wearable form," it continued. "It's a way of turning the overlooked into something iconic."

PDM designed the flip flops to be "connected to the ground", while also having a sense of fun and drawing attention to a simple item that is often overlooked.

"We hope [people] feel surprised and delighted – maybe even laugh a little," said the brand.

"But beyond that, we want people to see them as a fashion-forward statement piece. It's about sparking joy, curiosity, and a sense of design wit in something as simple as sandals."

Although the product has a deliberately playful angle, the brand insists that the flip flops are not a gimmick and expects people to wear them.

"They're absolutely made to be worn," said PDM. "While the design carries humour and a bold visual identity, the functionality is real."

Each of the flip flops will be manufactured from 30 per cent recycled ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in a factory that has 30 years of experience making flip flops, according to the brand.

Previous flip flops featured on Dezeen include a pair designed by Allbirds with sugar-cane soles and a pair emblazoned with president Donald Trump's contradictory tweets.

The images are courtesy of PDM.

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