A flip-flop sandal includes a colored sole, and first and second straps that transition laterally away from a thong secured to the front of the sole. Rubber bands of different colors, thicknesses, outer diameters, and/or textures are received over the stop members at the distal ends of the straps, and onto the straps to customize its appearance. A special tool may be releasably coupled to the stop member and be used to easily slide the rubber bands over the stop members. The straps may have recesses transverse to its length, formed about an entire periphery of the strap, with rubber hands each configured to fit within one of the recesses. The rubber bands, straps, and/or portions of the sole may be formed of a material configured to absorb photons when present, and thereafter glow the various different colors when in the dark. Alternative manufacturing methods for flip flops is also provided.