Dép

Dép is a Vietnamese term for a broad category of casual open footwear designed for daily wear. It typically covers slip-on styles that leave the toes exposed and are secured by a strap, thong, or backless design. The word encompasses a range of styles, from inexpensive plastic or rubber flip-flops to more durable leather or fabric sandals.

Common varieties include dép tổ ong, a lightweight foam sandal with a honeycomb-like outsole that is very inexpensive and widely used in Vietnam and other parts of Asia. Other forms include thong sandals and strap-backed sandals, which are often worn for informal occasions or in warm weather. Materials used for dép range from EVA foam, rubber, and plastic to leather and fabric.

In daily life, dép are popular for home wear, travel, market trips, beaches, and casual outdoor use. They are valued for affordability, light weight, and easy replacement, but generally offer limited arch support and protection compared with closed footwear. In rural areas and informal settings, dép may be worn for work or farming; in urban or more formal contexts, people often switch to more protective footwear.

The term dép is native to Vietnamese and is widely found in dictionaries and everyday speech. It reflects a broader Southeast Asian tradition of simple, mass-produced slip-on footwear. See also: shoe, sandal, flip-flop.