I used to be such a flip-flop lover. When I lived in a warm climate and drove everywhere, nary a spring or summer day would pass without a pair of Havaianas for my feet. When I moved to New York and sold my car, though, everything changed after I saw the number that the city pavement (not to mention the city filth) did on my feet. Now I can’t imagine paying $15 for flip-flops, let alone the $295 that Bergdorf Goodman is asking for these Valentino Rockstud PVC Bow Thong Sandals.

Designer wares are inherently ridiculously priced, but $295 for a pair of rubber flip flops is almost ballsy. Of course, it’s important for large brands to have things in this price point; it allows them to entice in new, young customers who may one day pick up a pair of higher-dollar shoes (or several pairs). These pieces are also great for the brand’s super-regular customers, who have money to burn and may think it adorable to throw in a pair of Valentino flip-flops for their next vacation. It’s not that I don’t understand why they exist, it’s just that…well, it’s still 300 bucks for rubber flip-flops, even if the brand or retailer prefer not to use that term to describe them.

Which brings us, of course, to my question of the day: Do you wear flip-flops, and if you do, what’s the maximum that you could allow yourself to spend on them, even if they were the most resplendent flip-flops of all time?

If these Valentinos tickle your fancy, pick ‘em up at Bergdorfs for $295.