One of the many signs of warm weather for adults and children alike is slipping on a pair of
flip-flops and heading outside to enjoy a day in the sun. Always fashionable and relatively
inexpensive, flip-flops are a footwear favorite for walking about on summer days. However,
as convenient to wear and colorful as they can be, flip-flops are of little benefit to the health
of your feet.
The fact of the matter is that while flip-flops are associated with breathability and ease, the
typical pair offers little in terms of support or protection for your feet. Often constructed out
of a flat piece of rubber or thin synthetic material with a thong that is designed to fit
between your first two toes, these shoes can be a recipe for foot injuries as well as other
problems.
In warmer climates and summer months, it is not uncommon for podiatrists to see a wide
range of issues associated with flip-flop wear. This is especially true when these shoes are
worn throughout the day, while taking long walks, or for inappropriate recreational activities
such as hiking and playing sports. Foot problems from flip-flops can include anything from
stubbed or broken toes to blisters, cuts, sprained ankles, stress fractures as well as other
overuse injuries. Furthermore, as your foot strike and gait are different while wearing flipflops, these shoes can even cause some knee, hip and back problems.
Although, our feet are brilliantly engineered to endure the rigors of walking barefoot on most
natural landscapes, they require the right type of footwear to successfully manage the hard
and unyielding surfaces of the modern world. While wearing flip-flops in the locker room, at
poolside, or walking across hot sand can be a good idea to shield your feet from injury as
well as fungi and viruses that can cause such problems as warts or athlete’s foot, it is
important to be aware of the drawbacks of extended wear.
The lack of arch, heel, or lateral support offered by flip-flops leaves individuals who wear
them, particularly those without a well-balanced foot, vulnerable to such things as foot
fatigue, plantar fasciitis, and sprained ankles. Furthermore, your natural impulse to curl
your toes in order to keep these shoes from falling off your feet may even contribute to the
development of bunions or hammertoes.
When choosing the most appropriate pair of shoes for the day, it is important to keep in
mind that your foot has to work a lot harder when wearing a pair of flip-flops. Overworking
your foot’s delicate bones, or the tendons and ligaments sometimes lead to overuse injuries
such as stress fractures, shin splints and tendonitis. Additionally, the lack of protection
from the elements in flip-flops and the constant friction or rubbing that they cause leaves
your feet susceptible to sunburn, cuts, bruises and blisters.
Of course, the best approach to minimize your risk of flip-flop related problems is to not
wear them for inappropriate or extensive activity. It is also important to purchase a well
designed and properly fitting pair. Although, they may be more expensive, a higher quality
pair of flip-flops or summer sandals with deep heel cups, high arch support, and comfortable
toe support is well worth the extra cost.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your foot health or if you need guidance in
choosing the most appropriate footwear, consult your podiatrist. Taking proper care of your
feet is essential to your overall well being.
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