The problems with flip-flops

You may flip over the cute styles, but certain sandals can be a flop for your foot health. We love flip-flops because they’re comfortable, easy to put on, and light and airy in the sticky summer months. They’re fine for going to the beach, running to the store, grabbing something from the mailbox or using a public shower. However, excessive wear for long distance walking or long periods of time on your feet can lead to foot pain or problems.

Start on the right foot with a good shoe

Your foot and ankle have more than 25 bones, 33 joints and hundreds of tendons, ligaments and muscles. You can put the force of two to three times your body weight on each foot with every step. A supportive, fitted shoe protects your foot through your daily activities. A flip-flop, however, bends under the pressure of those tasks.

The follies of flip-flops:

• Loosely attached: Wearing flip-flops may lead to blisters plus slipping, tripping and falling.
• Not protective: Feet are exposed to common injuries from rocks, broken glass and other debris. You’re also at risk of sunburn.
• Unsupportive:
  • Let’s dig into this one: While walking in flip-flops, you grip with your toes and place more weight on the balls of your feet to keep the sandals from sliding off. This can increase your risk of injuries to your toes and ball of foot, as well as your arch and heel. Certain “foot types” are more prone to injury than others
• Lack of arch support and shock absorption:
  • May lead to overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, ankle pain, tendonitis or various pains in the ball of your foot (metatarsalgia, capsulitis, sesamoiditis). It can also aggravate other existing foot problems, such as bunions, flat feet or arthritis.
  • May cause back pain when on feet for longer periods of time

Avoid the pitfalls of flip-flops:

• Wear your flip-flops in moderation.
• Pay more for higher quality flip-flops with thicker soles and arch support.
  • There are now more “supportive” brands of flip flops. They may cost a bit more, but tend to be better quality, last much longer, and provide more support.
• Buy sandals that fit your feet—your foot should not hang over the end.
• Look for sandals with heel straps and arch support.
• Wear sunscreen on your feet.