Flip-Flops: Comfortable Sandals that Hurt Your Feet

PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 08, 2009 – With summer just around the corner, people across America are breaking out their shorts, swimsuits and, of course, their flip-flops.  These popular rubber sandals, which were once relegated to the beach or pool, have become the sandal of choice for teenagers and young twenty-somethings across the US.  Young people wear these shoes everywhere; it doesn’t matter whether they’re heading to church, to a party or need sandals for the shower.  I even had a friend who loved them so much she wore them during the winter, never mind the snow!  It’s easy to understand why flip-flops are so loveable: the sandals are comfortable, cheap and easy to slip on and off.  They keep your feet cool and they come in every color imaginable.  
Unfortunately there seems to be a pretty major downside.  According to a recent study conducted at Auburn University, flip-flops are terrible for your feet, ankles and hips.  A team of researchers videotaped thirty-nine volunteers wearing flip-flops.  The study revealed that wearing flip-flops alters a person’s normal (and generally healthy) gait.  People tend to scrunch their toes in an effort to keep the flip-flop on their foot.  This motion not only leads to sore and stressed toes, it also negatively affects the plantar fascia (the connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your arch).  Long-term abuse of the tissue can lead to a condition known as plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia) that results in intense heel pain and heel spurs.  Flip-flop wearers also tend to take shorter steps in order to accommodate the sandal (this means your joints are doing more work to go the same distance). And flip-flop wearers tend to roll their ankles inward each time they take a step (a problem known as over pronation).  These adjustments can lead to long-term ankle and hip problems.  
Flip-flop wearers tend to experience the most pain when transitioning between seasons.  After months of orthopedic support provided by your winter shoes, your feet might not be prepared to suddenly switch-over to 24-hours a day of flip-flop wearing.  Overweight people are also more likely to develop plantar fasciitis when wearing flip-flops.
So what kinds of sandals should you wear instead of flip-flops?  Look for sandals with arch support and a solid sole.  Sandals with straps across the top of the foot are also healthier because you will no longer be inclined to scrunch your toes.  This is not to say that you have to throw out all your flip-flops!  Just wear them in moderation and replace them frequently.  The second you start to experience symptoms of heel or toe pain, give your feet a break for a few days and wear a shoe that provides a little more support.