The Good And The Bad About Flip-Flops
Perhaps summer’s most iconic footwear, flip-flops are synonymous with the season. This easy-to-slip-on, open-air style is a favorite among many patients but are they a good choice for your feet? The answer is yes, and no. Read on for the pros and cons of this popular style and what to do if it’s your go-to summer shoe.
The Good
Flip-flops have a truly stellar role in protecting your feet and that is preventing fungal, bacterial, and viral foot infections such as athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and warts. All these types of infections are spread by direct contact—a barefoot person with one of these conditions walks on a surface that you then walk on barefoot and presto, the infection is passed to you. In the summertime, community pools, seaside changing areas, and restrooms, gyms, and nail salons are all prime sites for infectious agents that can harm your feet. These and any other public places are the ideal locations to wear your flip-flops. Lightweight and flexible, flip-flops are easy to slip into your beach bag or backpack.
Flip-flops get a second thumbs up for preventing the soles of your feet from getting burned on hot asphalt and sand on a beach day. Always wear them from the car to your perfect place in the sand and don’t remove them until you have set down your towel to walk on.
The Bad
Wearing flip-flops for extended periods, however, definitely gets a thumbs down. Traditional flip-flops have no structure and zero support. The design of the shoe requires your toes to constantly curl and grip the front of the shoe for them to stay on. This can lead to several serious podiatric problems, including:
Arch and heel pain. The total lack of arch support causes inflammation of the plantar fascia—the long band of tissue that runs from heel to toe along the bottom of your foot. This in turn can lead to sore arches, heel spurs, and plantar fasciitis.
Cuts and bruises. Since your foot is completely exposed, it’s easy to stub your toe or cut your foot on a sharp object as you walk by it.
Toe deformities. The continual toe gripping can exacerbate hammertoe, claw toe, and other deformities where the toe curls downward at an unnatural angle and eventually becomes rigid in that position.
Ankle sprains and other injuries. Because nothing is holding your heel and ankle in place in this style of footwear it’s very easy to twist an ankle or trip while walking or running in flip-flops.
Take heart, however, if this is your favorite summer shoe style. Many manufacturers have started building better flip-flops. Look for styles that have the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association) seal of approval and feature built-in arch support, a cushioned insole, and even a back strap for greater stability.
Flip-flops are great in the right circumstances. Make sure to wear the right footwear at the right time. If you are experiencing any pain or problem with your feet and ankles, please contact Sims & Associates Podiatry at one of our office locations or request an appointment online and we be happy to assess your injury and discuss your best treatment options.
