I celebrate the arrival of summer the same way every year: by throwing my winter boots and close-toed shoes into the back of the closet and slipping my feet into a pair of flip-flops. After all, sandals and sunshine go together like peanut butter and jelly: one naturally enhances the other. Plus, after months of being cooped up in sneakers and Wellies, feet crave the freedom that flip-flops provide, like allowing toes to wiggle and air out (and show off pretty pedicures in the process).
But I’ve noticed that after a few weeks of steady flip-flop use, my step doesn’t have quite the same cheerful bounce it did before. My ankles feel sore, like I’ve been running miles all day instead of running my usual errands around town. Unfortunately, that’s because flip-flops aren’t designed for daily, prolonged use. Comfortable and freeing though they may feel initially, wearing them for too long can cause serious damage to our lower body.
The Dangers of Frequent Flip-Flop Use
Podiatrists have warned us against frequent flip-flop use for years, but a 2008 study at Alabama’s Auburn University really shed some light on the issue. Researchers asked thirty-nine volunteers to walk across a platform in flip-flops while they videotaped the movement. They also rigged the platform to measure how much pressure each walker’s step exerted. What the cameras and platform revealed was that people walk differently when wearing flip-flops. They take shorter strides, turn their ankles toward each other, and clench their toes together in order to keep the flip-flops from flying off midstride. Over time, these tendencies can lead to inflamed and/or painful connective tissue in the arch, stretched tendons, and ankle and hip problems. Researchers advised that switching from thong-style flip-flops to sandals that have an ankle strap could prevent such maladies.
More recently, a study out of Rush Medical College that was published in a 2010 issue of Arthritis Care & Research reached a different conclusion about flip-flop effects?namely, that they’re more beneficial than previous research showed. In this study, thirty-one knee-osteoarthritis sufferers wore flip-flops, clogs, stability shoes, and flat walking shoes while researchers studied their gait. Surprisingly, the shoes that proved best for the group?as in, those that put the least amount of pressure on their weakened knees?were the flip-flops, because of their flexible soles and minimal heel height.
Some other foot experts found the results suspect. “Why would something that doesn’t give you support and cushioning be good for the knees?” Huntington Hospital’s Dr. Joseph Ferrante asked ABC7 news, in Los Angeles, after the study’s release. “If you’re walking barefoot on a hard surface and you do that for a prolonged period of time, you would think that would be more painful for the knee.” Even the researchers pointed out that knee loading is but one of many factors people should consider before wearing flip-flops. For example, if steady walking is already hard for you, wearing unstable shoes like flip-flops could make you fall, which causes more than just knee problems.
What the Experts Recommend
Flip-flops become problematic when we wear them all day, every day; they’re just not designed to give us the kind of foot support we need for extended use, especially in combination with flat feet or high arches. If you wear them only occasionally and have trouble-free feet, you probably don’t have to worry about these issues. But if you want to play it safe, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) actually has a list of rules flip-flop wearers should follow to avoid foot, ankle, and hip problems down the line.
As much as I love the warm sun on my feet and showing off my pretty, painted toenails in the summertime, I like being able to walk without pain even more. I’ll still pack flip-flops in my beach bag or throw them on when I’m taking a quick trip to the market, but for the future health of my hips and ankles, no more wearing them for hours on end. Or maybe I’ll trade in my signature Rainbows for a new, cute pair of sandals with ankle straps this season; I welcome any excuse to buy something new and fun for myself, and if it benefits my physical health in the process, all the better.
Originally written by Vicki Santillano for Divine Caroline.
I am so glad I read this blog today. My feet have been killing me lately, The tendons in my arch is so tight and the tendon in my ankle is starting to swell. I have never been a fan of flip flops because I feel they will fall off my feet when I walk, but finally broke down and bought a pair this summer. I do clench my toes and walk very flat foot when wearing flip flops to try to keep them on my feet and have no doubt that my recent summer use of flip flops is the cause. Does anyone have a recommendation on how to heal injured tendons from walking in them? I have been icing and massaging my feet but welcome other suggestions.
I credit my good healthy feet to going barefoot and wearing flips. I put as little constriction on my feet as possible. We especially avoid any type of tight tie/lace up shoes unless necessary. When buying closed shoes we buy loafers or the least restrictive slip on with little or no heel. Human feet are not meant to be in heels or tight shoes.
After many years arguing that the pricey "good" shoes were just a rip off - I finally tried out the brand Merrell. I LOVE THEM! After suffering for years with foot pain I now have a closet full of Merrell shoes including summer flip flops. Yes - they are pricey (averaging $80 - $90 dollars a pair) but I can walk for hours and never feel any pain. With this thought - my advice to anyone is to never buy the cheap shoes again... invest well in your footware and you will be rewarded in the long run.
i love my flipflops and yes, i live in them when I'm not at work - and there I wear birkenstocks. I have to have the flat shoe. My ankles don't give me trouble, but I can tell when I'm wearing my flip flops with out the arch support - my arch does start to cramp up. oh well... Oh, yeah, I live in ND where flipflop season is from may to october.
I appreciate this article. It is so true. My back hurts when I am standing in them too long! No support.. and the first day of the season that I put them on.. blister and sores, ugh. I do love them though!
I hate these things they are torture devices that cause me horrible blisters no matter which ones i wear. I think I hate them almost as much as I hate high heals.
I ;ive in Florida and I am guilty of wearing them al day every day. I do put on closed toes to exercise. I prefer to go bare foot if it was safe. I'm diabetic and should not be wearing flip flops at all. B-a-d-g-i-r-l .:(
I live in flip flops...but I have found that ones with some arch support are much more comfortable and I have less foot pain at the end of the day. Not ready to give them up and I am glad there are so many brands making them much more support and take into regard the physical effects on the feet, legs and back.
I used to live in Florida and I wore flip flops alllll the time. As I got older I did start to see the change in my ankles and feet from wearing them. I don't want to give up on the completely but I would like a more comfortable, thicker, and more supportive shoe. Can any one recommend one? I was thinking about those "Fit Flops" not because they tone you up (yeah right) but because they look pretty supportive.
I found great flip flops from Nike that I can wear longer than any other flip-flops I own. They are comfortable and have some support in them.
I can't wear flip flops as much as I used to. There's something about the toe crunching you do to hold them on when you walk that is starting to give me some pain. Some of my toes have been getting cramps. I think that having good arch support is important for foot health, but when summer comes' we all love our flip flops!
I think people are prone to foot pain. Taking care of them will ways help
I completely agree...I prefer wearing heels but lately I've been drawn towards all the pretty flip flops out there and noticed that my feet hurt more when i'm wearing flip/flops or flat shoes. I do own a pair of fit flops and they are much better so I highly recommend those even if they're not as pretty as the other flip flops.
i do have to agree with this article, but its not only flip flops that gives the pain. its flats in general i would think. My feet have been cramping up more when i wear flip flops. the heals of my feet also hurt and ache. Converse sneakers used to be comfortable, but wearing it for long periods of time, i find that it has the same ache as when i wear flip flops :(