Are Flip-Flops A Total Flop?

Our favorite summer shoe could be causing us aches and pains all over our body. In fact, podiatrists say that the flip-flop is responsible for more foot, ankle, and leg health problems than any other type of shoes - even high heels.

Why? Flip-flops are just simply an easy, comfortable sandal, right? Yes, but think about it, flip-flops are a thin sole held onto the foot by a Y-shaped thong. In terms of protection and support for your feet, the flip-flop doesn’t do the job.

In June, a new study was released by researchers at Auburn University confirming that flip-flops may not be the best choice for health reasons, finding that they actually alter the way that wearers walk.

The researchers were interested in flip-flops when they noticed an increase in complaints of lower leg pain when students came back from summer and were transitioning back into wearing tennis shoes and street shoes. So they set up an experiment to compare how the foot hits the ground in either sneakers or thong flip-flops.

Their main findings were that flip-flop wearers take shorter steps and that the ankle angle and the angle between the shin and the top of the foot were increased. The result is more stress on the body because you have to move more to go the same distance as you would in other kinds of shoes. That could add up to a higher risk of muscle and joint pain in the legs. As well as added stress on the toes.

The researchers attribute these changes in stride to the body’s attempt to protect the toes as the foot swings forward and the toes scrunch up in order to keep the flip-flop on the foot. They say that when you scrunch up your toes, your body turns ‘off’ the muscles that bring your toes up as you step. This means that you can’t lift your foot up as much when you walk, hence the flip-flop shuffle effect.

Another area of stress is in the heel. When you walk the major shock absorption takes place on the heel. Typical street shoes or sneakers provide extra support and cushioning between the heel and the ground to help absorb the impact, but flip-flops don’t provide this extra support or cushion. This causes the foot to work harder and can lead to overuse injuries and other problems.

Does all this mean you should throw out all your flip-flops?

No. It has to do with when you wear them. If you plan on doing a lot of standing and walking, then it’s best to choose a sneaker or shoe with ample support.

And as with all good things, flip-flops are okay in moderation—for hanging around the pool, on the beach, around the house , short trips to the store, etc. Just don’t make them your everyday footwear.