Flips Flops: How Bad Are They For Your Feet?

Flip Flops, sandals, mules, and other kinds of open foot wear have long been chastised

by podiatrists and orthopedists alike as being unsupportive for feet and a risk for foot injuries such as heel pain, ankle sprains and stress fractures. Despite these risks and warnings, their popularity continues to escalate as fashion rather than function guide footwear use and selection. Dr. Robert Joseph PhD, DPM relates that he typically sees an increase in open foot wear related injuries in the spring time and throughout the summer as people commonly transition from boots and shoes to open shoe wear. Flip flops are the least supportive of open foot wear and are intended for limited use to protect the bottom of the foot when walking short distances such as through a public shower room or parking lot at a beach. They should not be worn for extended periods of time and never during athletic activities. According to Dr. Joseph, open foot wear does not provide enough functional foot support or cushioning with activity. The lack of heel and arch support can promote over-pronation of the foot, a leading contributor to foot and leg pain.

The risks from flip flop use are greater for individuals with flat feet and high arched feet as these feet require the most support from shoe gear. Be aware of your foot-type and whether you are at greater risk of foot injury from flip flops than the average person. Consider having your feet and shoe gear professionally examined by a podiatrist if you have questions or concerns regarding a connection between your current shoe gear, foot pains, and foot type.

Individuals with flatfeet are more prone to shin splints, knee strain, and tendonitis than the average person when they wear flip flops. People with high arched feet are at exceptional risk for fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and fasciitis, back pain when wearing flip flops. If you are an individual who regularly wears a device such as an orthotic in your shoe, you may also be at risk for injury since most open shoe wear can not accommodate an orthotic. Traditionally, open shoe wear lack a heel counter that would customarily hold an orthotic in place within a shoe. Advances in sandal design have changed however and select flip flops and sandals can now be used with a custom orthotics. Several manufacturers now offer open shoe wear with a removable midsole that can be replaced with a custom orthotic. Replacement of the removable midsole with a custom orthotic can help improve foot support and function to help reduce the risk of injury. Specialty shoe stores often carry a variety of open footwear that is able to accept an orthotic.

by: Robert Joseph Phd, DPM

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