For which activities they are ideal and in which situations they can be dangerous.
Flip flops are the number one footwear choice for summer, but they aren’t as “friendly” to the feet as we think. On the contrary, many studies have shown that it can cause many problems for them.
The main reason for this is that unlike most shoes, they do not support the feet. Instead, they use the tendons and muscles of the legs to support themselves.
Poor foot support results in various injuries such as sprains or broken toes. According to the American Podiatrist Association, flip-flops offer no back support or heel protection or shock absorption.
Failure to absorb tension can cause pain in the heels, feet, hips, and back. Worse, flip flops can cause sprained ankles, broken toes and broken nails, plantar fasciitis, and neurological problems.
Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition caused by overuse of the heel. This is one of the most common causes of pain in this region, affecting about 10% of the population.
The sharp pain it causes is often caused by daily wear and tear of flip-flops, excess weight, and pressure on the foot. In fact, studies report that approximately 20% of patients develop a chronic condition that further aggravates their already existing plantar fasciitis. says orthopedic surgeon George Papadakis of SOS Doctors.
Mr. Papadakis has some practical tips for choosing the best flip-flops while protecting your feet while wearing them. It also explains when not to wear them.
How to protect your feet
- Don’t wear flip-flops all day
- Change them often (change them every 3-4 months).
- Make sure they are of good quality. Cheap, usually plastic flip-flops can cause irritation and blisters, especially with prolonged sun exposure. Opt for leather ones so that you don’t face additional skin problems.
- Make sure they fit your feet. Your heels and toes should not “hang” over the edges of the flip flop. Also, when you try to “fold” it in half, the arch area of the foot should not bend.
- Don’t forget the sun cream. To reduce your risk of skin cancer when walking around in flip-flops, apply sunscreen to your feet.
- Wear them selectively. Flip flops are an ideal choice not only for walking on the beach, in the pool, but also for a quick walk to the nearest grocery store.
When to avoid them completely
There are certain situations where flip-flops are absolutely contraindicated. These are:
- When participating in sports (even on the beach), hiking (for example, on the roads) and long walks in the city.
- When driving, because the chances of causing an accident increase. According to Mr. Bill Van Tassel of the American Automobile Association, flip flops can affect a driver’s handling if they slip off the foot and get under the pedals. In general, your shoes should not be so loose that they easily come off your feet and get tangled in the pedals.