Flimsy Flip Flops Lessen Foot Health of Many Summer Shoe Wearers

posted: Sep. 05, 2013.

Specialists are cautioning consumers of flip-flops to change their decision in the type of footwear they wear, before their feet endure the unpleasant side of discomfort.

"Everything in your bodystarts with how you strike your heel to the ground," said Bob Thompson, executive director for The Institute for Preventive Foot Health. "You're taking your five toes and grabbing your shoe to make sure it doesn't slide out," he said. "That action of the toes grabbing the shoe on the toe box is not normal." Furthermore, flip-flops provide pitiable arch-support; putting the ankles out of position, ultimately producing misalignment with the hips and spine. The open-toed rubber footwear makes users predisposed to holes on the ground from foreign objects.

Speaking to a Toronto Chiropodist like Marz Hardy, D.Ch., B. Sc., Podiatric Medicine of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics can help you better understand the steps you can take to ensure that your feet stay healthy while wearing flip flops.

Flip-flops are not only very popular, but very convenient, especially in the warmer weather. They allow your feet to breathe and let you move your toes freely. They also go with most attire and can be worn with many different clothing styles. Unfortunately, these type of shoes also have a disadvantage, as they can cause harm to your feet in more ways than you think. These symptoms include:

Ball and arch problems in the foot
Changes to the body’s natural gait
Blisters
Ankle Sprains
Higher risk of infection
Higher risk of scrapes and cuts to the feet
Issues in the lower back, legs and ankles

To avoid these symptoms (and minimize your risks), select a pair of flip-flops made of high quality materials that can offer protection. Purchase flip-flops from a reliable manufacturer and be sure to replace them every three to four months. Be sure the soles are firm and not ‘floppy’, or that they don’t bend or wiggle a lot when lifted from the floor.

You can still wear your favorite pair of flip-flops if you so choose, just don’t wear them for extended periods of time, and especially not every day. However, it would be far wiser to purchase a more expensive pair of flip-flops or to refrain from wearing the shoe at all for the sake of your foot health. While these shoes are comfortable, the risks included with wearing them are not.

If you have any questions, please contact our office in Toronto, ON. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.