It’s summertime, and you want to find a cool, comfortable solution for your feet, but reaching for your flip flops could be causing damage and setting you up for future problems.
At Foot Solutions, we know that the footwear you choose has a big impact on the health of your feet, and on your general health in turn. Our Foot Wellness Experts often see clients who have been wearing flip flops for many years without realising that these have contributed to the pain they are experiencing in their feet and legs, and finding more supportive solutions can help.
Let’s take a look at the problem with flip flops and find out what you should be wearing instead this summer!
Are Flip Flops Bad for Your Feet?
Flip flops are often seen as a good option for summer footwear, but they are actually not a good choice for your feet. Flip flops are usually flat, although some provide a small amount of shaping, and rely on a toe post to keep them secure. With no support or heel strap, flip flops cannot offer the arch support and comfort your feet need, and they require the wearer to ‘hold on’ with the toes to keep them on your feet.
Wearing flip flops for more than short walks around the pool can cause damage to the feet, contributing to arch collapse and leading to stress throughout the feet. Without the arch support provided by more substantial sandals, the tendons and tissues of the feet come under pressure, and this can affect your posture and the health of your feet. Wearing flip-flops constantly is likely to lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, and the way the toes curl to keep them on your feet can worsen hammertoes and bunions.
Foot Condition Awareness
Wearing flip-flops or other completely flat shoes can have a detrimental effect on the health of your feet and your general wellbeing, and can encourage several foot problems, including:
- Hammertoes and bunions. Bunions and hammertoes are often genetically predisposed, but they can be caused or worsened by poor footwear. Flip-flops can contribute to the problem by putting pressure on the ligaments and tendons, as they provide no support for the feet. The muscles of the toes also come under pressure as they curl to hold flip flops on, and this can contribute to the development of hammertoes.
- Lack of arch support. The natural arch of the foot benefits from being supported by your footwear, to help your feet support the weight of your body. Flip-flops do not usually offer arch support, which can put pressure on the ligaments and tendons and lead to conditions such as heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.
- Fungal growth. While flip flops can help to protect against bacteria or infection in public areas, foam flip flops can encourage the growth of fungus. If you are wearing flip flops for brief periods at the public pool, you should ensure that they are kept clean and dry them after use.
- Tripping and injuries. Because flip flops do not stay on the feet while you walk, accidents are common. Tripping, stubbing toes and twisting ankles are all common when wearing flip flops, and this is not good news for your health and wellbeing!
- Pressure on the heels. Flip flops require you to grip with your toes, and this means that your heels come under greater pressure as you walk. Increased pressure on the heels can lead to cracks and calluses and can cause fatigue in the feet.
What Are Flip Flops For?
Flip flops can be used as a means of preventing infection at public swimming pools and gyms and should only be worn for short periods of time. Even so, it is a good idea to avoid flip flops that are completely flat and to find a pair that has some arch support. However, take note of the position your feet take to hold onto the flip flops, and do not be tempted to wear them for walking or other activities.
As a preventative measure against foot infections and germs, flip flops may be a simple choice that protects your health. However, you should ensure that you have better, more supportive options for your feet whenever you are walking and especially if you are on holiday, when you are likely to cover greater distances on foot. Slide shoes are often seen as a good alternative to flip flops, but studies have shown that they do not offer any significant benefits and have a similar effect on gait and foot health.
What Do Your Feet Need?
Our feet carry us around daily, supporting the weight of the body and enabling us to maintain our fitness. They play a core role in maintaining alignment throughout the ankles, knees and back, especially while we are walking or running. Wearing flip flops for long periods of time can compromise this and may lead to pain and discomfort in the feet and in other areas of the body.
The feet contain more bones, ligaments and tendons than any other part of the body, and they need a good level of support to ensure comfort and effective, pain-free movement. Shoes that can provide reliable arch support and cushioning help to support the natural structure of the feet and maintain correct postural alignment. Taking care of your feet enables you to move without pain, and this is crucial to keeping fit and healthy as you age.
Supportive Summer Footwear
At Foot Solutions, we don’t want to compromise on style or comfort, and our range of high-quality, supportive sandals gives you the support your feet need as well as ensuring that they look great all summer long. When you are walking around in hot weather, particularly if you are walking longer distances, you’ll need to find a lightweight, breathable option that allows your feet to spread out while you are walking.
Sandals that are shaped to give you the arch support you need will leave your feet feeling much more comfortable, and you should look for options with heel support to increase stability and ensure that your sandals move with your feet.
Find Comfort Sandals at Foot Solutions
Visit us at Foot Solutions to discover our full range of sandals and find the perfect choice for your adventures this summer. Whether you are planning a beach trip, a city break or a walking holiday, we can help you to find the perfect fit. We offer a wide range of footwear options, including casual and formal styles, and our walking sandals and shoes are an excellent choice for foot health and general wellbeing.
Our Foot Wellness Experts can offer services including gait analysis and custom-made orthotics, and we recommend starting with a free foot assessment to find out more. We can help you to relieve foot pain and find the best solutions for your feet, which can support you in maintaining your health and fitness throughout your life. Simply book an appointment online or pop in and visit our friendly team at your local Foot Solutions store.
