Flip-Flop Wearers Beware
Now that the warm summer months are upon us, you may want to toss the sneakers and boots to the back of the closet. Many of us opt to wear something light and airy like the flip-flop for running errands or attending a more casual occasion.
Before heading to the shoe store this summer, you may want to hear about some new research published in the New York Times that shows wearing thong style flip flops can be very hard on your feet, ankles, and legs.
Researchers at Auburn University in Alabama conducted a study by recruiting 39 college-age men and women. The researchers had them wear both flip-flops and athletic shoes. The subjects were then told to walk on a platform where vertical force was measured as their feet hit the ground.
While wearing flip-flops, the subjects in the study tended to take shorter steps and their heels would hit the ground with less vertical force than when they wore athletic shoes. Justin Shroyer, a biomechanics doctoral student explained the study’s findings by saying, “We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back.”
So does this mean we should say goodbye to the flip-flop for good? Probably not. Shroyer, who admittedly owns a couple pairs himself, recommends people only wear flip-flops for shorter periods of time, like at the beach or running a quick errand. Shroyer stresses that the flip-flop is just not designed to support the foot and ankle for all-day wear.
What do you think of the new research stating that flip-flop wearers may experience foot, ankle, and leg pain?
Now that you’ve heard about the study, will you to give up the flip-flop on longer excursions?
Make a Comment
by
melissapark | Turney, MOI've always hated sandals that have a strap between the toes, they hurt!! It's not always fun having my feet all confined in shoes, but I hate walking funny scrunching my toes to keep sandals on all day. I sure didn't need this study to tell me that people have to walk differently in sandals.
by
loricm | Shakopee, MNI have bad feet and ankles but used to always wear flip flops until I broke my left foot in 4 places last year and now I cannot wear them anymore. They don't have any support, i found a pair of sandles i like better by ecco, and I wear them everywhere because I like sandles better than I do shoes and I have to wear them in the winter here in the Mid west.
by
pricilla | daisytown, PAI am a waitress and on my feet alot. I really appreciated this article because i have been having alot of hip pai. I wear crocs or a little flat shoe everyday, I will look for a better shoe. Thanks for your opinions. Pricilla
by
carol-yn | North Royalton, OHI wish I could wear them year round!
by
check1430 | Granite City, ILI love flip flops too, but they are really awful for the feet/arch! :(
by
sjmelton | MCMINNVILLE, TNI LOVE my flip flops. I absolutely hate wearing sneakers, they make my feet feel like they are smothering. I'll take a flip flop over a sneaker any day.
by
mommy0f3inCT | Cheshire, CTI wear flip flops all the time when I get out of work. I even wear them on long walks.
by
brneyecountrygirl | Cusseta, ALI love flip flops. I even wear them when it is cold outside. But, I am now wondering if that is why my ankles hurt. :(
by
evergreen10 | Columbus, OHI like wearing my crocks around the house and in the shower, but I usually wear a good pair of running shoes like nike or rebook, I feel stronger and safer in them. Although I would like to get my feet suntaned.
by
Lndy | Gaston, SCWow.. I never thought about flip flops would be bad for you. I don't think I will quit wearing them altogether maybe just a little less time in them.
by
JEM4612 | HOFFMAN EST, ILI used to wear flip-flops and mules all summer long because regular shoes seemed too hot. When I was being treated for plantar faschitis, the doctor explained that most likely the flip flops (and any other back-less shoes) were most likely the cause of the pain in my foot. I now rarely wear them and I feel much better. When I do wear mules, by the end of the day my foot hurts.
by
carriecooley | Headland, ALAs soon as I get home from work in the spring and summer, I slip on my flip-flops...they are a great relif when my feet have been cooped up all day in closed-toed shoes! I wear high quality flip flops versus the cheap ones that are less expensive. I think that flimsy flip-flops would likely contribute to foot problems. For flip-flop lovers who are experiencing trouble, I would recommend rainbow flip-flops. They are a bit pricey ($50), but are worth every penny.
by
cmgrim22 | DAYTONA BEACH, FLI usually wear my Reef sandals at least once a day, or sometimes even all day on the weekends. I love them, but I am starting to notice a pain in my foot when I wear them for a long period of time so I am trying to cut back on wearing them so much, for a long period of time. But I will never give up my Reef sandals, they are comfortable because of the thickness they have to them.
by
luv2laff_69 | Chesterfield, VAI wear the very thick sole flip flops especially while shopping other wise my feet swell up and hurt...so for now I will keep the flip flops
by
mandyspeaking | MILFORD, PAMy feet don't hurt in flip flops. I wear them May - September and feel so comfortable. I wear cheap platform type ones I got for $10.00 and have no problems. My feet hurt more in the hard bottom dressier shoes.
_10242023164832.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
_08172023152001.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
_01252024061712.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
 (6)_07082023175312.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
 (1)_05192023144508.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
 (37)_05032023114523.jpg?max-w=432&max-h=220&fit=crop&auto=format)
CONNECT WITH US