Flip-Flop Wearers Beware

By drodriguez Jul 17, 2008

127

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?

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Comments

by sharman421 | TALLAHASSEE, FL

Jul 21, 2008

Love my flipflops!!!!!!! Wear the kind with a thicker sole and an arch for more comfort and foot support. Cannot stand hot feet in stinky sneakers! And what about my pedicure?!!!! Puleeeeeze

by mann68 | cumming, GA

Jul 21, 2008

flip flops are great for the summer but they do make you ache. As for the crocs I know all the kids wear them but I don't allow my 3 year old to wear them anymore. last year she had a pair and she tripped all the time now she wears regular sandals and she does not trip anymore.

by dizzyspell1313 | Brookline, MA

Jul 21, 2008

i have terrible shins and ankles from my insistence on flip-flops, but i don't know what else to wear in the summer. please, someone make CUTE flip flops that actually support feet! i can'ts tand to have all that rubber and leather weighing down my feet. i hate to say it, because some people really can pull them off, but they usually just look so clunky and Earth-y, which I am definitely not.

by daydreamer10 | Cincinnati, OH

Jul 21, 2008

I wear flip flops year round (unless there is at least 3 inches of snow)! I can not stand confining my feet into tight shoes (although I do make exceptions for heels at work and nights out)! I don't notice any knee, hip, ankle problems related to the shoes i'm wearing!

by thatslikewhen | Franklin, TN

Jul 21, 2008

I tend to wear flip flops a lot in the summer time, and I notice my shin splints more when I wear them. I'm trying hard to stick to actual shoes!

by jadylewski | Erie, PA

Jul 21, 2008

I wear Birk's. I have no pain at all. Best shoes I could ever own

by mabell07 | Reno, NV

Jul 21, 2008

in the hot weather i wear Teva sandals. They provide great support. Though Teva's cost more than flip flops they are very durable and mine have lasted 3 years.

by snappyname | Eagle, ID

Jul 21, 2008

I love my flip flops. I am at the swimming pool everyday for my swimmer and do not like the look of crocs so flip flops it is. I can't wait for something better for my feet and back.

by doggiesrocmysox | Birmingham, MI

Jul 21, 2008

I love my crocs because they give me support and they are so comforatable!

by justducky21 | Lodi, WI

Jul 21, 2008

I stand on my feet all day and need max support, so will not wear flip flops

by susieqn | Homosassa, FL

Jul 21, 2008

I wear flip flops around the house all summer. If I go out, I wear sandals with enough of a heel to provide some arch support. Athletic shoes are just too hot in July and August. I had plantar fascitis before I wore flip flops, and they are actually more comfortable for me than most sandals I've tried on because I don't get heel pain with flip flops, and they don't give me leg or hip pain.

by donnaandretta | Princeton, NJ

Jul 21, 2008

This is true for me. I wound up getting plantar fasciitis and my hips were in pain thru the summer because of flip flops.

I try to wear them only around the house now.

donnaandretta

by cyndylew26 | CHICAGO, IL

Jul 21, 2008

i happen to love flip flops. i don't wear them all day, but it's a relief from being confined to closed in shoes if i just wear them around the house or for a quick trip.

by rabbitpatches | west kingston, RI

Jul 21, 2008

Wow! I just looked in my closet and noticed that my summer shoe designs have changed drastically since I had a heel spur 3 years ago. I have flipflops, yet I really don't wear them anymore. The other day I wore a pair for the first time and my hip hurt me at the end of the day. What my closet is full of now are sketcher shoes and Crocs. I love my crocs maryjanes and sandals especially.

by maautry72 | Covington, GA

Jul 20, 2008

flip flops hurt my feet and i seem to drop things on my toes only when i wear them. sandals are so much better!