Flip-flop sandals are cheap, come in a rainbow of colors and can be found on the feet of men, women and children during warm weather months. Fads and function don’t always go hand in hand, however, so how do these sandals rank among others in the world of footwear?
Wearing flip flop sandals is essentially the equivalent of going barefoot, said Daniel Fick, M.D., University of Iowa Health Care family medicine physician.
When choosing any shoe, you should consider function. Wearing flip flops is not an entirely bad idea, but it is important to think about what activities you will be doing in your shoes, Fick noted.
"Flip-flops have no protection for the foot, and they don’t offer any added support, so you need to be careful to choose the right shoe for your activities," Fick said.
The lack of support, he said, is not a big deal unless you forget that certain activities, such as running or mowing the grass, often require footwear that is suited to the activity.
The right amount of support keeps your foot aligned and comfortable, and absorbs shock. Poor arch support over time can most commonly lead to plantar facaitis, an inflammation in the tissues that support the arch of the foot.
A good rule of thumb to follow, Fick said, is that if the shoes you wear cause pain in the arches of your feet, then you probably need a better arch support.
So while your favorite pair might not be giving your feet the best support system, wearing flip flop sandals is perfectly fine for your feet as long as you pay attention to what activities you are participating in and choose your footwear accordingly.
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Daniel Fick, M.D.
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