Flip-Flops: Should You Wear Them or Not?

Years ago, flip-flops were rubber thongs that people wore when they go to the beach or when they wash their cars. Nowadays, however, flip-flops are a summertime craze! It even comes in different colours, patterns and designs that are surely attractive to consumers. Now that they are fun and fashionable, flip-flops have their rightful place in shoe closets.

So, should we wear flip-flops or not? Let us discuss the good and the bad of this summer go-to shoe for most.

The Good

It protects you from warm surfaces.

Flip-flops provide basic protection to the bottom of your foot when walking around the poolside or on a surface that may be warm during the summer. According to foot specialists, flip-flops can also prevent you from catching plantar warts or athlete’s foot in public showers. So, flip-flops should simply be reserved for the beach, spa, pool and shared showers.

The Bad

Flip-flops can permanently damage toes. Ever heard of hammertoe? This is when the knuckles of your toes bend. Wearing flip-flops can cause hammertoe overtime. If you want to avoid pain, stiffness, and surgery (potentially), you should stick with strapped sandals.

Flip-flops destroy your posture.

Flat shoes that do not bend like your foot does when you walk barefoot alter your biomechanics and thus, affect your posture.

Flip-flops lead to foot pain.

Unlike sturdy shoes, flip-flops are not great for extensive walking. Why? It’s because they offer no arch support, shock absorption, or heel cushioning. Wearers can suffer foot pain due to tendinitis, lack of arch support, and even sprained ankles in the event that they trip.

Flip-flops cause shooting pains.

Other than foot pain, wearing flip-flops can also cause shooting pains. People who have flat feet need arch support to keep their back, hips and knees aligned. Flat footwear does not have that support so your joints will have to compensate. This can cause injuries all the way up to your body including heel pain, Achilles tendonitis as well as pinched nerves in the back.

Flip-flops cannot prevent foot injury.

Since flip-flops offer little protection, you’re at greater risk for puncture wounds, stubbed toes, glass cuts, and other misfortunes involving your feet. For people with diabetes, keep in mind that any foot injury can become serious – can even lead to amputation. Thus, wearing flip-flops is not really a good option. For people with diabetes, they are in need of the protective function of something that would cover their toes.