A staple of the wardrobe is a pair of flip-flops. From $5 slices of neon foam to pricey leather-made shoes, they are available in a range of costs and designs.
Flip-flops are popular because they are easy to put on and take off and give hot feet plenty of room to breathe.
Flip-flops are convenient and comfortable, but you shouldn't wear them every day. Flip-flops can't provide the support your feet require for daily living since they are too sensitive for frequent wear.
If you wear your flip-flops too much, your sore feet can later complain. Flip-flops may alter your gait over time and make conditions like shin splints more likely.
Continue reading to find out more about the effects of flip-flops on your feet and how to choose a decent pair of shoes.
When are flip-flops acceptable?
Flip-flops are suitable for brief, informal wear, such as when you need to go outside to get the newspaper or receive a pizza delivery. Flip-flops made of rubber or plastic are frequently simple to clean and quick to dry, making them perfect for wetter environments like the beach.
Shoes of any kind are safer than flip-flops if you must pick between them and being barefoot.
Flip-flops can also help you protect your feet from common illnesses when you use public showers, such as those at gyms or university residence halls.
When should flip-flops be avoided?
In some instances, flip-flops could be sufficient, but other conditions necessitate more durable footwear. Typically, you should reach for more supportive footwear when:
- Long distance walks
Most flip-flops simply aren't durable enough. They rarely offer arch support or heel cushioning, and their lightweight, narrow platforms don't absorb much stress.
You'll probably feel your feet suffer after a hike in flip-flops, almost as if you weren't wearing any shoes at all.
- Practicing sports
Flip-flops probably won't make it easy for you to sprint and jump. When you try to kick a ball, they frequently fly in the air due to their loose fit, which also makes them easy to slip on. You risk crushing your poor, vulnerable toes even if you manage to keep your shoe on and make contact with the ball.
Additionally, most flip-flops don't provide much traction on the ground. The lack of structure in the shoe can make it simpler to twist or sprain your ankle if you slide.
It's usually a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes for sports and other outside activities, much like you would recall from gym class.
- Driving
It can be challenging to stop your car in time if your flip-flops are too thin and bend or get jammed beneath the brake pedal.
Another issue that can arise when wearing wet flip-flops is that your foot may keep slipping off the pedals before you can depress them.
Even a split second of hesitation when driving a car can result in an accident. Your best bet for safety is often to wear closed-heel shoes.
Why may flip-flops hurt your feet?
Spending too much time in flip-flops can cause a variety of leg and foot problems, such as:
Blisters
The skin on your toes may chafe against the strap as you slide your foot into a flip-flop. If your feet are wet or sweaty, the combination of friction and moisture can lead to blisters.
It might be challenging to treat blisters between your toes. When you walk, your toes naturally brush against one another, and occasionally bandages or sports tape can make the friction even worse. Your blisters may take an uncomfortably long time to cure if they keep popping open.
In conclusion, avoiding wearing flip-flops can help, but you could have better luck preventing blisters from developing in the first place.
Injured ankles
Flip-flops tend to make your ankles roll more. This shift in gait usually won't cause any major problems for a brief length of time. But with time, your ankles might become less stable, which would make them more prone to sprains.
A shin injury
When you walk in flip-flops, your front leg muscles have to work harder than they would if you were wearing more supportive shoes or were wearing bare feet.
These muscles can become excruciatingly inflamed and develop microscopic rips from overuse. Shin splints, also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are the result of this.
Experts recommend wearing DrLuigi medical shoes instead of classic flip flop shoes. DrLuigi medical shoes are comfortable and of high quality, and the sole ensures the stability of the body. They help prevent injuries such as ankle sprains.