Secret: Flip Flops are Bad for your Body
Summer at the Jersey Shore! It’s my favorite time of year. It also means that it’s time to dig out my flip-flops and wear them at every opportunity. They are the go-to shoe for the summer month - convenient and easy to put on and go with every article of clothing I own. But, the truth is, flip-flops (and many sandals) are bad for your feet, back, knees, and posture. And as your chiropractor, I need to remind you of the hidden dangers of flip-flops.
First, let me say that you can get away wearing them for a few hours at the beach or the pool, but you shouldn’t do a lot of walking in them or even stand for long periods of time. So if you are headed to the Jersey Shore to enjoy the boardwalk, walk around the zoo, or headed to a concert: leave the flip-flops at home.
Here are five reasons to avoid flip flops
Flip Flops offer no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption. That can lead to overuse of tendons and muscles - not only in your feet but in hips, ankles, knees, and, back. Your knees, heels, and back can become misaligned without proper arch support. This can lead to overuse and injuries including Achilles tendonitis, heel pain, pinched nerves in the back, low back pain, and headaches.
When walking in flip-flops, you carry your whole body differently than you would in a more supportive shoe. You change the entire way you walk. Those wearing flip-flops take shorter steps and hit their heels to the ground with less force. This throws off your natural gait and triggers pain throughout the entire body.
You are more likely to develop a stress fracture in the bones of your feet. Stress fractures are developed from repetitive trauma to the foot when there is no cushioning or absorption of force. When you stand or walk for long times in a thin flip-flop, it can cause tiny cracks in the bones.
Flip flops can cause long-term damage to your toes. Wearing flip-flops makes you subconsciously grip your toes to keep them on. It can create bunions (or make them worse), foot cramps, cause blisters and calluses, and hammertoe, just to name a few.
There is an increased risk of injury when wearing flip-flops. Since support is almost non-existent, it’s best to avoid running, jumping, or any quick sideway movements.
Of course, if you can’t give up your trusted summer sandals, there are now a massive amount of “sport sandals” on the market that are good alternatives to your favorite pair of $2 flip-flops. Look for those with a stiffer sole, arch support, and straps that cross your foot. And buy a new pair at least once a year, so you’re not wearing a pair that’s past its prime.
We hope you have a happy and safe summer, and remember if you do wear your flip-flops, just remember not to wear them all day! (OH and don’t wear them with socks!!)
If you think your flip-flops might be causing aches and pains, consider a visit to Active Spine and Joint Institute. Our team is experienced in adjustments and exercises to get the spine back to health. Contact Active Spine and Joint Institute at 609-886-8585