Flip-Flops: Hazardous to Your Health?
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By Shawn McKee
Staff Writer
I like to wear flip-flops, and since I live in Florida, I can wear them almost the whole year round. They are my footwear of choice and I sport them daily. They are summer's official shoe.
However, a recently released study from Auburn University suggests that my favorite footwear may be hazardous to my health. The researchers found that flip-flops alter the walk of the wearer and the altered stride can lead to persistent foot and ankle pain.
Apparently, flop wearers take shorter steps which create greater stress on the body over the same distance of regular shoe wearers. Plus, the toes must pinch to hold the flip-flops in place, creating an imbalance in toe muscles. Not to mention the lack of arch and heel support -- especially for those who wear their flops until the tread is paper thin. Being overweight was another factor that contributed to worsening the ankle and foot pain.
However, before you hide your toes away and throw your flops away, there is a silver lining: Like most things we take pleasure in, you can enjoy flops in moderation according to those presenting the research.
I can't possibly part with my summer slides, but I will buy pairs with better support and replace them more frequently. It's hard to give up such a casual, yet functional footwear that illustrates my bohemian beliefs so simply. They are quick, comfortable and keep my feet from getting too smelly. I mean, I gave up smoking for my health, but I'm no saint -- I'm not giving up my flops.
Will you stand your ground on flip-flops or will you kick the habit?
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 2:33:00 AM - 
said...
I am with you, I love my flip flops but I live in northern British Columbia Canada so there for only wear them about 4 months a year and not every day. My husband and I walk daily, and I do have a excellent pair of runners for that.
I really find my flip flops so comfortable, and I have fetish for them. I am not one of those ladies that have a million pairs of shoes, but I do have many, many, pairs of flip flops and love them all. Have a great day, and I wished I lived in Florida, bye for now, M.C
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:10:00 AM - said...
I also enjoy flip flops, but since bunion surgery, I will not risk poor quality shoes! I have found a great alternative which still looks like a flip flop yet gives support and no stress on those toes! Birkenstock makes several styles of flip flops which are both stylish and healthy shoes. Believe me, I like style and their shoes are no longer "granola" but quite up in their styling.
Tricia
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:35:00 AM - said...
i also enjoy wearing flip-flops especially since i have to wear closed waterproof boots at work we need a chance to let our feet feel free from confinement i don't know of any shoe unless it was measured for your feet that really fits and supports i also buy better supported flip-flops for this reason we need good made shoes at good prices too
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 7:55:00 AM - said...
Nope, I'll still flop. Flopping is too convenient and pleasant to give up. It's like asking me to give up my occasional glass of fine wine. Ain't gonna happen!
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 8:40:00 AM - said...
This is so true! I was just to the doctor with foot problems and I have Plantar's Fascitis which he blames on my flip flops. And I wear the Nike flip flops that have arch and heel support, but still they are not good enough. Ugh.
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:49:00 AM - 
abb said...
I enjoy my flip flops but I do wear Rainbows and Crocs both of which are more supportive than your rubber flip flops..I am overweight and have flat feet and I have not experienced any pain or duress from wearing these shoes. I have rainbows in several colors and crocs too since I can wear these shoes to work. I love them and will continue to wear them :-)
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:26:00 AM - said...
I love my flip flops i have them in every color i live in New York so i only wear them durng the spring and summer months . They are just to comfortable to give up.I also am very physically fit i go to the gym 4 times a weak so being over weight is not an issue. Hail the Flip Flop I LOVE them
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 12:57:00 PM - said...
i am a lover of flip-flops and live in them for about 6 months a year. I have had ankle issues in the past. However, I have found a new type of flip-flop..."Fit-flop". I love them!! I have been wearing them for over a month now and not an ache or a pain anywhere! They are supportive and extremely confortable! I even have my sister hooked on them and she has foot and back issues. They are a little pricey, but sooo worth it! Give them a try...C.M.
Comment: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 3:39:00 PM - said...
I am with you also. I grew up in Florida and flip flops year round, I live in No. California now and have had bunion surgery on 1 foot and getting ready to have the other foot done. I also have high arches. I have switched over to Birkenstocks also. They are so comfortable and give me plenty of arch support. I live in my birkenstocks year round now even in the winter when it snows, I just put socks on. I can't stand closed shoes, my feet want to breathe too. I sure miss the year round weather of Florida tho. M.S.
Comment: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 11:03:00 PM - said...
I believe that everything is good in moderation even flip flops.
T.B. in California
Comment: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 2:30:00 PM - said...
I have been wearing flip-flops since my days in the service in Vietnam. I love wearing them. They are comfortable. They also keep the toes straight. I seldom saw individuals in my travels in Asia who wore them having ingrown toenails or corns. Shoes suck. Even, though I have to wear them, sometime. I keep the times infrequent.
Comment: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 3:23:00 PM - said...
I currently have a broken bone in my foot because I didn't see a curb and stepped down really hard while wearing thin soled flip flops. The doctor said those are the worst shoes you can wear and should only be used for the beach if at all.
Comment: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 4:29:00 PM - said...
Never been much of a flopper, but I do love my Chaco sandals. If I could figure out a way to get away with wearing them at work, I would. Good arch support and back straps to keep them on. I've hiked in them as well, and they hold up. I was suffering with Plantar's Fascitis when a friend recommended that I try them. After a few months of wearing them, the Plantar's Fascitis went away. My wife has Keen sandals, and she loves them--supposed to give the support-n-such like the Chacos, so I might try them in the future.
Comment: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 5:04:00 PM - said...
I am not about to do a flip flop on my flip flops. I love the fancy styles with the high foam platforms. They dress up capris, cargos and shorts in the summer months and with a little spray-on tan and some red nail polish on the toes I feel like a million bucks... even if I do curl my toes and take short steps.
Marianoir in Scottsdale, AZ
Comment: Thursday, August 14, 2008 11:38:00 PM - Maikeru76 said...
Yes, I agree on some of this BUT I have to say that I have been using flip-flops in all their incarnations and never had any problem with them all these 25 years (yes, I'm 31 and I have used them since I could remember)
Then again, you people are right. choose ones with adequate arch support (they can be considered sandals where I am at) and one more thing, for longer walks, please use the proper shoes...
Nice article and you are on myspace page as part of my top 40! c",
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