Save the flip flops for the beach

December 1st, 2018

Our feet take a lot of punishment each day.  It’s amazing that they can support our body weights with each step we take.  My mother always said that you can save money on clothes, but never try to save money on shoes.  A good pair of shoes can prevent you from foot pain, injuries, back pain, and knee pain. In my practice, I see that “flip flop” sandals are being worn in more places than the beach or around the pool.  They are being used for walking to work and strolling on city streets.  Not surprisingly, I am also seeing a number of injuries directly related to the wearing of these flimsy plastic sandals.  Here are some examples about why you should save them for beachwear only.

• They do not provide support for your feet.  This is particularly true for people with “flat feet”.  In fact, walking in flip flops can increase your chances of getting a condition called “plantar fasciitis” which causes severe pain on the bottom of the foot often lasting for months.  Because of the instability, you are also more liable to twist or sprain your ankle.
• They are usually poorly made.  Many of them have a small knob that is threaded through a hole in sole.  This can often pull through the soft rubber and cause you to trip and fall
• Having your toes exposed and low to the ground puts you at risk for getting cut by metal or glass that may be on the street.  The thin rubber in these sandals is also vulnerable to punctures from nails or tacks that may be in the street.  If you had a thick soled shoe, this would be much less likely.   I have pulled many small shards of glass from peoples feet in New York City.  Even worse, a lot of times cuts on the feet can easily get infected.  Think about all the grime, animal urine, and bacteria that fill the streets.  If you get cut with a piece of glass that’s been sitting on the street you can bet it will be dirty.
• You are more likely to be stepped on by others and have serious injuries to your heels, toes and toenails.  These areas are completely exposed and leave your feet vulnerable.