They may feel refreshing in the summer, but your feet will pay the price for wearing them. We're talking about flip-flops, which may be the worse type of shoes for your feet.
According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, it all comes down to biomechanics and these three reasons why you should not wear inexpensive flip-flops.
They offer no:
- arch support;
- heel cushioning; or
- shock absorption.
In addition, flip-flops make your body work harder when compared to walking barefoot. The result - aching feet and lower legs.
Consider the design of the average flip-flop. They are flat, thin, made of super squishy foam, and held together with two straps secured with a toe peg. After months of constant wear, what do you have? You are literally walking on a piece of rubber compressed to something about the thickness of a dinner plate.
Your foot feels the pain with every step; and whatever happens, don't step on a twig or piece of gravel. OUCH!
When you walk, your body accommodates for the jarring sensations, stress, slips and slides, and unstable environment. Have you ever walked right out of your flip-flops or caught them in a crack; or perhaps twisted your ankle on the uneven ground? Been there and it wasn't a pleasant experience.
This stress of walking in flip-flops causes muscle fatigue and places extreme tension on connective tissues (i.e., plantar fascia and Achilles tendons). With increasing stress, micro-tears can occur. Your body's natural response to healing these tissues involves inflammation and pain.
The better footwear alternative are supportive sandals --- not just in hot weather, but also in your house year-round.
There are many stylish shoes on the market that offer the desired flip-flop look and airy feel; as well as the supportive design necessary to prevent foot pain. Look for a pair that:
- has arch support, which will reduce the tension on the connective tissues;
- is designed so that the heel cups support your heel in a neutral position, which prevents overstretching the Achilles tendon; and
- has wide straps that distribute the pull on the top of the foot, so your toes don’t have to grip your shoes.
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