Flip-Flops Ruining Your Feet?

Tuesday, 03 May 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Nothing quite heralds the coming of warm weather like pushing your pasty feet into a pair of flip-flops. But according to the Washington Post, the summer staples may be ruining our feet. Podiatrists say flip-flop injuries are so common in the summer that they see at least one a day through September. Stress fractures are common, as are stubbed toes, and sunburned toes. A 2008 study entitled, “Comparative Analysis of Human Gait While Wearing Thong-Style Flip-flops versus Sneakers,” also found that people who walk in flip-flops tend to take shorter strides, ostensibly to prevent their sandals from flying off. One of the biggest problems is that flip-flops don’t offer any arch support, which can manifest into a sharp pain, especially for those with flat feet.

The Post asked the American Podiatry Association to offer some tips for flip-flop fans. Gently bending the flip-flop from end to end is one; making sure your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop is another.