Wearing flip-flops for an extended period can cause heel pain, lead to hammer toes, back pain, and may result in ankle sprains or strains.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wear Flip-Flops Regularly
The Dangers of Frequent Flip-Flop Use
Medical professionals everywhere have noticed an increase in patients experiencing foot issues directly caused by wearing flip-flops for prolonged periods.
Flip-flops are meant for short distances, such as walking from the pool to the house or from the beach to a sunbed, and should not be used for all-day walking or playing outdoors with children.
Flip-flops are meant for short distances.
Causes Fatigue in Your Feet
The main issue with these sandals is that they do not provide adequate support for the feet. The classic thin rubber flip-flops are often too soft and do not support the foot properly, affecting the heel and causing calf strain. Therefore, wearing flip-flops for an extended period can lead to ankle injuries, ankle sprains, and even fractures. The straps of flip-flops can irritate the skin, leading to infections or disrupting blood circulation.
Professor Wendi Weimer from Auburn University states, “We love wearing flip-flops for the feeling of freedom and comfort, but we often overlook how our feet feel until the pain becomes pronounced.”
Professor Wendi also conducted an experiment with students about how feet interact with the ground. Volunteers were asked to wear either athletic shoes or flip-flops with leather straps. The results showed that stride length was related to ankle activity. In those wearing leather shoes, the ankle protects the toes while moving, whereas in flip-flops, the ankle’s role is to keep the strap from slipping off. With an average daily walking distance of 10,000 to 20,000 steps, even small changes in gait can severely impact health.
High Risk of Foot Injuries
One of the biggest risks posed by flip-flops is a high likelihood of injury. Physical therapists report seeing numerous serious injuries in those who frequently wear flip-flops.
With a simple design that consists of a flat sole and a Y-shaped strap, flip-flops do not fit securely on the foot. This affects the heel and causes calf strain. The ligaments between the heel and the arch weaken, and pain often appears after about two weeks of continuous wear.
Flip-Flops.
Additionally, because flip-flops are often quite loose, you are more likely to slip and fall, and prolonged use can lead to more serious injuries, such as fractures of the foot bones due to excessive strain.
Plantar Fasciitis
Another common diagnosis for those who frequently wear flip-flops is plantar fasciitis. This condition is characterized by swelling of the thick tissues on the sole of the foot, occurring when you frequently adjust your toes to stabilize the foot. Plantar fasciitis is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort.
Causes Pain and Deformation of Toes
Frequent flip-flop use can cause swelling, pain, and even deformities of the toes.
Those who regularly wear flip-flops will experience toe pain as their feet constantly grip the flimsy straps to keep the sandals from slipping off. This increases the tension on the tendons running along the sole, leading to swelling, pain, and even toe deformities.
Causes Knee and Back Pain
Wearing flip-flops alters the alignment of your entire lower body. As a result, you may experience muscle problems while moving. You also take shorter steps, and your foot lands differently with each step. This can lead to changes in the knees, hips, and back, eventually resulting in back pain or knee pain. Physical therapists even warn that these changes could lead to disc herniation.
Sunburn and Blisters
Your feet are prone to sunburn, leaving unsightly lines when wearing flip-flops.
When wearing flip-flops, much of your foot is exposed, yet many people do not regularly apply sunscreen to their feet. This makes your feet more susceptible to sunburn when exposed to environmental factors. Additionally, blisters and sore spots are also unpleasant side effects of flip-flops, especially in the spaces between your toes, where you can’t bandage them.
Higher Likelihood of Foot Infections
When frequently wearing flip-flops, your bare feet are exposed to various pathogens, such as fungi.
Dr. Alex Kor, a podiatrist at Witham Health Services and clinical assistant professor of osteopathic medicine at Marian University, states: “Flip-flops can be breeding grounds for foot fungi because they offer very little protection against harmful bacteria that may exist on the floor. Consequently, your feet are more likely to come into contact with things like fungi, which can cause skin or nail infections.”
The risk of foot infections increases if your flip-flops are dirty. Dr. Kor adds, “If flip-flops are not cleaned regularly, they can harbor moisture and fungi. Worse, the materials used to make flip-flops, such as rubber or plastic, do not absorb moisture well.”
Wearing flip-flops for a long time can lead to foot problems. (Image: Washingtonian).
Can Cause Blisters
Anyone who has ever worn flip-flops knows the sharp pain in the big toe at one time or another. This is due to the friction between the foot and the sandal.
“The strap between the big toe and the second toe can cause friction, leading to blisters,” Kor explains.
If the blister bursts, the exposed skin becomes an easy entry point for bacteria, making it more susceptible to bacterial or fungal infections.
Affects Posture
Frequent use of flip-flops not only exacerbates back problems but can also affect your posture.
Dr. Kor notes, “There is no doubt that wearing flip-flops for extended periods, especially when walking long distances, can negatively affect posture. This is because when wearing flip-flops, the way we walk often changes. Without the support of a sturdy shoe, we tend to drag our feet. To keep the flip-flops from slipping off, the muscles in the foot and toes must remain in a ‘gripping’ position, creating an abnormal gait that can lead to posture problems.”
5 Situations Where You Should Avoid Flip-Flops
1. Walking the Dog
You should not walk the dog while wearing flip-flops.
Flip-flops are a breeding ground for countless microorganisms. Just a 30-minute stroll in the garden with your beloved dog can leave your feet covered in grime. A 2009 report by the Today Show indicated that more than 18,000 types of bacteria reside in a pair of flip-flops, including certain bacteria found in dog feces. For individuals with diabetes, the risk of infection is higher, making these sandals particularly dangerous.
Dr. Kauderer states: “Wearing flip-flops is better than going barefoot. However, even with flip-flops on, your feet are still exposed to dirt and various types of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.”
2. Walking and Running
Flip-flops are not the right choice for situations that require quick reflexes during vigorous activities.
Flip-flops are not suitable for situations that require quick reflexes. Dr. Megan Leahy from the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute explains: “Flip-flops can easily slip off your feet and get caught under the brake or gas pedal.”
Walking long distances, playing with children, or simply running while wearing flip-flops can turn even the most agile individuals into clumsy movers. Flip-flops only secure your foot with thin straps on the sides and between your toes. According to a 2008 study from Auburn University, flip-flops can shorten your stride and increase the likelihood of slipping. Dr. Leahy warns: “More dangerously, changing your gait can lead to issues with the spine, hips, knees, and ankles.”
3. Gardening
Closed shoes can safely protect your feet from risks when gardening; flip-flops are not a wise choice.
Lawn mowers are extremely dangerous for your feet. Unless you want to show off the story of how you lost two toes, opt for a pair of shoes that can safely cover your feet to avoid risks.
When working behind a cash register or standing in line, flip-flops may not cause immediate foot pain, but at some point during your day, you will likely feel discomfort. Dr. Kauderer says: “These flat sandals do not provide the necessary support, nor do they act as a cushioning sole like other types of footwear.” Prolonged use of flip-flops can lead to various foot problems, including plantar tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and bone spurs.
4. Cooking
Safety experts advise against wearing flip-flops in the kitchen.
Safety experts recommend not wearing flip-flops in the kitchen. This is why renowned American chef Mario Batali wears closed shoes in the kitchen. Boiling water, hot oil, and sharp utensils in the kitchen pose numerous hazardous accidents waiting to happen. In unpredictable situations, wearing flip-flops can severely reduce your reflexes, increasing the risk of injury.
5. Subways or Buses
In crowded places like bus and train terminals, you should not wear flip-flops.
In crowded places, there are always individuals who seem oblivious to what they are stepping on. This poses a danger to your exposed toes when wearing flip-flops, which is why you should avoid wearing them when taking the bus or subway.
That said, this doesn’t mean you have to completely abandon flip-flops. Dr. Kauderer advises choosing appropriate occasions to wear them. She suggests: “If you plan to wear these types of sandals for an extended period, opt for flip-flops that can appropriately support you. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) has a list of suitable sandals for different individuals and professions.”
Those who enjoy wearing flip-flops in the summer need not throw them away; they can be utilized for swimming, beach outings, etc. When searching for trendy sandals for this summer, pay attention to the shoe’s sole and the basic shape that supports the calves and heels.
