With summer here early, some of you might have already pulled your flip-flops out from the back of your wardrobe. There’s nothing like finally feeling the warmth of the sun on your toes after a particularly cold winter. 

But, with flip-flops, what you gain in sunshine, you lack in proper foot support, with long-term wear causing problems with the way you walk and overall discomfort in your joints. If you’ve ever wondered, “are flip-flops bad for your feet?”, we’ll explain the risks and what you can do to protect your foot health. 

 

Why are flip-flops bad for your feet?

 

Flip-flops are great for ventilation and showing off your pedicures, but long-term use is not recommended for multiple reasons. When patients ask us, “Can flip-flops damage your feet?”, the answer depends on how often you wear them and the level of support they provide. 

Flip-flops are built with less support than regular footwear, like trainers and boots, leading to aching feet and fallen arches. 

You’ll also find that wearing flip-flops for just a few hours can cause discomfort across your toes. With the toe-thong sitting between your big toe and second toe, a lot of pressure is put on these toes to ensure the flip-flop stays on. 

You might find yourself over-gripping, leading to weaker foot muscles, an altered stride pattern and vulnerability to longer-term issues like spinal alignment problems.

 

How can flip-flops damage your feet?

 

Flip-flops can cause issues for your feet in many ways, including: 

 

Heel pain

Your plantar fascia is the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot from the heel to the toes. Wearing flip-flops can strain or tear this ligament, causing heel pain (plantar fasciitis). 

 

Blisters

With many flip-flops relying on your grip between the V-shaped toe-thong, it can be easy for blisters to form, as your toes rub against the strap. This is more likely for those with sweaty or wet feet – a combination that is quite common on holiday by the pool. 

If you’ve already packed your flip-flops for this year’s holiday, blisters can be prevented by using sports tape and bandages around your toes to reduce friction. Blisters can open up easily, so our specialists recommend keeping your feet clean to avoid infection.

 

Sprained ankles

Flip-flops cause your ankles to roll more frequently, leading to a change in gait. As our bodies try to lessen the stress on the rolled ankle, more of our weight is placed on the ‘good’ ankle. This is expected, and fine, in the short term. However, over time, if this is repeated frequently, the healthier ankle becomes weaker, leading to a greater risk of ankle sprains.

 

Shin splints

When we walk in flip-flops, our walking pattern changes to stop the flip-flops from sliding off our feet. This means the front of our legs are working harder than when we are wearing better-supported footwear. 

Over time, the tendons in these muscles can become inflamed. This condition is called medial tibial stress syndrome, more commonly known as shin splints. 

 

When should you avoid wearing flip-flops?

 

There are some situations where we recommend swapping flip-flops with a good, sturdy pair of trainers. 

 

Walking long distances 

If you’re planning a long-distance hike, or a day out in London, leave your flip-flops on the shoe rack. Flip-flops do not provide the cushioned support needed for longer walks, so you’ll find your feet are achy by the end of the day.

 

Playing sports

Flip-flops are often made with a flat sole, meaning that on certain surfaces, like a sports hall, they can be slippery. Slips could lead to sprains or fractures, so it’s always best to wear trainers with good grip while taking part in sports. 

It’s also important to wear closed-toe shoes whilst exercising, to avoid injury from equipment and accidental contact. 

 

Alternatives to flip-flops

Many people are opting for slides instead of traditional flip-flops, because of their single strap that stretches across all of your toes. At first glance, these slides seem like a better option for summer footwear, but a study from the National Institutes of Health showed there was not much difference between the strain caused by flip-flops and slides.

For a safer footwear option this summer, we recommend sandals with straps across the back of the ankle. Sandals encourage evenly-balanced walking styles, taking pressure off the toes and front of the legs. In addition, they are also often contoured to support the natural curve of your foot’s arch. 

 

I wear orthotics – What should I do in the summer?

If you have been recommended orthotic shoes, you might find the transition to flip-flops or sandals uncomfortable. We prescribe orthotic sandals for those who need them during the summer months. 

Often, people who wear orthotics find them uncomfortable and unsightly, so we’ve listened. We prepare your orthotics by scanning your feet and tailoring the sandals to your exact medical needs. 

Orthotic sandals are effective for anyone with podiatry issues, including flat feet, Morton’s neuroma, high arches, plantar fasciitis and bunions. 

 

How can we help? 

At the London Foot and Ankle Centre, we provide diagnosis, treatment and advice for those suffering from pain caused by footwear. We offer services such as gait analysis and biomechanical assessments to establish the best way to treat your foot and lower limb pain before building a plan for recovery. So, if you’re asking yourself, “are flip-flops bad for your feet?”, our podiatrists are here to help. 

If you’re looking to book an appointment with one of our team, you can do so by filling out our consultation form, or by calling your nearest centre.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.