In the heat and humidity of summer there is nothing like walking in flip flops. It is comfortable, free, and airy and it is a refreshing alternative to closing the feet inside shoes with socks. Flip flops have changed over the years and have become a fashion brand. There are toe flip flops others with support for all the toes and even ones with a closed front part that looks like a shoe without a back. But what all flip flops share and what separates them from regular shoes is the lack of closure and heel support in the back part.
The lack of support in the back part of the foot when walking in flip flops is their main problem because it forces the toes to grab the front part of the flip flop much more than in regular shoes.
This creates imbalance in the activity of the lower leg and foot muscles especially the small intrinsic muscles in the foot.
Why is it good to walk in flip flops
On hot and humid summer days it is important to let our feet breathe. Flip flops allow better ventilation compared to closed shoes with socks which with long walking in hot and humid weather may cause local calluses or the appearance of athlete’s foot. In addition there is the ease and convenience of use. It is easy to put them in a bag and use them at the beach the pool or in locker rooms and avoid walking barefoot in places where the risk of fungal infection or foot infection is higher.
What is the problem with flip flops
When we walk in flip flops especially in longer walks than the distance from the car to the beach the walking without support in the heel area forces the toes to flex grab the flip flop and prevent it from moving forward because otherwise it will move forward with the walking and fall off the foot.
The increased activation of intrinsic muscles in the feet when wearing flip flops causes unwanted load distribution on different structures in the foot and over time can trigger increased load local pain and even injuries related to the heel such as inflammation tenderness and pain in the arch of the foot muscle pain in the feet and calves and more.
Alongside the immediate and secondary effects of prolonged wearing of flip flops another problematic aspect is the instability the shoe creates during walking. This instability can easily lead to an unsuccessful encounter of the foot with the ground ending with an ankle twist and a painful sprain.
In addition when wearing flip flops the heel tends to sway from side to side which interferes with control when placing the foot on the ground and may end in a fall. It also creates load on the tendons of the local muscles which can also lead to inflammation.
So what should you walk with
Flip flops will remain the first choice for comfort shoes in summer and there is no recommendation here to stop using them. However it is important to consider the problems that prolonged use can create. It is recommended to reduce the duration of continuous walking in flip flops and take into account the injury potential in careless or prolonged use. As with choosing any pair of shoes it is advisable to choose flip flops that are comfortable and support the foot to create movement and walking that are less prone to pain injuries falls and discomfort and allow a walking pattern that benefits our feet and our whole body.
Tips for wearing flip flops
Choose comfortable flip flops with good grip in the toe area.
Make sure the range of motion in the ankle and toes is normal.
Limited motion combined with long walking in flip flops may increase injury risk.
Do not wear flip flops all day.
Combine wearing flip flops with supportive shoes especially on days with long walking segments.
Avoid flip flops during sports activity and use proper shoes instead.