The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Facts About Flip-Flops

Summer is officially here, and we’re finally outside enjoying the surf and sun, and wearing our flip-flops to our heart’s content. And while there’s a lot to love about flip-flops, there’s also a risk of danger. In today’s post, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing what you need to know about what wearing flip-flops a lot can do to your feet.

The Good: Because flip-flops protect you from diseases like athlete’s foot, they’re certainly better than walking barefoot. They are easy to toss into a backpack or beach bag. You can slip them on while walking in public locker rooms or on pool decks where fungi thrive.

The Bad: This favorite summer footwear is not known for providing sufficient support. In our office, we’ve seen countless cases of plantar fasciitis and arch pain that are linked to a whole summer spent in these rubbery, unsupportive, lightweight sandals. There’s simply not enough support to provide your arches with the cradling and cushioning they need.

The Ugly: Due to this lack of support, your ankles can turn in more than needed. When wearing them, your heels also tend to slide from side to side. And finally, because there’s nothing around your heel, your toes have to take on the task of keeping the flip-flops on your feet. All that heel slipping and toe-gripping puts you at risk for sprained ankles, falls, and strained tendons that could damage other body parts.

The bottom line is that wearing flip-flops at the beach or pool is fine. But avoid any problems with your feet by:

• Not keeping them on all day
• Alternating flip-flops with more supportive shoes or sandals
• Taking the flip-flops off when you’re playing sports and wearing athletic shoes instead.

If wearing flip-flops get the best of you and causes foot pain this summer, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, today to make an appointment. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.