Wearing Flip-Flops Without Ruining Your Feet

Face it: Flip-flops rock. They keep your feet cool, they're easy to throw on, and they come in a zillion colors and styles that just about anyone can love. They're casual and chic all at once. They're fun. They're friendly.

They're also pretty terrible for your feet.

Don't believe it? Let the numbers speak for themselves. Of the 198,437 emergency room visits due to shoe-related injuries, 25,300 were associated with flip flops in 2014, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission on Emergency Room visits.   And there's more. Podiatrists blame flip-flops for blisters, bacteria, viral infections, bad posture, shooting pains, bunion exacerbation (and formation!), hammertoe issues, athlete's foot, and lack of arch support.

In a 2008 study, researchers at Auburn University found that flip-flops actually change the way wearers walk, sometimes permanently. And those changes can wreak havoc on the rest of the body, with distinct and noticeable effects on everything from the wearer's posture to their gait to complaints about pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back. 

So, what does all of this mean? Should you dump all twenty-three pairs in the trash this minute?

Well, not exactly. (And besides, we know you're not really going to listen when we tell you to break up with those bad boys.) Like chocolate cake and red wine, flip flops are totally fine in moderation. But you should heed some of the following tips for  keeping your exposed feet happy and healthy this summer:

Don't drive and flip-flop

That's a really bad idea. Just like any backless shoe, there's a possibility that your flip-flops will slip off your feet and get stuck under the brake or gas pedal. Driving shoes should always be sturdy and secure. If you're not worried about your own safety, think about everyone else on the road. And ladies, you already know the problems with driving in stilettos. Sandals might be slightly more unassuming, but the danger's still there.

Be a big spender

No one likes overspending when there's a perfectly "OK" plastic version sitting right there on the shelf.  But the truth is, some things are just worth the investment. Your feet and well-being, for instance. The more money you pay for your shoes, the more likely they are to provide arch support. On the whole, flip-flops aren't the most expensive shoe form, and you're bound to get a ton of use out of them. So pay up!  And, just like you would with running shoes, you should replace your flip flops every few months. A little wear-and-tear is cute. A lot is dangerous.

Look where you're going

Flip-flops offer little to no protection against broken glass, and other sidewalk debris. If you're not willing to give your feet a cover, then at least keep your eyes open and remain alert.

Go for leather, if possible

The America Podiatric Medical Association reminds us that leather makes it less likely for you to get a blister. Bonus points: You'll get that rustic, well-worn look without having to actually break the shoes in too much. Plastic doesn't stand a chance.

Use common sense when you're shopping

Shoes aren't supposed to fold in half. Nope, sorry, no exceptions there. (Your flip-flops can and should, bend just at the ball of the foot.) And "one size fits all" isn't really a thing when it comes to foot safety.

The take away?  Stay away from rubber and plastic, look for soft leather with arch support and wear your flip flops in moderation!