PrintBy Shawn McKee
Staff Writer
I like to wear flip-flops, and since I live in Florida, I can wear them almost the whole year round. They are my footwear of choice and I sport them daily. They are summer’s official shoe.
However, a recently released study from Auburn University suggests that my favorite footwear may be hazardous to my health. The researchers found that flip-flops alter the walk of the wearer and the altered stride can lead to persistent foot and ankle pain.
Apparently, flop wearers take shorter steps which create greater stress on the body over the same distance of regular shoe wearers. Plus, the toes must pinch to hold the flip-flops in place, creating an imbalance in toe muscles. Not to mention the lack of arch and heel support — especially for those who wear their flops until the tread is paper thin. Being overweight was another factor that contributed to worsening the ankle and foot pain.
However, before you hide your toes away and throw your flops away, there is a silver lining: Like most things we take pleasure in, you can enjoy flops in moderation according to those presenting the research.
I can’t possibly part with my summer slides, but I will buy pairs with better support and replace them more frequently. It’s hard to give up such a casual, yet functional footwear that illustrates my bohemian beliefs so simply. They are quick, comfortable and keep my feet from getting too smelly. I mean, I gave up smoking for my health, but I’m no saint — I’m not giving up my flops.
Will you stand your ground on flip-flops or will you kick the habit?
Get the facts on what other seemingly innocent habits can be hazardous to your health by joining eDiets. Sign up now to get 25% off!
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