Home / Bone & Joint / Is it OK to wear flip-flops?

Is it OK to wear flip-flops?

pairs of flip flops beside a pool

This post submitted on behalf of  Dr. Kerry Dernbach, D.P.M., a Marshfield Clinic podiatrist.

Politicians accuse their opponents of flip-flopping on issues but there is no debate about flip-flops. These low-ball sandals are not good for your feet.

Stop wearing them, with few exceptions.

I’m certainly not alone on this. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons blames regular wearing of flip-flops for an increase in heel pain in people ages 15-25, a group that normally doesn’t have this issue.

Flip-flop foot injuries

I see many patients who have foot pain from constantly wearing flip-flops. They suffer from overuse injuries of the foot, causing pain that extends from the heel and arch and often all the way to the back and hip.

I can treat most of these problems with adequate supports, rest and/or anti-inflammatory medications and I advise these patients to wean their way off flip-flops and wear footwear with more arch support and cushioning.

The most common serious problems I see related to flip-flops are tendonitis; plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammatory condition of the foot; and stress fractures.

Fashion vs. function

Flip-flops give no support to the bottom of your foot, so they can twist and turn in different directions, leading to sprains, breaks and falls. Those thin, flat soles that look so cool have virtually no shock-absorbing qualities. They also are a main cause of foot blisters, sores and fungal infections from the strap rubbing between the toes.

Flip-flops are fine for walking by the pool, beach or on warm surfaces which is the sandal’s original use, and in public showers to prevent athlete’s foot and plantar warts. Just don’t wear them for long periods or for working out.

Fashionable brands of sandals are available, like Keen, Clarks and Merrell. Though they may be more expensive than flip-flops, they may save you from foot pain and even greater expense in the future.

15 responses to “Is it OK to wear flip-flops?”

  1. Deb Hayes

    just an fyi: the shoes Dr. Dernbach is referring to in the article is Merrell, not Merrill.

    1. Kirsten Shakal

      Our mistake Deb. Thanks for the FYI. We will adjust this. -Kirstie

  2. Travis

    Far more likely than a lack of cushioning and arch support in cause of actual foot and calf pain due to prolonged wearing of thongs/flip-flops is the unnatural muscle and tendon strain resulting from the toework required to keep them attached to the foot. To alleviate the pain or ameliorate this cause, I take mine off whenever I'm not walking around with them. I do miss the days when decent sandals were available for a reasonable price. :-\

  3. symial94

    I am not a podiatrist by any means, but my common sense leads me to disagree with this article. Human beings walked around (and much more than us sedentary 21st century people) barefoot for thousands of years, and when shoes were invented, those sandals and moccasins certainly didn't provide any support. I highly doubt all these people suffered from foot pain and injury. The human body is designed to walk – why should young, healthy people need special assistance from shoes to do so? In answer to my own rhetorical question though, there is a reason why an increasing number of people are having foot issues – OBESITY! The human body was NOT designed to support so much weight. The medical profession needs to start addressing the obesity issue directly and agressively instead of "putting bandages" on all of the side effects it causes.

    1. Pam

      I am not a Dr either, but common sense tells me that Thousands of years ago they did not have concrete sidewalks to walk on so they would not have the same issues with support & absorbing the shock of walking. Also, walking barefoot does not require your toe to work to keep your show on eventually causing pain They didn't even touch on the back issues flip flops cause!!!

  4. BaileysMama

    I live in my VIONIC flip flops. They have an orthopedic footbed in them and yes, you pay for quality, but they are AWESOME!
    This brand keeps your posture better and my feet feel great!

  5. Dallas

    Neve wore these flip-flops. However I do wear Yoga Sandals (yogasandals.com). I started wearing them to get my toes to separate which has i proved. What are your feelings or knowledge of these sandals?

  6. ging

    I've been wearing flip flops for over 50 years and have never had any problems. I don't wear the inexpensive types but nonetheless I do not think your statement applies to everyone.

    1. Jake Miller

      Thanks for the comment. Everyone certainly is different, and glad you haven't had problems.

      Thanks,

      Jake, Shine365 editor

  7. Lisa Iverson

    I've worn flip flops all my life….since the age of 13. You could say that I'm a flip flop addict…I cannot wait for spring & summer so I can get them or of storage. I've worn them every summer and have never had foot issues or injuries. I'm probably just that one rare case. 😉

    1. Jake Miller

      Glad they don't give you issues, Lisa, and that your feet are injury free!

      Thanks,

      Jake, Shine365 editor

    2. Sue

      I never had issues before I did….either. Wore sandals, flip flops for many years. Now…plantar fascitis and sore tendon on the foot. Ouch!!! Seems it would be better to prevent than deal with the issue afterward. Painful feet!

  8. Ethel Peoples

    I have never owned a pair of these. They do not even look comfortable.

  9. Linda Keepers

    I wore flip-flops all winter 2 years ago around the house and my feet developed calluses on both the heal and the ball join at the side of my feet. I did not do that last winter and my feet were so much smoother to the touch and to look at.

    1. Joseph

      Why would you wear flip flops inside? Why not bare foot or slippers?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *