Even though the freedom of going barefoot and the ease of wearing flip flops may be your favorite part of summer, these habits may also be playing a major role in the downfall of your feet.
Dr. Jose De La Torre specializes in managing painful conditions and has treated many cases of chronic foot pain that start with a preference for flip flops and bare feet. He offers some insight into how your choice of footwear can set you up for a lifetime of chronic foot pain and mobility issues.
The impact of flip flop habits
Though there’s enjoyment in wearing non-binding flip flops that keep your feet cool, choosing to wear flip flops too often can affect the overall way you walk.
Although it takes time for your gait to change, continued wear of flip flops and non-supportive shoes can ultimately lead to serious complications, especially in your ankles, heels, and the soles of your feet.
Constantly moving without good footwear increases your risk for painful conditions like:
As a result of dysfunction in your ankles and feet, you may also develop pain that radiates up into your legs and back.
Inadequate footwear, especially flip flops, forces the ankles to turn inward, changing how you walk and the length of your strides. Your constant, but subconscious, efforts to keep your flip flops in place can lead to aching muscles and persistently tired feet.
The prospect of chronic pain
When your walking movements begin to change, you may be inadvertently putting excess pressure on your joints, especially in the ankles and toes. This pressure can cause degenerative joint changes and increase your risk for developing chronic pain from arthritis.
You may also be at increased risk for chronic muscle and joint pain that results from overuse of these tissues when wearing flip flops or because of injuries you sustain in a fall due to poor support from your footwear of choice.
The pitfalls of going barefoot
Going barefoot may seem like the most natural thing to do, but going shoeless for long periods of time can increase your risk for arthritis and other painful foot conditions.
Additionally, without protection, your feet are subject to injury from your environment. Going barefoot increases your risk for issues like:
- Cuts
- Splinters
- Punctures
- Infections
- Insect bites
- Tetanus and other diseases
You may also be at increased risk for temperature-related damage, such as burns or frostbite, depending on the season.
Though many of these issues may be minor, if left untreated, they can cause serious health complications and a lifetime of chronic pain. In consideration of that, it’s always best to choose adequate footwear for the activities in which you engage, such as supportive running shoes for exercise or high-quality hiking boots when traveling over more rugged land.
Flip flops and going barefoot are fine on occasion, especially when you’re at home or the beach. But limit their use, and pay attention to any symptoms you may have after a day in flip flops or going barefoot, and schedule a medical evaluation if you suspect you have an infection.
If you’re already suffering from the chronic pain of plantar fasciitis or other chronic condition from years of wearing improper footwear, schedule an appointment at New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine today by calling the office.
FAQs
Most Podiatrists would agree that some time bare foot is great for airing out your feet to keep them healthy. Another benefit is that your feet can become stronger when walking on different surfaces, thus reducing your risk of injury.
Are flip flops bad for your feet barefoot? ›
Although it takes time for your gait to change, continued wear of flip flops and non-supportive shoes can ultimately lead to serious complications, especially in your ankles, heels, and the soles of your feet. Constantly moving without good footwear increases your risk for painful conditions like: Heel spurs.
Why do my feet hurt so bad after walking barefoot? ›
Over the course of weeks or months, the strain of walking barefoot can add significant stress to your arches, tendons, plantar fascia, and joints,” he says. “This can lead to a range of complications, from minor conditions such as calluses to major issues such as arch collapse.”
Can walking barefoot damage your feet? ›
Plus, going shoeless for an extended amount of time can alter the biomechanics of your feet for the worse, Cunha says. Over the long run, this could accelerate the formation of bunions and hammertoes, or lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and Achilles tendonitis.
Who should not wear barefoot shoes? ›
A history of metatarsal stress fractures (and other forefoot injuries), plantar fasciitis, arch strain, posterior tibial tendonitis, Achilles tendinopathy and calf muscle strain are conditions which may not respond to minimalist footwear, especially if over used.
Is walking barefoot healthier than wearing shoes? ›
Those who go shoeless take shorter, more frequent strides and have stronger feet with fewer foot and toe deformities. And those who don't wear shoes typically have higher arches, too. Going barefoot even helps with balance issues.
Can flip-flops cause neuropathy? ›
Aside from plantar fasciitis, can flip-flops cause neuropathy? Yes, neuropathy can result from exposing your feet to infections and injuries. Because shoe thongs don't offer any protection, your feet are more inclined to feeling numb and experiencing sharp burning or even stabbing sensations.
Why do podiatrists hate flip-flops? ›
They're a summer staple and beach favourite. But flip flops are one of the worst things you can put on your feet, according to one expert. They can force the toes to grip onto the shoe with every step, leading to painful foot conditions over time, says podiatrist Paul Macaulay.
What are the side effects of barefoot shoes? ›
Modern shoes have built-in cushioning to help reduce the amount of stress that is directed into the heel; with Barefoot shoes, that lack of cushioning can lead to more significant stress being put onto the muscles & bones within the foot, ankle, knee, hip and sometimes into the spine.
Does walking barefoot make neuropathy worse? ›
In fact, walking barefoot may make your neuropathy pain worse and increase the chances of injury. It is essential to get the right footwear.
Walking barefoot in the house also puts you at higher risk for stepping on something and obtaining a foreign body. A foreign body is something stuck in your foot that doesn't belong there, for example: a thumbtack. Foreign bodies can quickly become infected or even leave a wound on your foot.
What do podiatrists think of barefoot shoes? ›
However, he notes that “many feet are so unstable that it is hard to recommend such an activity.” Dr. Romansky says he rarely recommends barefoot running or minimalist shoes for patients or athletes starting to exercise or restarting an exercise program after a layoff.
What happens when you walk barefoot everyday? ›
Walking without shoes can improve balance, help with pain relief and lead to improved mechanics of hips, knees and core.
Does walking strengthen your feet? ›
Benefits of Walking for Foot Health
Strengthen the bones and muscles of the feet and ankles. Increase flexibility and stability in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of obesity, which can put a lot of strain on the feet and ankles. Increase circulation and reduce swelling.
Is it better to wear socks or go barefoot? ›
Walking barefoot at home for an extended amount of time can result in the development of foot deformities, this is from the imbalances in pressure that happen when you walk barefoot. Wearing socks at home alleviates this as it provides a cushion effect to improve your balance, when walking.
Is barefoot better than arch support? ›
Yes, barefoot shoes are good for people with flat feet, allowing feet to move more naturally and strengthen muscles in your feet for improved support. This is good news for those interested in barefoot-inspired (or “minimalist”) shoes, or even trying barefoot running.
What do podiatrists think of minimalist shoes? ›
Minimalist shoes require stronger foot, ankle, lower leg and core muscle groups, stronger proprioception, balance, appropriate running style and foot type. Without this wearing minimalist shoes can lead to increased lower limb injuries, foot pain and dysfunction.
Are barefoot shoes good or bad for your feet? ›
Strengthening the intrinsic muscles, tendons, and ligaments within the foot: modern footwear has made the intrinsic muscles in our feet less active, especially during running. Running with barefoot shoes can help to engage those inactive muscles, tendons & ligaments to assist in performance.
