Are Flip-Flops the Most Dangerous Shoes You Can Wear? - Southlake Orthopaedics (2024)

FAQs

Are Flip-Flops the Most Dangerous Shoes You Can Wear? - Southlake Orthopaedics? ›

Flip-flops provide no arch support at all, and this lack of support means the joints in your feet are working harder than they normally would to keep you upright. This extra pressure on your joints leads to overuse of your ligaments, which in turn leads to shooting, agonizing pain in your feet and legs.

Several adverse effects of wearing flip-flops include blisters, foot fungus, balance issues, strained or overextended tendons, shooting pains, plantar fasciitis, foot swelling and more. At best, moderation will help you avoid these discomforts. Wear flip-flops only when you find it most necessary.

Flip-flops put added pressure on your feet because you have to squeeze your toes together to hold onto them as you walk. Because of this, wearing them on a regular basis can cause painful bone spurs that change how you walk. In addition to lacking support, flip-flops also don't offer much protection from the elements.

Most notably, diabetics with peripheral neuropathy should always take caution when walking in shoes as open as flip flops. The risk for injury to the foot without notice is increased when the foot is not protected.

Cunha. “I typically advise my patients NOT to wear flip-flops for prolonged periods of time, as this particular shoe allows our foot to collapse affecting our gait and posture, which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body,” he said.

Flip flops can also exacerbate other types of foot pain, from bunions and hammertoes to tendonitis. And since your feet aren't covered or well-protected, you're at greater risk for stubbed toes, cuts, insect bites and infection.

Look for shoes that have a firm, non-slip sole and adequate cushioning. You should avoid walking barefoot, in slippers or flip-flops, or with only socks on. Wearing shoes with high heels taller than one inch is also not suggested, as excessively high heels can put too much pressure on the toes and balls of the feet.

Some Flip-flops Can Be Dangerous to Wear for Long Periods

Over time, this can lead to stress fractures—a small crack or severe bruising within a bone—due to overuse and repetitive activity. People that suffer from osteoporosis or other diseases that weaken the bones are at greater risk for getting an injury.

“For someone who has arthritis, very flat and thin flip-flops provide very little support,” says Dr. Cerrato. “But there are some flip-flops that have a cup in the heel and a little more substance for shock absorption, and those do offer more support.”

Without any doubt, Crocs will help you relieve any foot pain and are ideal for short-term usage. However, if you wear it for an extended period, Crocs can create more foot issues that can otherwise be avoided.

Can flip-flops cause a pinched nerve? ›

This extra pressure on your joints leads to overuse of your ligaments, which in turn leads to shooting, agonizing pain in your feet and legs. Common flip-flop-related pain includes plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, pinched back nerves, and inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Don't wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.

Although the podiatric medical association doesn't discourage the wearing of these tiny treads, it warns that people with circulation issues or diabetes, who generally have poor feeling in their feet, should avoid flip-flops.

Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

Constant gripping with your toes can cause tendonitis in your toes. This can be painful and lead to tears or ruptures of your tendons. Wearing flip-flips for too long can also cause bunions or hammertoes to develop. Hammertoe is a bending in the joints of your toes and can affect any toe except the big toe.

The lack of enclosing structure means cuts, injuries, and ankle sprains are high risk, especially if you wear flip-flops for more active pursuits or walking throughout the day. Finally, the gripping motion necessary for your toes to keep flip-flops on can increase your risk of developing hammertoes.