With summer upon us we pack up our winter shoes and boots and pull out the trustworthy flip flops from the closet as we breeze into summer. Children, parents, and grandparents we all wear them. But are they good for our back, legs and feet? Not according to the latest reports.
Researchers from Auburn University in Alabama studied the biomechanics of the flip-flop and determined that wearing thong-style flip-flops can result in sore feet, ankles and legs.
“We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back,’’ said Justin Shroyer, a biomechanics doctoral student who presented the findings to the recent annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis.
For the study, the researchers recruited 39 college-age men and women and asked them to wear flip-flops or athletic shoes. They then had them walk a platform that measured vertical force as their feet hit the ground. A video camera measured stride length and limb angles.
Flip-flop wearers took shorter steps and their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when the same walkers wore athletic shoes. People wearing flip-flops also don’t bring their toes up as much as the leg swings forward. That results in a larger angle to the ankle and a shorter stride length, the study showed. The reason may be that people tend to grip flip-flops with their toes.
This is not to say you need to give up your flip flops - but they are NOT meant to replace shoes or being worn for long periods of time. By all means wear them at the beach or when relaxing around the house but do not consider them shoes. Your feet and lower back will thank you.
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Food For Thought:
Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the clouds of war, it is humanity hanging on a cross of iron.
~Dwight D. Eisenhower, speech, American Society of Newspaper Editors, 16 April 1953
I luv my flippy, floppies. But I wouldn’t think of wearing them on a long hike. Although, truth be known I’ve done it when I was younger, sometimes to my peril. Like the time that the raft overturned and we ended up walking three miles back to the camp head!
I too love my flipflops! But I only wear “shoe” type flipflops and not rubber ones. Mine are leather, have a tiny built-up heel and so much cushioning, they are uber comfortable. I just can’t wear anything else shopping! I wouldn’t shop in an athletic shoe if you paid me, but I do wear them for my serious walking! This is an intriguing study but unfortunately women especially tend to be more vain than practical!
I would definitely have to agree here. I wear flip flops at times, but I know that if I am going to have to do a lot of walking, flip flops are not the best choice. My oldest daughter loves them, though, and wears them every day (she would like to in the winter, sometimes :-/). I may have to show her this post…
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My feet are so ugly that I should avoid flip-flops to spare others the sight. However, my mercy only goes so far. Both my kids went through this phase of *only* wearing flip-flops (it doesn’t help that we live in Florida) but now I think they understand what real footwear is–and isn’t.
Grandalfe – 3 mile hike in flip flops would not be fun, to be that young again eh?
Jennifer – yes women tend to be more vain and have been hurting their feet long before our time. I too have leather flip flops and wear those the most like you.
Julie – that’s all I see the girls wearing, even when they dress up and have on a nice skirt or summer dress they still like thier flip-flops.
Cilicious- did you by any chance use to wear a lot of high heels? Those made for some serious foot problems (and ugly feet) years later.
Flip-flops are great for around the house and yard but I wouldn’t wear them for a long walk for the reasons already mentioned. When I was young I didn’t think about what they could do to your feet.
Mine have a thick, supportive sole and thong that is made by “Speedo”. They are made for comfort rather than style. They aren’t at all flimsy feeling.
Actually I have never ever been a high heel person–just not my style.
I was always in sneakers, oxfords, earth shoes or huaraches.
Predisposition to bunions is inherited, and my feet look just like my mom’s did, only bigger. Luckily I don’t have any pain (at least not yet).
My friend really loves to wear flip lops, but reading through your post, I’ll tell her the reasons to avoid wearing those kinds of slippers.
I just read an article about flip flop shoes and just like what you said, the expert warn of using it. The flatness of flip-flops is the main problem with the shoe, the experts say. So, I guess it’s the time to find another daily feet wear.
I love flip flops but they don’t love me back. No matter if made of vinyl, suede, rubber, or cloth, the toe piece always gives me blisters. I’m stuck in slip on type sandals.
People wearing flip-flops also don’t bring their toes up as much as the leg swings forward. That results in a larger angle to the ankle and a shorter stride length.