You'd think because flip flops are flat (and usually comfy) that they'd be good for your feet right? Wrong! These summertime staples actually do more damage than your highest pair of tacones. They can cause serious harm to your feet, and even to the rest of your body. And do NOT get me started on the health hazards these things have. I mean it's pretty obvious flip flops aren't the most sanitary shoes considering how much of your foot is being exposed to dirt, dropped objects, and bacteria. Don't get me wrong, this doesn't mean you can't wear your favorite thongs the next time you hit up the beach or relax by the pool. You just shouldn't be wearing them EVERY single day. Still don't believe these summer shoes do more harm than good? Check out a few reasons below on why flip flops can be bad idea!
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They don't support your arch: While the soles of your flip flops may seem comfy, they usually don't offer any arch support which can lead to a condition called plantar fasciitis, when the thick band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of your foot becomes inflamed. Your feet can also wind up over-pronating (rolling inward) causing serious pain to your heels, arches, and even toes. Ouch!
You can get blisters: Think about it, whenever you're walking in flip flops the motion creates a friction caused by your foot rubbing against the base of your shoe. After time that friction can lead to a burning sensation that many times results in blisters on the undersides of your feet. The thong that rubs between your toes can also lead to blisters and liquidity sores. Blisters and sweaty feet is NOT a good combination.
They can mess up your back: Believe it or not wearing flip flops on a regular basis can actually lead to hip and lower back pain. Why? Well because you're forced to carry your foot differently and take shorter steps that put pressure on your heels, mess up your natural gait, and eventually triggers pain in your ankles, knees, hips AND back.
They can fracture your bones: Because most flip flops tend to be thin, flat, and without any support, the stress that's caused from the constant stomping can actually cause small cracks in your foot bones.
They can damage your toes: The only thing you have holding your foot to your shoe is that little thong (v-shaped strap) that forces you to grip your toes. So because you're overworking your muscles, with time this can trigger a painful condition known as tendinitis that inflames the tendons that connect your muscles to your foot bones. You can even wind up getting hammer toes and nasty bunions. Not cute.
You can get calluses: Ever noticed how hard your foot gets in the back whenever you wear flip flops regularly? That's because when your foot gets constantly exposed to air the skin dries out and hardens. Now if it gets TOO dry it develops into callused skin that eventually cracks and bleeds. It's gross looking and pretty painful too!
It's just gross: According to a 2009 study conducted by the Today show and the University of Miami, just one pair of flip flips carries 18,000 bacteria. Not only is it incredibly unsanitary, but because your feet are being exposed to all sorts of dirty, strange, and sharp objects you're putting yourself at risks for cuts and infections.
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