10 Things to Know About Flip-Flops (Video)

Are your flip-flops harming your foot health? The wrong footwear is often the chief cause of foot pain, and many types of flip-flops can cause foot problems due to lack of support and other factors, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA).

The wrong flip-flops can leave you vulnerable to sprained ankles, ligament injuries, and a higher incidence of cuts, scrapes, and stubbed toes.

“During the warmer months of the year, many podiatrists treat a greater number of foot problems that can be traced back to wearing flip-flops,” said Michael King, DPM, president of APMA. “However, people don’t have to give up wearing this type of footwear altogether. There are certain types of flip-flops that offer a superior amount of stability and support than others.”

The APMA offers 5 Do’s and 5 Don’ts to avoid a flip-flop fiasco.

5 Flip-flop Do’s:

1. Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind should never fold in half.

2. Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete’s foot.

3. Do ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.

4. Do shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.

5. Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. Evaluated by a team of APMA podiatrists, these products are shown to allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality health.

Next: 5 Flip-Flop Don’ts & the Video

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Nancy H.

11:53PM PDT on May 22, 2012

Well foot doctors in dallas tx recommends people to wear these.

send a green star

Holly L.

12:20PM PDT on Nov 3, 2011

Flip-Flops are like old friends --!!

Thanks,
-Holly

Hannah V.

11:51AM PDT on Aug 16, 2011

I love flip flops.

Pat V.

10:47PM PDT on Jul 21, 2011

Hate filp flopsThe little bit between my toes got very sore, took weeks to get better.

Akin A.

6:37AM PDT on Jul 14, 2011

What a great article

Eternal G.

6:32PM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

That's why I wear swamiz.

Camila K.

1:28AM PDT on Jun 28, 2011

my favorite shoe

Fa'izah J. A.

4:59PM PDT on Jun 22, 2011

Honestly, flip flops are a summertime staple. I wonder how much of this is really a push to buy expensive summertime footwear and support big corporations in disguise.

Blm B.

6:01AM PDT on Jun 22, 2011

THE NORTH FACE has a great selection of flip flops that offer arch supports and the 'noise' that flip flops usually make is very minimal with THE NORTH FACE flip flops! I think I have about 15 different pair of The North Faces flip flops have come a long way. Comfort and support are seem to be a priority with them now!

2:04AM PDT on Jun 22, 2011

Other peoples flip flops are noisy.