When the weather gets warm, both men and women ditch their more constrictive footwear in favor of the foot-freeing flip-flop. Flip-flops offer some protection for your feet, and thus they are better than walking around barefoot. They are fine to wear at the beach and public pools, as they can protect your feet from hot sand and concrete. They are also great to wear in public showers, often found in locker rooms at the gym and at the beach, to protect your feet from Athlete’s foot.

Flip-flops, however, are not meant to be an all-purpose summer shoe, and can cause several foot problems if worn too much. Because they are flat, they do not offer much arch or heel support, which can lead to foot pain. The thong can irritate the space between your toes, and can lead to a neuroma. The gripping action your toes must do to keep the flip-flops on your feet can be a contributing factor to hammertoes.

With these in mind, we at Advanced Foot & Ankle Care want you to be sensible this summer when wearing flip-flops. First, try to find flip-flops with arch support. If you are having difficulty finding a suitable pair, myself or one of our podiatrists would be happy to give you their recommendation. Second, consider switching to a “slide” type sandal to prevent irritation between your toes. Third, and perhaps most importantly, avoid wearing flip-flops for long periods of time; flip-flops are great to wear at the beach and at the pool, but they are not meant to be worn all summer long.

Eric Polansky, DPM