The Flap about Flip Flops

The Flap about Flip Flops and Your Feet

Ladies, in Arizona where I live, the flip flop in its many incarnations is worn throughout the year. Even to some formal occasions I have seen both men and women wearing a version of the flip flop.Pedicure salons abound in the greater Phoenix area because of the demand for well coiffed heels and toes.

I personally, own several pairs of flip flops from the simple black rubbers to the decorated mini heels with flowers hanging off of them. Right now for the summer of 2008, the roman sandal or a multi-tie lace up over the foot and around the ankle is very popular.

Below I have quoted a foot doctor and his professional opinion on foot care and what kind of damage our beautiful shoes do to our feet. I read it and can agree to limit my heel and flop wearing time to a minimum, but let’s define…what’s minimum? If I am not in flip flops, I’m in heels, and only when running my daily 5K am I in sneakers.

"New York City podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong warns that flip flops and flats may do more harm than good! According to Dr. Zong, “instead of mimicking the movement of walking barefoot and allowing the foot to naturally roll from heel to toe, a soft-soled shoe actually creates more work for the muscles of the foot therefore tiring them out faster.”

During the summer Dr. Zong often sees patients with symptoms of heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or tendonitis of the various muscles of the foot. In fact, a new study published by Auburn University has found that flip flop wearers took shorter steps and their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when the same walkers wore athletic shoes. According to Dr. Zong, “a soft-soled shoe generally does not allow the foot to naturally roll from heel to toe since it generally has a softer midfoot – and the lack of support will generally cause more injury then good.”


The study also found that people wearing flip flops don’t raise their toes up as much as the legs swing forward to take a step. Dr Zong says that soft-soled shoes call for more gripping of the toes during the gait cycle, and it can cause overuse of the tendons and lead to injury. According to Dr. Zong, to remedy these problems, he recommends patients return to support shoes such as sneakers with a 1-2 inch heel to take the pressure off the plantar fascia (a ligament typically injured and causes heel pain). In the long run, Dr. Zong recommends limiting flip flop use to a few hours a day – the same prescription for women wearing high heels. "

So what’s a gal to wear? What other shoe choice is there really that is fashionable and lovely to look at? Shoes and handbags are my favorite accessory right next to the perfect lip gloss.

I believe, walk softly in the Lord and where a high heel, especially one with a platform. I’ll try to limit my wearing to a minimum…but until it’s boot weather, I think I’ll be barefoot.

Remember, when getting your pedicures to look over the facility for cleanliness, high hygiene practices and use of sanitizers. If you can bring your own personal pedi-tools for use on yourself by the nail technician, you have a better chance of staying fungus and infection free.
All salons have to post their health department inspection list, if there is anything less than an A, don’t use that salon. An “A” rating allows up to 16 infractions. Just think what below an A allows!

Be safe in your barefeet, your flip flops and high heels, just keep it to a minimum!


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