November 07, 2009
What's Inside:
Don't flip out
Traditional flip-flops aren’t great for your feet, but other options are available
Traditional flip-flops aren’t great for your feet, but other options are available
For most of us, summer has become synonymous with flip-flops and other flat footwear.
But any podiatrist will tell you these aren’t the healthiest choices when it comes to shoes. In fact, plantar fasciitis — the inflammation of a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that causes heel pain — has actually come to be called “flip-flop disease.”
“Flip-flops keep your feet from functioning biomechanically, as they’re designed to,” says Dr. B. Chad Shelley, a podiatrist with St. Joseph Foot Clinic. “Essentially, they’re not good for feet.”
Another common problem caused by flip-flops and other shoes that don’t offer arch support, he adds, is capsulitis — inflammation around the joints in the ball of the foot. Sometimes these problems can be corrected simply by switching to more supportive shoes, but “more often than not, they’re going to bring people into my office.”
Other issues can arise from unsupportive footwear, as well, due to the fact that flat shoes tend to overwork the middle of the foot. And in the case of flip-flops specifically, researchers from Auburn University in Alabama reported last summer that those wearing them take shorter steps — resulting in more strain on the body than if they were to wear supportive shoes — and also curl their toes to keep flip-flops on, which leads to a sort of shuffle and keeps certain foot muscles from functioning.
The bottom line, of course, is to wear supportive shoes if you’re going to be doing much walking. The good news for flip-flop lovers is that some, such as Birkenstocks and Crocs, do provide decent arch support.
“It’s becoming more easy to find them,” Tyler Schmidt, assistant manager at Famous Footwear in St. Joseph, says. “There are a lot that are still flat, but there are also those like Dr. Scholl’s that are good for people looking for comfort.”
Dr. Akilis Theoharidis, a podiatrist with Heartland Health, says he tends to take his children shopping for summer shoes at stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker. Although shoes at places like these generally aren’t inexpensive, he says the cost is worth it considering that shoe quality can affect not only feet but also a person’s legs, hips and back.
“Your feet are your base, and if they’re not supported, you’re going to have pain farther up,” he says. “People tend to not spend enough money on good, quality shoes. I tell them they should spend money on a good base and good support so they don’t have to spend money on doctor visits.”
Lifestyles reporter Erin Wisdom can be reached ewisdom@npgco.com.
This story has 9 comments. Click here to join in on the discussion.
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Comments that spread rumors or lies will be removed. Please discuss only what has been factually proven.....Does this rule apply to the reporter, the podiatrist and the paper as well??? As the president of Flip Flop Shops...www.flipflopshops.com I am blown away that the media continues to report this story (which by the way is stale) during the warm months of summer. I would encourage you all to click on our website and take a look at our story and our team. I think that you will see with the likes of executives from Nike, CNN and a few of the most well known franchise concepts out there today as our leadership team...you will know that I speak facts when I tell you that the majority of flip flops/sandals today in what is a $20 billion dollar industry DO NOT cause the foot issues/diseases that Dr. Akilis Theoharidis reports. Companies like Olukai, Sole, Reef, Sanuk and others have product that has good arch support, deep heel cups and proper side support as well...CROCS unequivicolly does not in any style that they carry today or in the past...but what do I know??? I am only the son of one of the top podiatrists in North America that may have taught the doctor mentioned above if he went to Scholl's School of Podiatry in Chicago. Now all this being said...the fact is that YES there are flip flops that are not good for your feet...they are the $2-$10 cheap rubber flops that you can purchase at drug stores and other retailers...however if you look at the industry and the hottest brands and latest styles, you will find that all of these brands have made great strides in putting out product that not only is not bad for your feet, but in some cases promotes proper foot mechanics and posture.
I like to wear my dress Wing Tips when at the beach,I find those and black socks compliment my bermuda shorts.
I have worn Flip Flops for years with no ill effects....well..except for that slight limp and that small hump in my back.
Maybe thepresident should re-read the title and take heed. Quit flipping out dude.
Hmmmm.....who to believe. A son of a podiatrist or an actual podiatrist? I think that I will go for the actual physician. Dr. Theo is an excellent doctor whom is very well educated and well liked among his peers and patients. Just because I am the child of a rocket scientist does not make me one as well. Like theshadow said.........quit flipping out.
Well put sassyone! I also know Dr. T and have nothing but respect for him and his partners. Everyone I have talked to that has been seen in that practice has wonderful things to say about him.
I just wish they had found someone who had a recent pedicure for the picture. Those are some nasty toes in need of a soak and a polish change. :)