Call me reckless, but I just don't think that flip-flops are all that dangerous.
I can say this from experience. I've whiled away countless summer days in flip-flops, and have not suffered for it. I've worn them to get ice cream, take my pup for a stroll, window shop, ride a cruiser bike, to fetch margaritas from the pool bar, and out to dinner.
In fact, I wear them almost constantly from May through September. I've got three or four pairs in various colors to go with shorts, sundresses, jeans, and yoga [0] pants.
Some podiatrists, however, think I'm living on the edge. According to an article in USA Today [1], flip-flops are the culprit behind aching feet, among other woes for your toes.
Foot experts say that they're seeing a higher incidence of foot problems among teens and young adults, and they blame it on America's favorite summer shoe.
It seems that flip flops—meant only to be worn from the pool to the locker room—lack proper cushioning, arch support, and "force wearers into an unnatural, toe-gripping, foot-slapping gait." In fact, podiatrists blame flip-flops for a slew of problems, including:
- Chronic foot pain, including plantar fasciitis, inflammation of heel, toes, and/or Achilles tendon.
- Callused heels and hammer toes from all the pounding and gripping.
- Irritation between the toes, which can cause fungal infections.
- Higher incidence of stubbed toes, which can lead to grimacing, cursing, and hopping around like a goof.
Okay, maybe I'm not taking this seriously enough. (The first three warnings really came from a bonafide foot specialist.) The fact is podiatrists know a lot more about this issue than I do, and the article [2] also lists several practical shoe choices (bye-bye ballerina flats, adios high heels [2]).
That said, however, it did occur to me that millions—make that billions—of people in India, China, Egypt, Morrocco, and many other countries wear some version of flip-flops. I'm sure that more supportive footwear would benefit the rest of the world's feet as well. But I just can't manage to get all worked up about sandals unless a) they are totally adorable; or 2) I have to walk through the woods [2] in them.
I don't quite believe that they're a hazard (unless you get lost wearing them in a redwood forest [2], that is). So, for now, I'm joining the billions of others who walk on the wild side. Besides, I like how summery they make my feet look and feel.
I'm sure that one day I'll regret such a cavalier attitude. But for now, my feet thank me for it.