Why do people say flip-flops are bad for your feet?

Question

I know someone's going to say "no arch support"...

But you don't have any arch support when you go barefoot, right? And weren't our feet designed to go bare? The only reason why we don't go barefoot outdoors is because we don't want our feet to get pierced, scraped, or infected. And aren't flip-flops are the closest that shoes can get to bare feet?

Me, I wear flip-flops outdoors and go barefoot indoors everyday in the summer vacation. My feet are fine. My aunts keep talking about arch support... but were feet arches really designed so that they HAD to be propped up continuously? I don't think so.

Oh, I CAN run in flip-flops :)

Answer 1

The key is that flipflops don't have arch support, but they DO have support for the toes and heels (because they're flat). Going barefoot, your foot was designed for dirt, which except in the driest environments has some give to it. That give allows your heels and toes to sink a little bit, while your arch comes in contact with the ground. Look at footprints on a beach - see how they're deepest at the toes and heels? That's precisely what flipflops prevent.

EDIT: You can get thong sandals with arch support. Every shoe store has them, and they're the in thing now, it seems.

Answer 2

Your feet don't require arch support 24-7 everyday of your life, however they do require it at least 1/2 - 3/4 of the time. When you're young (under 21 let's say) this is no biggie to you, but when you get older you will notice your feet start to feel strained and hurt! You can wear flip-flops, however when you're not at the beach or just hanging out, try to wear shoes, sneakers (tennis shoes) with an arch support. If you want, Birkenstock are a great way to go, and they offer nice styles now and have sandals that are really nice. Expensive, but they are excellent for your feet. You need your feet!

Answer 3

''Flip-flops are close to horrible for the feet,'' Dr. Smith said. ''They are totally flat, soft and squishy, and offer no support and no protection,'' not to mention their penchant for causing accidents by catching on things or inviting being stepped on.

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Flip-flops are the thing to wear in the summer months. However, there is a debate currently on-goin about whether they can be bad for you.

In some people, they can accentuate foot problems because of their flat design. People most likely to be affected are those with restricted ankle movement due to tight calf muscles, a condition to walk with a heel raise, the absence of which will cause them to rotate their heel which can place excessive stretch on the structures under the foot. This can then give rise to microtears in the soft tissue under the foot and cause conditions such as plantar Fasciitis. Generally people prone to this type of problem will feel a tight pull either at the back of their calf’s or under the foot when wearing flip-flops.

Another area of concern is the increased risk of accidents due to flip-flops slipping under the feet. Although it may be possible to fall as a consequence of wearing flip-flops, it is possible to in certain circumstance (for example when driving), that movement of the flip-flop under the foot could have more serious consequences. Imagine what could happen if the flip-flop became entangled with the pedal of your car when driving.

The message from the Society of the Chiropodists is to enjoy the summer, wear your flip-flops and try a sandal with a slight heal and good support. But don't forget your sun-cream. Your feet can burn too.

Answer 4

I don't know about this arch support nonsense but I find that wearing flip flops (I pretty much never wear real shoes) makes me have to do more to prevent cracking in my heels. I'm not sure exactly why but something about exposure to the air makes foot lotion and a good file a necessity for those of us who wear flip flops all day.

Answer 5

I think you kinda of answered you own question here. I always thought of flip flops as pool side shoes, to keep the feet from burning on the pavement or getting infected etc. I know there really popular today, although I don't own many pairs some are very attractive.

Answer 6

Studies show that if you wear sandals or flip-flops they do not support you upper and lower back.

Therefore giving it stress and then you need a massage.

Actually, a massage does not sound that bad, bring on the sandals!!!

Answer 7

It's called 'go buy good shoes.' Flip flops are SO bad--you're better off to go bare foot.

Answer 8

its just the arch thing. you're supposed to have arch naturally, but when some people stand, they dont support their feet enough. for those people, flip flops dont help.

Answer 9

Well whatever it is, my foot hurt because of it...i have worn nothing but flip flops all summer and the bottom of my left foot directly lower then one of my toes hurts like heck.

Answer 10

I don't know how bad they are for your feet, but you sure can't run in them. Also, they make a lot of noise when you're in the library.