Flip-Floppers, Beware!

By Abby

After sporting high heeled pumps or strappy little stilettos, nothing feels more satisfying than slipping my aching feet into my trusty Reef flip flops. I practically live in flip flops during the summertime months, as do most of my friends.

Unfortunately, I recently learned that flip flops were never really meant to be worn as everyday shoes and are therefore causing young women more foot problems than ever. According to an article in USA Today, “the problem, foot doctors say, is that flip-flops offer little cushioning and no arch support, and they force their wearers into an unnatural, toe-gripping, foot-slapping gait.” Because of this, young women are getting foot pain that is usually associated with older, fatter women.

I don’t know about you, but I would like to keep as much of my youth intact as long as possible and try not to show signs of becoming a middle aged woman at the spry age of 22. Along those lines, something that grossed me out were the possible consequences of constant flip-flop wearing…

•Sore arches and heels, which can progress to chronic conditions, including inflamed Achilles tendons and plantar fasciitis, inflammation of the connective tissue between the heel bone and the toes.

•Heel calluses (from the pounding).

•Hammer toes (from the gripping).

•Irritation between the toes (from the toe thongs), which can lead to nasty fungal infections.

Um, gross. I think I will attempt to cut down on the day after day wear of flip flops in hopes of saving my pedicured tootsies from a dark future. Check out the USA Today article for more tips on how to take good care of your feet.