The Dos and Don’ts of Choosing the Right Flip-Flops

The temperature is rising, which means you’re ready to start wearing your favorite spring and summer footwear: Flip flops! While not the ideal footwear, most of us admittedly like wearing them because they are comfortable, easy to put on, and breathable.

Whether you are digging them out of the back of your closet or hitting the mall in search for a new pair, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) offered the following tips when it comes to making sure your flip-flops aren’t a literal flop:

• Do shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential for blisters and other types of irritation.
• Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind should never fold in half.
• Do ensure that your toes don’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop and your ankle rests comfortably on the sole.
• Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar warts and athlete’s foot.
• Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of severe wear, discard them.
• Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and possible infections. Instead, alternate your foot wear so your feet don’t become overly irritated.
• Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
• Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
• Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as well as sprains and breaks.

About the Author

Norman Scott Regal, DPM is a podiatrist with Triad Foot & Ankle Center