Flip-Flops Are Bad, I’m Devastated

June 24, 2008

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The only shoes I like are flip-flops. However you put the two words together, flip-flops, flipflops or flip flops? So I was devastated to read everywhere in the media that they are bad for your feet and legs.

I wear flip-flops as much of the year as I can. I have probably two dozen pairs. I only have ones with good thick soles, so I thought I was ok with plenty of cushioning. I guess not.

In case you have been on vacation and not read about it, research shows that the problem is too great an angle between the foot and leg, i.e. too great an ankle angle, and a shorter stride length that is the problem.

I have stopped wearing them for walking the dog (up to five miles) but still wear them to work. I work in a research lab, and there is definitely no dress code. We range from heels and formal office style attire, to what to look like pajamas, and everything in between.

Recently from a discount store I bought some flip-flop style Earth sandals. These are the sandals with the negative heel. The heel is slightly lower than the toes and is meant to be good for your legs and posture. I wonder, does the negative heel which creates a narrower foot angle compensate for the flip-flop too great ankle angle?

There are some things I will not give up. Flip-flops are one of those things. Perhaps I can take comfort that ballet flats, which I find awkward to walk in, were said to be even worse for your feet.

photo credit: Abbie Treis