Photo credit: 123RF / Bonita Cheshier
Summer is almost here. How do we know? While besides the temperatures getting warmer, everyone seems to be breaking out their flip-flips. But flip-flops can mess up your feet – as well as other parts of your body.
Case in point: Last month, Brad Pitt appeared at an Autism Speaks benefit in Hollywood with a nasty bruise under his left eye. When asked how he was injured, Pitt told People, “This is what happens when you try to run up steps in the dark, with your arms full, wearing flip flops. Turns out if you then try to stop your forward momentum with your face, the result is a road rash.” Ouch!!
At the WalkEZStore, we’re not surprised when someone injures themselves while wearing this flimsy footwear. Originally introduced in the 1950s and ‘60s, flip-flops were primarily worn on the beach and at the pool. But as the years have gone by, people are wearing flip-flops everywhere – to their prom or wedding, to work, on the red carpet – and even to meet the President.
But flip-flops really weren’t made to be worn everywhere. Here are a few times when wearing flip-flops is a bad idea, according to Health.com:
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Photo credit: 123RF / everst
Hiking or running. The thin, flimsy rubber or leather soles on flip-flops don’t offer much protection when walking over rocks or other rough surfaces. And their design forces you to walk differently which can lead to toe, foot, ankle, knee, hip, and back problems down the road. Also, flip-flops can increase your risk of tripping since you’re more likely to take shorter strides while wearing them. And the single strap across the toes doesn’t really help to keep flip-flops securely on your feet – which can be down-right dangerous if one of them were to slip off while you’re hiking on a steep trail. Plus, flip-flops don’t offer much protection against harmful UV rays that can cause skin cancer.
- Standing for long time periods. The thin soles of flip-flops provide no support or cushioning when you’re on your feet for a while – especially on hard surfaces like cement. This can lead to problems like plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, fallen arches and heel spurs.
- Driving. Since flip-flops can easily slip off your feet, they could become lodged under the brake or gas pedal, causing you to have an accident.
- Doing yardwork. Flip-flops expose your feet too much. No one wants to lose a toe or two to a lawn mower or weed whacker.
- Cooking. Hot liquids or food, like boiling water or popping grease, and sharp utensils dropped on your uncovered foot could lead to serious injuries.
The above are just some of the times when you shouldn’t wear flip-flops. In any of these situations, it’s best to wear sturdy shoes that cover your feet for protection and have a cushioned sole that provides good arch support.
If you can’t give up your flip-flops for the summer, always use good judgment when it comes to wearing flip-flops. Make sure you choose the appropriate footwear for the situation, given any potential danger.
Wear ezWalker® Custom Orthotics for Proper Foot Support
Flip-flops offer your feet no support. But ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics provide your arches with all the support they need for your foot’s specific structure. By using a unique biomechanical non-weight-bearing casting method, our custom orthotics control the hind foot and allow the proper function of your first metatarsal joint – creating a better step with every step you take.
If you can’t give up your flip-flops for the summer, wear them with our ezWalker® Custom Orthotics. Just adhere our orthotics to your flip-flips with a piece of Velcro®. For more information on ezWalker® Performance Custom Orthotics, visit the WalkEZStore.com. Or, visit our shop to purchase your pair of ezWalker® Custom Orthotics.
Because … when your feet feel good, you feel good.®
