By this point in the summer, you and your children are probably living in flip-flops and loving your foot freedom. But while some relaxation is positive, there’s such a thing as too little structure — not only in how you spend your time, but in what you put on your feet.
Prompted by the enormous popularity of flip-flops, the American College of Sports Medicine decided to examine the limitations of this flimsy footwear. It found that, while flip-flops certainly have their place in our wardrobes, they do have their limitations.
“This study began with the observation that most people appear to be wearing them beyond their structural limit,” said Justin Shroyer, lead author on the study. Not only that, but wearing flip-flops appears to change the way we walk. That’s right, your child’s annoying shuffle while wearing flip-flops is not in your imagination.
The bottom line: flip-flops may hurt the wearer’s feet and legs.
Researchers analyzed the gait of flip-flop wearers compared to their gait while wearing sneakers. They assessed the angles at which both types of footwear impact the floor and the force of contact during walking. They found a statistically significant decrease in the vertical (straight-down) force in flip-flop wearers. This decreased force may explain why people who wear flip-flops alter their normal gait — in some cases causing lower leg pain.
“Flip-flops are not designed for prolonged use or for walking long distances,” Shroyer said when the study was released. “They lack the support that a walking or running shoe provides. Flip-flops should only be worn casually and for shorter periods of time. They should not be a primary footwear choice.”
With summer nearing its end, there’s little chance of that. Most schools don’t allow flip-flops. But it certainly is something to think about on those lazy days at home.
If your kids are the kind who rebel against the constraints of civilization, don’t despair. A separate study by the American College of Sports Medicine found that going shoeless may be the best solution.
“Walking barefoot has its advantages, such as giving the intrinsic muscles of the foot more work and therefore making them stronger,” said Wendy Miletello, PhD, who was involved in the study. “Stronger feet mean more stability for the entire body.”
