5 Facts About Flip Flops You Need to Know
Summertime is synonymous with shorts, tank tops, swimsuits and of course – flip flops! They come in every color and price range. I remember when Old Navy would advertise their $1 flip flop sale – I would get a pair in practically every color they had in my size…and then some.
5 Facts About Flip Flops You Need to Know
Unfortunately, and I hate to be the bearer of somewhat bad news, flip flops are not the optimal shoes to wear. Here’s why:
- No arch support: can cause over-pronation, which is when your ankles roll inward
- Bacteria-infested: especially the rubber ones (gross)
- Increased clumsiness…I can vouch for that!
- Heel pain: Think about when you walk in them. You hear the “smack, smack” against your heel. There is a lack of impact resistance AND you also can get cracked skin on your heels from being beat up so much!d
- Bunions: Yes, the terrible “B” word that I thought only came from pointed heels also can be attributed to flip flop wear! Noooooooooo….
Can’t totally shake NOT wearing flip flops in the summertime? Here are some things you can look for in a more-acceptable flip flop:
Soft leather
You need a material that is sturdy. Leather flip flops also have a tendency to mold to your feet, making for a more comfortable, sturdier fit. I love my Birkenstocks. Since I’ve purchased them (about a year ago), they have molded so nicely to my feet and the arch support really does make a difference. I can walk around in these just as much as sneakers and be just as comfortable.
Do the bend test
The flip flop should not bend in the middle (or if it does, it should be very little). If they bend, they are more than likely not sturdy enough.
Find a pair with arch support.
That little bump beneath your arch may make all the difference. My Birkenstocks fit the bill here, as mentioned above. There are a bunch of other brands that offer great arch support such as Fit Flops, The Walking Company, and Vionic.
Look for a flip flop with straps in the front and around the ankle.
The straps in the front and/or around your ankle will help to stabilize your foot a bit better.
Replace your flip flops more often to reduce possible infection.
Over time and repeated use, it is recommended that you replace your flip flops. Think about it – they are protecting your feet from the dirty ground and I don’t want to even think about what we are stepping on at times.
Try not to drive in them
Because flip flops don’t fit snugly on your foot, they could easily slip off and cause a dangerous situation. If they are especially “floppy”, they can slide under the brake pedal and hinder you braking well.
Have you found any flip flops that fit the bill? Please share the brands in the comment section!
I wear flip-flops all summer. It’s too hot to wear anything else here in the summer LOL. I actually never thought about the whole bacteria thing because I do have crocs which are of course all rubber. Now I need to go scrub them off LOL.
My ankles DO roll inward and now I know that it’s probably due to the fact that I live in flip flops.
Agree to all these things. It physically pains me to see people run in those floppy flip-flops.
I know…I cringe because I am so afraid that they will fall!
My ankles roll inward. I was born that way. Because of that, I don’t wear flip flops often. My favorite pair is by Teva. It’s got some support and passes the bend test.
I’ve always really disliked flip-flops and I think a big part of the reason was that I never really knew how to “choose” them. I figured they were all pretty much the same. Now that it’s hot and I can’t bend down well, flip-flops might be the way to go. I’ll keep these facts in mind for the next time I shop.
Glad these facts can help you out!
I am obsessed with flip flops and wear them well into the fall. 🙂 My favorite brands are Teva and Crocs.
Both have good arch support, right?
I live in NYC and the ground is not clean, I do not know why folks started wearing flip flops outside in NY!
And yes, remind folks not to drive with them!
Mitch, I agree! We were just in NYC – my favorite city in the world!
oh gosh I can not do cheap flip flops. Arch Support and Thick soles all the way! Great post!
I’m with you 100% Angela!
I have stopped wearing flip flops because I don’t think they are that fashionable and they don’t provide much support. Your article simply encouraged me to continue not wearing them.
Amanda, I am glad you agree! I wear my Birkenstocks a lot as I live in warm weather and usually am in casual attire. I love them because they have support and are fashionable 🙂
I swear my wife and daughter live in flip flops this time of year. My wife is very particular about which she wears.
That is good that your wife is particular about what she wears, William 🙂 Flip flops are a staple, I feel, of everyone’s wardrobe…I now buy ones with more support!
Ohh…I’m barefoot all day inside and in flip flops anytime I go out! Uh oh…now I’m scared!
I am barefoot all day too Lauren 🙂 Don’t worry about wearing flip flops, just maybe next time look for a pair that has a bit more support. 😉
I don’t wear flip flops as much as I use to but I still love them. I know when I have had them on for too long though – a lot of pain.
Exactly Bella 🙂 I also think that when I was younger and wore flip flops all the time, I was more resilient to the pain 😉
I had no idea, I wear flip flops often. Thanks for a list of facts, was an interesting read for sure!
You’re welcome Sarah! I love my flip flops, I just now have to think twice before opting for the super cute $3 pairs!
Well, this made me think twice about a $1 sale that I recently hit up. I don’t wear cheap flip flops often but when I do it is to places the like pool, the beach … things of that nature. I may need to rethink my strategy now. Epppp
Heather, I think it’s OK to wear them to the pool, beach, etc. as long as it isn’t for long periods of time. 🙂
Living in Miami, I wear flip flops about 90% of the time. They do hurt after a while, but I still love them!
Alexis, I’m with you – living in Florida, flip flops are a staple to my wardrobe as well.
Wow, I always knew they weren’t the best choice, but all those things, it’s a surprise my feet still work… I love in flip flops! Thank you for sharing!!
LOL, I am glad your feet still work! I love flip flops too…
I have bad ankles so I prefer flip flops with more support! 🙂 Great advice on not driving with them on. Safety first!
Thank you Nancy!
I’ve never actually thought about how flip flops should fit and if they can cause any discomfort to my feet! I spent my summers on the beach in Italy and I am always in flips flops! These tips are something for me to think about!
Summers on the beach in Italy?! That sounds amazing!
The only time that I wear the $1 flip flops has been for shower shoes. I love flip flops but I have to have some with some support. I tend to wear them all the time even in the winter if I can. 🙂
I used to wear them all the time and then I started researching about them and now only wear ones with arch support as well.
I got through flip flops like no bodies business! I guess I’m a little to hard on them, or maybe just don’t buy the right pair. I”m definitely going to use your good advice the next time I got shopping for some! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Susan, I am glad my advice can help! You’ll see the difference between a supportive flip flop and the others!
I live in flip flops almost year round, here in Texas it’s just too hot for anything else. However I do have a couple of really good pairs that help address all the things you mention.
I hear you! Hot weather calls for flip flops – glad to hear that you have some good pairs!!
Good points to think about when shopping for flip flops. It’s such a pain in the butt when you spend money on something like that and then it breaks!
I agree Angie. I’ve come to stop buying less expensive when it comes to footwear for that very reason. Either they end up too uncomfortable or they fall apart after the first few wears.