Apr
7
Written by:
Cherri Choate, DPM
4/7/2010
Since I live in California, I fight the flip flop battle nearly every day of the year. I discourage the use of flip flops for a variety of reasons, but most importantly because they are unstable and cause numerous foot complaints. I found some interesting reading on flip flops, inlcuding a letter written in 1967 by a British phsyician regarding some issues with the growing fashion trend of flip flops.
The use of flip flops as the shoe of chioce on a daily basis can lead to variety of issues including, puncture wounds, sprains, toe injuries, tendonitis, escalator/elevator injuries, callus formation, etc. Unfortunately, regardless of research and my opinion, millions of people world wide continue to use flip flops as an essential element of their wardrobe.
So the question is: Are there actually any flip flops that are better for the foot than the typical version of this sandal? If a sandal has no cover for the top of the foot then injuries will continue to be a problem, independent of the design of the straps. But one area of improvement may be the foot bed and the sole material. A flip flop that is designed with a thicker, firmer contoured foot bed may offer the benefits of foot protection and stability. There are a few brands of flip flops that may offer some advanced features including a countouredfoot bed, heel cup, firmer/thicker sole material, increased arch height and adjustable straps. Here are a few brands to evaluate: Chaco, Orthaheel, Birkenstock, FitFlop, Keen and Merrill.
Please do not see my research as advocacy, but I am realistic. Flip flops are here to stay, so at least we may have some options to offer our patients, friends and family as we enter high season for sandal use.
If you have any experience with with flip flops, take a moment to write a blog so we can all increase our knowledge.
Tags: