Some other foot experts found the results suspect. “Why would something that doesn’t give you support and cushioning be good for the knees?” Huntington Hospital’s Dr. Joseph Ferrante asked ABC7 news, in Los Angeles, after the study’s release. “If you’re walking barefoot on a hard surface and you do that for a prolonged period of time, you would think that would be more painful for the knee.” Even the researchers pointed out that knee loading is but one of many factors people should consider before wearing flip-flops. For example, if steady walking is already hard for you, wearing unstable shoes like flip-flops could make you fall, which causes more than just knee problems.
What the Experts Recommend
Flip-flops become problematic when we wear them all day, every day; they’re just not designed to give us the kind of foot support we need for extended use, especially in combination with flat feet or high arches. If you wear them only occasionally and have trouble-free feet, you probably don’t have to worry about these issues. But if you want to play it safe, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) actually has a list of rules flip-flop wearers should follow to avoid foot, ankle, and hip problems down the line.
- Choose flip-flops made from high-quality leather, preferably those with the APMA’s Seal of Acceptance. Recommended brands include Dansko, Chaco, and FitFlop.
- When testing out different brands, make sure the sole bends in the middle of the flip-flop, instead of where the balls of your feet rest.
- Wear flip-flops at the beach, around the pool, and for short distances when your feet need a rest from heels, gym shoes, and so forth. Don’t wear them when playing sports, doing work around the yard (especially if you’re operating a lawn mower), or anything else that requires a lot of walking.
- Replace old, worn-out pairs of flip-flops with new ones about every year or so, depending on frequency of use.
As much as I love the warm sun on my feet and showing off my pretty, painted toenails in the summertime, I like being able to walk without pain even more. I’ll still pack flip-flops in my beach bag or throw them on when I’m taking a quick trip to the market, but for the future health of my hips and ankles, no more wearing them for hours on end. Or maybe I’ll trade in my signature Rainbows for a new, cute pair of sandals with ankle straps this season; I welcome any excuse to buy something new and fun for myself, and if it benefits my physical health in the process, all the better.
