Tips For Picking Out Flip-Flops

If you don't have a pair yourself, you know someone who does: Flip-flops that are so dirty they have the footprint permanently on the insole, edges gnawed away like a dog attacked them, and arch support gone or nonexistent.

We hate to break it to you, but it's time to throw those flip-flops away! Not only are they dirty, but they're past the point where they could even support your foot. Here are some tips on picking out a new pair that will last:

• Look for flip-flops that have earned the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates the APMA considers the shoe to be one that promotes good health. Flop-flops made by Orthaheel are ones that have earned the Seal. 
• Your flip-flop should only bend at the ball of the foot, never at the heel. An ideal flip-flop should have arch support built-in to the shoe. Flip-flops that are flat like pancakes provide no support- you might as well be walking around barefoot!
• Purchase flip-flops made of high quality soft leather for the thong and a sturdy, comfortable base. Flip-flops made of plastic materials are going to give you blisters and dry, callused heels.
• Buy flip-flops in the correct size- your heels or toes should never hang off the edge.
• Toss last year's flip-flops if they are showing signs of wear. 
• Remember: the average flip-flop, even the most supportive, is truly only meant for short walking distances, the beach, and the pool. So don't plan on wearing flip-flops during your vacation, when you are going to be doing a lot of walking, hiking, or bicycling. 

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain from flip-flops, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.
Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
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Shoe of the Month: Flip-Flops

Ok, ok, we're not being hypocrites, we promise! Certain, select flip-flops can be worn, but you need to be a choosy consumer when it comes to flip-flops.
Even the most intuitive shopper and shoe addict may have trouble decided between the countless flip-flop color and style choices. Select a pair that has some support and is unable to bend in half to minimize foot pain often caused by poor-fitting straps, so choose a style made of natural materials, such as soft leather, and make sure the foot doesn't hang off the edge. Heel pain sufferers should stay away from flip-flops.

Connecticut Foot Care Centers

Podiatrists in CT

Visit our website, friend and like our page in Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

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What's Wrong With Flip Flops?

We know you are very happy to put away those heavy winter boots and closed toe shoes and let your feet be free. However, running out and restocking your favorite cheap pair of flip flops in every color is not something we would advise. Wearing well structured flip flops is not bad for you, but prolonged wear can be harmful. Research done by Justin Shroyer, PhD of University of Louisiana-Lafayette has shown that wearing flip flops changes a person's gait or walking pattern. As they walk, flip flop wearers try to grip and hold flip flops in place. Over time, this maneuver causes strain in the shin muscles and can lead to pain in the lower leg, knees, hip, and back. Following these easy tips can help you make better decisions about when and when not to wear flip flops.
1. Know your feet.
Remember when you were young and your mother may have asked you "If your friends asked you to jump off a bridge, would you do it too?" Well, just because everyone else is wearing flip flops does not mean you should too (or can). If you have high or flat arched feet, wearing flip flops is risky. The same goes for people with diabetes, as the open structure of flip flops provides the opportunity for more cuts, scrapes, and contusions.
2. Invest in quality.
We know it's tempting to run to your favorite department store and buy those cheap flip flops in every color, but they provide absolutely no support for your foot. You might as well be walking barefoot. We recommend wearing these type of flip flops only to the beach and instead looking for ones with more structure, support, and wider straps for prolonged use. You should look for ones that cup your heel and have arch support. For a list of American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance flip flops, visit: apma.org.
3. Limit flip flop use to just a few hours. 
Even if you are wearing top of the line, best quality flip flops know those shoes are not meant or designed for all day, every day use. Flip flops should not be your primary shoe in the warmer months.
The APMA produced a great video last summer on avoiding a flip flop fiasco:

Connecticut Foot Care Centers
Podiatrists in CT
Visit our website, friend and like our page on Facebook, and follow our tweets on Twitter. 

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