Flip-flops used to be seen only on the beach, or the locker room, but in the last few years they seem to have become the footwear of choice for all people. I love my flippies, and probably own more than 10 pairs of different colors and types of them. It is so comfortable,and easy to walk in them. However, my mom has been complaining alot about me wearing flip flops. She thinks it looks inappropriate in certain places, and told me that wearing flip-flops is a harm to my feet.

I didn’t believe her until I read an article on the recent study that flip flop is truly bad for feet. According to the latest report, flip flops are completely flat with no bounce or give to them and often wobble about as we walk. In the long-term it is harmful to your backs, legs, ankel, feet and for appeareance wise, it may give you bad looking rashes!

We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back.

The researchers at Auburn University in Alabama has found out in their study from 39 college-age men and women who walked in flip-flops and athletic shoes while the researchers measured vertical force as the walkers feet hit the ground. They recorded stride length and limb angles. They found out that flip-flop wearers took shorter steps and their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when the same walkers wore athletic shoes. People wearing flip-flops also don’t bring their toes up as much as the leg swings forward.  People tend to grip flip-flops with their toes, which results in a larger angle to the ankle and a shorter stride length.

No, don’t give up your flip-flops yet. If you do wish to continue wearing your floppies, here are the Do’s and Don’t that you should follow:

Do

• Find “high-quality” flip-flops that is made of soft leather (reduces blisters)
• Seek flip-flops that have the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance.
• Gently bend the flip-flop from end to end. It should bend naturally at the ball of the foot. Shoes should not fold in half.

Don’t

• Wear flip-flops for long duration.
• Wear the flop-flops you wore last year.
• Ignore the irritation where the flip-flops thongs fits between your toe.
• Wear for a long walk or any sports.