Flip-flops have long been the go-to choice for keeping feet cool and comfortable during scorching summer days. Now, they’ve received a stylish upgrade, but questions about their impact on foot health remain. Are these breezy staples secretly harming your feet, or can you wear them without worry?
The Flip-Flop Debate: Are They Really Bad for Your Feet?
Fashion expert and trend forecaster Angela Baidoo notes that the most fashionable way to wear flip-flops this season is with a kitten heel. “It’s not a high heel and it’s really kind of easy to just slip in and slip out of,” she explains. However, heel or no heel, flip-flops have earned a reputation for lacking support and potentially causing foot problems. Is that criticism justified?
Podiatrist Dr. Helen Branthwaite, chief clinical adviser at the Royal College of Podiatry, says it’s “not accurate” to label all flip-flops as bad. The real issue arises when you suddenly switch from wearing highly structured shoes to flip-flops for extended periods. This transition places extra strain on your feet, making them more susceptible to injury.
“The foot does start to change shape and tends to splay a little bit over time,” Branthwaite warns. She offers a vivid analogy: “A good analogy is if you were to wear a corset all the time and then took the corset off, everything would sort of all hang out, so to speak.”
So, what are the stylish yet comfortable alternatives that keep your feet happy all summer long?
How to Choose Healthy Sandals
Baidoo suggests opting for more supportive flip-flop styles, such as those from FitFlop, which feature sturdier, contoured soles. These are a far cry from the flat, thin foam flip-flops that offer virtually no support.
Trendy Options That Prioritize Comfort
For younger generations, sliders are out, and Crocs are in. Though often considered “anti-fashion,” they are designed orthopaedically and are “really comfy,” according to Baidoo. Footbed sandals like Birkenstocks offer similar benefits, combining style with arch support.
The wooden clog is also making a comeback, favored by professionals like doctors and chefs who spend long hours on their feet. Scholl slider mules, the original orthopaedic shoe, are another option. Baidoo admits she once owned a pair in pink suede.
Wedges can be a great choice in hot weather, especially for those seeking extra support. “When I speak to some of my friends and some of my clients who work in the plus-size category, the wedge actually provides a form of comfortable footwear. And it provides a nice kind of silhouette for the ankle. You’ve got the support all the way through the shoe,” she shares.
Classic and Modern Alternatives
If you’re looking for something different, consider fisherman-style sandals, reminiscent of a 1970s history teacher—socks optional. “Men can wear it as an alternative to a loafer. It’s not as casual as a flip-flop, which might not be suitable for certain environments. It’s a really cool kind of style to adopt for women too,” Baidoo says.
What about the trend for minimalist barefoot shoes? Branthwaite emphasizes the importance of easing into them gradually. “Don’t buy a pair and then decide to go on a 5-mile hike,” she advises. Start with short periods to let your feet adapt.
Expert Tips for Happy Feet
Dr. Helen Branthwaite shares her top tips for maintaining foot health during sandal season:
- Pay close attention to the sole of the shoe and what it’s made from, because that will influence how your foot moves and how you walk.
- If you can bend your flip-flops in two, ask yourself if you’re strong enough to take on the extra load your normal shoe would support.
- Don’t forget to check the condition of your feet—the skin can dry out quickly in open footwear like flip-flops. You might not notice until your heel gets firmer and your toenails start to look fragile.
- Lather your feet in emollient, a moisturising water retention cream containing urea to hydrate the skin, every day.
- Your feet change constantly throughout your life, so get them measured regularly. Just because you start out being a size 6, doesn’t mean you’ll remain a size 6.
By choosing the right sandals and caring for your feet, you can enjoy the summer without sacrificing comfort or health.
