Why I say a BIG NO to flip flops – healty feet series, part 1

Summer is here and it is likely that you will be wearing flip flops at some point.

They are easy to slip on, practical to wear and we can have a ton of different colours to go with different outfits.

However, if you wear them all day long, you will notice that your feet become tired and tense.

Flip flops, contrary to what you may think, are anything but relaxing for the feet.

That is because when you wear flip flops, your feet have to work extra hard to keep the shoes on your feet and your toes will be the part of the feet that will suffer the most.

As you walk, your toes are constantly gripping in order for the flip flop not to slide off your foot and the heavier (eg leather) the flip flop, the harder your toes will have to work.

This causes stress to the muscles and joints in your feet and you will feel it at the end of the day.
You may also feel tension or pain in your ankles, knees or even the pelvis and consequently the back and neck.

One thing that you may not realise is that if your feet aren’t comfortable and relaxed, it will affect your ankles, knees and pelvis. In other words, it affects the alignment of your skeleton and that is reflected in your posture.

Just think of the tripod effect (that’s your feet), if it isn’t flat and spread evenly it won’t secure your camera (that’s what’s above your feet).

So for me, it is a BIG NO to flip flops.

What I suggest to keep your feet safe and relaxed, is to wear sandals that support the feet i.e. with straps around the middle of the foot or the ankle. The straps keep the feet in place and relaxed.

Please do take good care of your feet. Their condition/health is reflected on the alignment of the body, and consequently on one’s posture.

Here is a short selection of my BIG NOs and BIG YESes:

BIG NO!!!