Why you should skip the flip-flops this summer

With summer in full-swing, flip-flops can be found on the feet of everyone from toddlers to the elderly. Although these shoes are, no doubt, convenient, could they actually be doing harm to your body?

Flip-flops can cause pain in your legs, hips, shins and back. So yes, they’re doing harm to your body.

Cosmopolitan magazine created a list of 10 reasons why you shouldn’t wear flip-flops and includes everything from potential fungal infections to toxic materials in the flip-flops themselves.

In fact, Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems.

Unlike sturdy shoes, flip-flops aren’t good for extensive walking because they offer no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Wearers can suffer foot pain due to lack of arch support, tendinitis, and even sprained ankles if they trip.

Foot doctors caution that if you plan on wearing flip-flops, shop for brands that offer arch support, and don’t wear them for long periods of time.

If you develop unexplained pain in other parts of your body, like your back, always consider your feet as a possible source. Wearing shoes with little to no arch support can cause overuse of tendons and muscles not only in your feet, but also in hips, ankles, knees, and back.