From leaving your toes covered in blisters to putting you at risk behind the wheel, flip flops can do a lot more harm than good. As a self-professed flip flop skeptic, here are 10 reasons why you might want to steer clear of the classic summer shoe — including how flip flops can genuinely affect your health.
Flip flops, or “thongs” as they’re sometimes (comically) called, are the marmite of the shoe world — you either love them or loathe them. I’m firmly in the loathe camp. Every time I’ve worn a pair, I’ve spent the whole time with my toes curled awkwardly, trying to keep them on my feet. And that’s before we get to the other reasons to think twice about reaching for them this summer.
Flip Flops – Watch Out for the Trip Trap!
1. The Toe Strap
How annoying is it to have a piece of rubber wedged between your toes? It digs into the skin and can cause blisters — not exactly the summer look you want with your freshly done pedicure.
2. Flat Foot
There’s barely any support built into a flip flop. As the name suggests, they simply flop around on your foot, leaving your arches with no proper balance or support underneath them.
3. Oh, the Pain!
With no support to speak of, your heel hits the ground with full force every step — and that can lead to shooting pains up through your legs, knees and hips. The constant friction between the sole and your heel also builds up hard skin, which isn’t much fun either.
4. Trip Trap
When I wear flip flops, I spend the whole time distracted trying to keep them actually on my feet. Their loose, bendy structure makes them a genuine trip hazard — they’re just waiting to send you flying.
5. Bacteria and Bugs
When your feet are exposed to the elements all day, they can pick up all sorts of dirt and bacteria. Soft rubber soles are also a breeding ground for bacteria, especially once they get wet.
6. Around the Pool
You might think flip flops are the obvious choice for poolside wear, but wet rubber gets slippery fast. If you’re going to wear them, it’s safer to save them for the beach or the walk to the pool rather than the wet tiles around it.
7. Plantar Fasciitis
Flip flops encourage your feet to roll inward slightly as you walk, which throws off your natural step. Over time, this can inflame the tissue connecting your heel to your arch and toes — known as the plantar fascia, hence “plantar fasciitis.” It’s genuinely uncomfortable, and not something you want to deal with.
8. Poised for Accidents
Ever tried driving in flip flops? It’s worth avoiding. They have nothing to hold them in place on the pedals, and if you need to brake suddenly, things can go wrong fast. It’s worth checking your own car insurance policy’s terms, as some insurers do treat unsuitable footwear, including flip flops, as a driving hazard.
9. Snail’s Pace
Try running — or even walking briskly — in flip flops and see how far you get. You end up taking short, careful steps just to keep them on your feet, which makes any kind of quick pace pretty much impossible.
10. Perfect Toes
With your toes on show all summer, you’ll spend a fair amount of time touching up chipped nail polish. Then again, if your toes are busy curling to keep the shoes on, that might be the least of your worries.
Are you a flip flop fan, or do they drive you just as crazy? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are flip flops actually bad for your feet?
Yes, worn regularly they can be. Flip flops offer very little arch or heel support, which can contribute to foot pain, hard skin build-up, and conditions like plantar fasciitis over time.
Is it safe to drive in flip flops?
It’s best avoided. Flip flops can slip off the pedals or come loose at the wrong moment, and some car insurance policies treat unsuitable footwear as a driving hazard. Check your own policy’s terms if you’re unsure.
Are flip flops okay to wear around a swimming pool?
They’re best kept for dry ground. Wet rubber soles get slippery quickly, so flip flops are more of a beach shoe than a poolside one.
What’s a better alternative to flip flops for summer?
Sandals with an adjustable strap and some arch support are a much kinder option for your feet if you want something light and breathable for summer.
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