Dangerous Flip-Flops

AUBURN, Ala. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- They might be the unofficial footwear of summer. Millions of pairs of flip-flops are sold every year, and chances are you have at least one pair in your closet; but could your flip-flops be changing the way you walk?

"I think there's an attitude that goes with them," one avid flip-flop wearer told Ivanhoe. "Yes, they feel like summer. They're very comfortable to wear."

But could flip-flops be a bad thing? Auburn University researchers placed reflective balls on key points of people's legs, then videotaped them and measured vertical force and stride. They found flip-flops significantly changed how people walked.

"All the variables that we looked at, there were several that were different between when people walked in flip-flops and when they walked in tennis shoes," Justin Shroyer, a sports medicine researcher at Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., told Ivanhoe.

Computer analysis found flip-flop wearers took shorter steps, their heels hit the ground with less force, and they didn't bring their toes up as much. The same toe grip action that keeps flip-flops from falling off may not be so good for you.

"What we found is you do change the way you walk, so if you do have lower leg problems, if you do have foot problems, pain, and you wear flip-flops a lot, then maybe reconsider wearing them all the time" Shroyer said.

If you can't bear to give up the shoes for good, choose flip-flops with arch and heel support. Only wear them for short amounts of time. Don't wear them if you have to walk far, and when they start to wear out, throw them out.

"Once you blow that flip-flop out, don't break out the duct tape and try to fix them," Shroyer said. "Get a new pair."

The average American takes between 10 thousand and 20 thousand steps each day, so small changes in one's gait can add up to serious injury. Researchers say sandals with heel straps are a healthier choice because your foot doesn't need to clench to keep the footwear secure. These types of shoes usually offer better arch and heel support as well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Auburn University
Auburn, AL
http://education.auburn.edu/news/2008/june/flipflop.html

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If this story or any other Ivanhoe story has impacted your life or prompted you or someone you know to seek or change treatments, please let us know by contacting Lindsay Braun at lbraun@ivanhoe.com.