In the summer heat, flip flops may seem like the perfect choice as they allow your feet to breathe while you're out and about.  The downside is that flip flops often lack the arch support that your feet need.  Many aspects of this fashionable footwear may be messing with your body in ways that you hadn't thought of!

• The first issue is that the sole of the shoe is only held to your foot by a small piece of fabric between your toes. This means that your toes are constantly under stress trying to grip onto the shoe. This repetitive gripping can overwork the muscles in your feet and over time can lead to heel pain, arch pain, and shin pain!
• Another issue with the flimsy design of flip flops is that, as you walk, your bare skin is constantly rubbing against the plastic or leather straps. This repetitive chaffing can lead to painful blisters around your foot as the body tries to protect the deeper layers of skin. 
• Lastly, when you wear flip flops as opposed to a sturdier shoe you carry your foot differently. This completely changes the way that you walk! Wearing flip flops can cause you to take shorter strides as well as alter the way that your heel strikes the ground with each step.  Altering your natural walking pattern can put stress on your muscles and cause a chain reaction that may trigger pain and problems in your ankles, knees, hips, and back!

Some tips to combat the issues that arise from wearing flip flops are to look for a sandal with a heel strap or two thicker front straps to better support your foot. As well, looking for a sandal that has a thicker sole can help to cushion your steps more. 

As with most things in life, the key is moderation! Flip flops can be an option to throw on when lounging by the pool or at the beach, but if you know you will be doing a significant amount of walking, consider choosing a more supportive shoe.