Slippers or flip-flops are often worn in the summer. They are possibly the oldest known form of shoes, which are still widely available in various models and price ranges. But they just aren't good for every activity. If worn for too long or for the wrong activity, they can cause a variety of problems. That shouldn't come as a big surprise when you consider that a flip-flop has two parts — a thin, flat sole and a thin, Y-shaped band with a string between the big and second toe — but each human foot contains 26 bones, 33 joints and about 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments.
The problems associated with over-wearing flip flops range from relatively minor ones – chafing, blisters, calluses, pain – to more serious conditions such as inflammation of the band of tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, hammertoes and stress cracks. /P>
Flip-flops also expose your feet, making them prone to cuts, punctures, bruises, cracked nails, insect bites and sunburn. Because walking in flip-flops can alter your natural stride, they can cause shin and Achilles tendon problems and lower back pain. It is also easy to stub a toe and fall when wearing them. But flip-flops can still be in your shoe collection.
They are fine for short term use, especially if they have some arch support and a good sole. They are good for wearing at the beach, around pools, in showers and locker rooms at the gym, or short trips to the store. On the other hand, they should not be worn constantly and are certainly not suitable for running, walking, walking long distances, standing for long periods of time, working in the garden or around the house or playing sports. They are also not good to drive as they can easily slip off the foot and get caught under the accelerator or brake pedal.
If you do want to wear them, here are some tips.
* Check your older pairs and discard those with severe wear.
* Look for flip-flops made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the chance of blisters and other irritations.
* Bend the flip-flop end to end so that it flexes on the ball of the foot. Shoes of any kind should never fold in the middle.
* Make sure your foot doesn't hang over the edge of the flip-flop. (All your shoes should be slightly longer and wider than your feet.)
