Why Is Wearing Flip-flops Dangerous?

Wearing flip-flops is not a bad choice when going to the beach or visiting the spa, but they shouldn’t be your primary footwear. While it may make you comfortable or look stylish on hot summer days, many people can suffer from foot pain from always wearing flip flops.
Below, we’re giving you a more detailed explanation of the real dangers of wearing flip-flops as your primary footwear, and some healthier alternatives.
Problems Caused by Wearing Flip-Flops

Change in Posture
Car Accidents
Body Pains
All of these can result in sharp pains up your body. A common condition caused by wearing flip-flops is plantar fasciitis. This form of foot pain occurs when the connective tissues between your toes and heel get inflamed and sore.
The discomfort is often concentrated on the bottom or inside of your heel. These connective tissues, collectively known as plantar fascia tissue, support your feet’s natural arch and becomes stiff when your foot carries weight more than it can bear.
Wearing flip-flops cause your feet and toes to work harder so the shoe stays on your foot, which can inflame the tissue. A common effect of plantar fasciitis is a heel spur, a bony protrusion at the underside of your heel bone, which is formed when foot ligaments and muscles are strained, and the plantar fascia tissue is stretched.
Aside from plantar fasciitis, flip-flops can also cause neuropathy, which can occur when you expose your feet to infections and injuries. Shoe thongs don’t offer any protection, so your feet are more prone to feeling numb and sharp burning or stabbing sensations, and swelling.
Damaged Toes

Hammertoe occurs when the knuckles on your toe bend permanently, which can cause pain and stiffness that may require surgery. Open-toed footwear like flip-flops also heightens your risk for stubbed toes, broken toes, and torn nail beds.
Exposure to Feet Infections
Another condition you can get from regularly wearing flip-flops is athlete’s foot, a contagious infection that you can get from showers and other public areas.
Blisters
The slim piece of rubber or fabric strap is the only thing that keeps your foot onto the shoe, and it can irritate the skin between your toes as well as the surface of your foot by causing severe tenderness and blistering. When you get blisters, and they start popping, your unprotected feet become vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Increased Risk of Injuries
Ruined Heels
Slower Movements

Aggravated Bunions
Best Alternatives to Flip-Flops
The best alternative to flip-flops is a sneaker that provides support and comfort, whether you’re walking or running. However, they’re not very comfortable to wear during the summer. On the few occasions that wearing flip-flops is unavoidable, choose one made of fabric or leather as they are often safer for your skin and cause less discomfort. The thicker material also offers a slight boost in support.
If you like open footwear with more provisions, your best option is a pair of good sandals. Sandals give you more support than flip-flops because they usually have ankle and surface straps.
Orthotic sandals are also excellent options if you’re after the light and airy feel of flip-flops, but long for support and a moldable footbed. Other options include boat shoes, espadrilles, and woven slip-ons.
If you’re looking for a better footwear solution, find a pair that has the following features:
- Additional straps
- The appropriate amount of bend
- Sufficient support
- The precise size
Your footwear should offer better arch, heel, and ankle support, as well as stiff soles and some level of friction. The soles should also not bend in half, nor should it be deteriorating. Also, make sure to choose the right size, so your feet don’t hang over the edge, or cause you to trip.
We Have What You Need
While flip-flops are most people’s go-to footwear during the summer, there are better alternatives that can provide your feet with proper support and comfort. See a wide range of protective summer footwear when you head over to Fritzy Feet’s website.
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