WIth the warm weather comes sandal season, but they may not always be the best choice for your feet. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when choosing flip flops for your next beach day. Whether you have foot pain, knee pain, or no pain, what we wear on our feet matters. Both flat feet and high arches need support.
We’ve provided a summary of a few good sandal options for you to consider:
BioPed’s Medical Footcare Clinicians are trained and equipped to treat warts but commonly find their clients mistake warts for corns. It is imperative to know what condition you have before initiating any treatment.
Mephisto
These sandals are comparable to the birkenstock but come in a wider strap variety and some models even have a removable footbed so you can use your custom orthotics all summer long. Orthopedically designed, Mephisto sandals have adjustable straps and built in arch support as well as moldable footbeds.
Power step
The Power Step flip flop is more akin to your typical flip flop footwear. With both slide and thong styles this is the most interchangeable style of orthopedic sandal. With built in arch support these flip flops do not have an adjustable strap, but they are stiffer than most flip flop straps and hold the foot more securely to the foot. They are not made of a moldable cork footbed, but rather, an EVA foam, making it wonderful for sand and surf. If the tried and true flip flop is your choice summer sandal, the Power Step is a fantastic orthopedic step up.
Biotime
Regularly stocked and an affordable option, the Biotime sandals come in a variety of styles, many with an adjustable strap and built-in orthopedic arch support. Ranging in options from cork bed to soft bed, and a few EVA foam options, these sandals are a great choice for all of your summer needs.
Birkenstock
These sandals are not classic flip flops, but rather strap sandals, often a slip-on, with a cork or soft footbed that mould to the feet with wear. The firm footbed offers support and is designed to support the medial longitudinal arch of the foot, as well as have a deeper heel cup for more control of a flexible foot and a metatarsal mound at the forefoot to offload the ball of the foot in the case it has dropped. The adjustable nature of the straps also ensures your foot is less likely to slip out, allowing for increased comfort and support.
The bad and the ugly for all foot types
If you are choosing non orthopedic sandals, but true flip flops here are some things to consider. The construction of the flip flop itself is problematic. The materials themselves are often not of the best quality. They do not have an adjustable enclosure. Flip flops themselves are not typically made as supportive footwear. They do not properly strap onto the foot; by nature they flip and flop, wither as a slide style with a single wide strap across the forefoot, or a thong style with a piece that fits between the hallux (the big toe) and the second toe with two straps making a V over the forefoot. These straps do not secure the shoe to the foot in a supportive way, often causing harmful mechanics that cause cramping and soreness. Flip flops cause the toes to grip, resulting in hammering of the lesser digits and hallux valgus of the big toes (a veering of the great toe towards the lesser toes) which is a precursor mechanic to developing bunions. Furthermore, flip flops are made of a softer foam that compresses with use, wears out quickly, and they do not offer any integral support to the foot. While they may feel nice for a day or two or a week while on vacation, choosing them as a staple in your summer footwear rotation not only perpetuates existing issues, but can also cause new ones.
Flat feet
The flat foot needs support and control to maintain the neutral arch of the foot that flattened out during weight bearing. This excessive movement of the foot is a common cause of plantar fasciitis – the overstretching and aggravation of the plantar fascia, a supportive structure that runs the length of the foot, is meant to support, not over stretch, and this causes pain and discomfort. Treatment for plantar fasciitis and flat feet in general, is support and control. Most flip flops available are made of a flat foam material that does little to correct the excessive movement of a flexible flat foot type, and once the cushion wears out it’s not better than walking directly on the pavement.
High arches
High arched feet often cramp and have muscle pain from maintaining an unsupported shape throughout the day. Flip flops widen that gap and offer zero support for the higher arch to rest on. The flatbed of the flip flop does nothing to offload the heel and the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads) which takes all the pressure during weight bearing because of an unsupported arch. This can lead to increased development of calluses and corns, a thickening of the skin which can become painful in areas of high pressure.
When it’s time to make the switch
Flip flops may offer style for your feet, and are easy to slip in and out of quickly. However, if your feet hurt, it’s time to switch to something more supportive.
To sum up, you’ll probably want to reserve flip-flops for taking out the trash, showering at the gym, or wading at the beach. For anything more strenuous, opt for a more supportive sandal.
