Are Flip Flops Really Bad For You?
Flip flops are the easy, comfortable slip-on shoe for lounging outside, casual errands or beach days. There is nothing better than to slip your feet into sandals after a long summer day in tennis or work shoes. Usually, the inexpensive price tag and cute design make them irresistible addons to the summer closet. Just like walking barefoot, classic flip flops do not provide any support or cushioning for your feet.
Wearing non-supportive flip flops is bad for you because they don’t have the structure or support your feet need. Without proper heel cushioning, support, or heel cupping, foot problems can start or worsen. Aside from aching heels, flip-flop wear can worsen other types of foot pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs or tendonitis. Ankle sprains and tripping are more common in flip flops than in other types of sandals because there is no foot support, and your foot has to work to hold the sandal in place.
Cheap flip flops can cause or exacerbate plantar fasciitis symptoms because proper support in the midsole is absent. Walking barefoot in the summer or in cheap flip flops allows your foot to remain flat, adding stress to the plantar fascia tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Plantar fasciitis is the number one cause of heel pain, and proper footwear can help alleviate those painful symptoms.
What Sandal Alternatives are There?
Peterson Shoes carries many styles of sandals that fill the easy slip-on characteristics of your favorite flips, while offering adequate support and the comfort you may have been missing. There are alternatives here for every summer sandal need from waterproof beach slip-on to a dressier dinner out with friends.
Birkenstock
After making footwear for nearly 250 years, Birkenstock knows how to take care of your feet. Each element of the anatomically shaped cork footbed provides maximum support and even weight distribution for proper posture. The deep heel cup cradles the heel while the raised toe bar and shape of the sandal allows the toes to move naturally to promote balance & foot alignment. Natural materials of this stylish sandal such as jute and suede wick away moisture, keeping your feet comfortable and dry.
Halflinger
Haflinger comes through for your summer style with this flip flop styled with wide leather straps and side buckle detail. The Cora’s contoured cork and latex footbed provide excellent arch support for all day comfort. Added slip resistance from durable rubber outsole. Leather lining to wick moisture and keep your feet dry & comfortable. If you love Haflinger clogs,(link to haflinger blog here) you will love their sandals. Shown here in Aqua.
Fitflop
The Fitflop, engineered by two pioneering British biomechanists, is the ultimate comfortable sandal. Foot-hugging wide straps with a fabric toe post allow less rubbing for fewer blisters. All Fitflops feature super cushioned triple-density Microwobbleboard™ technology for shock absorption, heel support, and diffusing underfoot pressure. The outsole is slip resistant, making these perfect for the poolside. Available in multiple colors.
HOKA Recovery Slide
This sunny recovery sandal from HOKA recreates the flipflop with an oversized midsole and Meta-Rocker geometry for a more anatomically friendly fit, added stability and smoother transitions. The Ora sandal is an ultra-light weight slide with wide strategic grooves in the footbed offering additional traction. Built for all day active wear and comfortable enough to be your favorite go-to lounger. Available in passionfruit & black. Also check out the Ora Luxe slide.
OOFOS
OOFOS recovery sandal, made with proprietary OOfoam™ technology, absorbs 37% more impact than traditional foam footwear giving you added cushion and stability. The curved footbed and midsole design cradles the heel and reduces stress on knees, ankles and other joints. The closed-cell foam is machine washable and designed to minimize odor. As an added bonus they float. Also available in a slide version.
MEPHISTO
MEPHISTO is one of the most recognized and awarded comfort footwear brands. The permanently elastic SOFT-AIR midsole, present in every sandal, reduces shock from walking, offering protection to your back, vertebrae, and joints. A built-in climate system adapts the footbed to the shape of your foot with wear, contouring to your needs. MEPHISTO uses only chemical free leathers that do not contain materials hazardous to your health.
Taos
This elevated style by Taos provides proper arch and toe support without sacrificing style. A new take on the classic slip-on featuring a full leather foot strap and toe bar. The full rubber outsole provides flexibility, durability and extra cushioning in the forefoot for added comfort. Also features an antimicrobial shield for healthy feet.
Vionic
Vionic again delivers in the Tide Aloe sandal. This new addition supports arches and cups your foot like an orthopedic sneaker, reducing heel pain with built in orthotics. Not just a cute flip flop alternative, this sandal received the APMA seal of acceptance and is a good option for plantar fasciitis sufferers. A lightweight supportive, summer ready sandal. Available in several colors.
Spenco Yumi Monet
Summer forward fashion in soft pinks and beachy stripes are the perfect sandal for everyday wear. Full orthopedic support from heel to toe, backed by the APMA Seal of Acceptance awarded to footwear that demonstrates exceptional comfort and a commitment to foot health and safety. Antimicrobial Total Support® EVA footbed controls odor, plus full metatarsal support and a deep heel bed. True to Spenco brand, the footbed contours with each step for personalized comfort.
Strive Capri II
The Capri II is Strive’s best seller featuring honey soft leather styling and exceptional comfort and support. Built in arch support with memory foam Biomechanical Footbed Technology™ and cushioned microfiber lining bring the comfort for all day wear. Toe-loop design is modern, protecting feet and disguising bunions. Elastic gussets ensure a secure fit, shown here in honey. Also sold in black, anthracite & teal.
Dankso Reece
The Dansko Reece is a fashion forward sandal that doesn’t skimp on comfort. The Reece has a molded memory footbed featuring a toe loop design and breathable leather uppers and linings, for all day wear. Classic Dansko design with cork midsole and rubber outsole. Shown here in stone.
Are you ready to ditch your old $5 flip flops yet? Shop now below or stop in to Peterson Shoes for great alternatives to the summer classic.
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Peterson Shoes is a family-owned shoe store and shoe repair shop serving the Andover, Anoka, Brooklyn Park, Coon Rapids and Minneapolis areas. We specialize in orthotic shoe inserts, shoes for plantar fasciitis and shoes for tendinitis. Come check out our selection of Women’s shoes, apparel and accessories, and Men’s shoes at 209 E. Main Street, Anoka, MN. Or shop our selection online now.