They come in all colors and styles. They can be dressy, casual, or sporty. And they’re so easy to just slip on as you walk out the door. Good old flip flops!

So despite their versatility, style, and ease, flip flops may be the cause of foot trouble for some. Since they have no back/strap or support around the ankle or heel, the smaller muscles of the feet must work very hard to keep them from falling off as you step (making it more difficult than walking bare foot). In addition, they offer little to no arch support, which translates to increased strain to the plantar fascia as well as muscles along the bottom of the foot. This is why wearing flip flops on a regular basis can contribute to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. In addition, they also aren’t particularly stable and can contribute to trips, twists, and falls, increasing the likelihood of ankle sprains or fractures.

Believe me, I love my flip flops for quick trips, lounging in the yard, and beach outings, but my feet get so sore as soon as I start to wear them in the summer. This is when I think about what I put on my feet. For any prolonged walking or standing, I try to select sandals or shoes that offer more support, contour, and cushioning. There are a lot of stylish, foot friendly choices out there now for summer footwear, including light weight, breathable sneakers that offer lots of arch support and heel stabilization. Shop around and be good to your feet…so you can enjoy every step of summer.