If shoes could nab health awards, let's just say flip flops would definitely not win. “Flip flops do not offer any type of support for the foot or ankle and are not designed for daily wear,” says Meredith Leigh Ward, a podiatrist at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, Connecticut. Buuuuut we still throw ‘em on more often than not come pedi weather, right?
Here’s the problem: Flimsy footwear can strain the muscles and tendons in your feet, pull on your toes, and leave you up close and personal with bacteria on every surface you step on. (Lovely.) Worse, those are only some of the setbacks linked to your summer shoes. Here are all the consequences of your flip flop habit:
1. Flip Flops = Bacteria Central
It’s no surprise that floors are super-dirty. “Pseudomonas is a water-loving bacteria which can cause infections in and around pools,” says Ward. Even nastier: “Staph infections are common skin infections, and staph bacteria can live on the material of the flip flops.” Some flip flops are worse offenders than others. Rubber and plastic, in particular, tend to be bacteria magnets, says Ward. Where things get murky: If a bacteria-laden shoe causes a blister, bacteria can sneak in, putting you at risk for cellulitis (a bacterial skin infection) or other problems, which could require medical attention, says Ward.
RELATED: There's a Good Chance Your Favorite Pair of Shoes Is Covered in This Bacteria
2. Icky Fungal Infections
Truth: Any open-toed shoe in a dirty environment (think: campgrounds, the beach, pool, or locker room) can lead to infections if your feet are exposed to fungus, says Ward. Remember, fungus loves moist, warm environments. So to curb your risk of skin or toenail infections, keep your feet clean and dry.
3. Blisters Galore
Because they tend to slip around on your foot more than a sneaker or flats, blisters are an inevitable part of wearing flip flops. Blame movement, moisture, and rubbing, says Ward. Of course, any shoe that doesn't fit right can cause blistering, but flip flops are among the worst culprits because of their instability.
4. Major Heel Pain
Your floppy sandals might not completely destroy your heels, but they could come close. Flip flops could cause serious pain or even conditions like plantar fasciitis, which occurs when the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes becomes inflamed, says Ward. See, the ligament that attaches your toes to your heel can stretch or even tear when it’s not appropriately supported, she says. Ouch.
RELATED: How to Make Your Toes Look Less Gross (Pedicure Not Required)
5. Posture Probz
“Your feet are the building blocks for how your ankles, knees, hips, back, and shoulders are aligned,” says Ward. Take away the building blocks (which is what you do when you wear shoes with little support) and you’re left with a weak foundation. This can cause everything else in your body to collapse or be poorly aligned, leading to pain and issues with posture, she says.
How to Pick a Better Pair
Don’t fret: There is hope for cute summer shoes. For one, look for a sandal with more than one strap, which will help with stability, suggests Ward. An ankle strap or latch behind your heel may also help cut down how much the shoe moves on your foot.
Try the Mirabelle from Söfft ($80, sofftshoe.com). It has adjustable buckle straps, which prevent rubbing, a heel closure to secure your foot, and a thicker sole for extra support. Or, the Wendy from Børn ($90, bornshoes.com) not only has straps to secure your foot, but also tech upgrades like an arch-cushioned footbed for comfort and structure.
Live in your sandals all summer long? Consider options from Vionic or Birkenstock, which both offer a slew of structured open-toed shoes.
Gif courtesy of giphy.com
Cassie Shortsleeve is a skilled freelance journalist with more than a decade of experience reporting for some of the nation's largest print and digital publications, including Women's Health, Parents, What to Expect, The Washington Post, and others. She is also the founder of the digital motherhood support platform Dear Sunday Motherhood and a co-founder of the newsletter Two Truths Motherhood and the maternal rights non-profit Chamber of Mothers. She is a mom to three daughters and lives in the Boston suburbs.
