Feet are the foundation of our bodies and connection to earth. When they are stable our posture and gait is best. Hot summer is the time we all want to be in minimal clothing, including footwear. Before you slip on your favorite flip-flops – maybe reconsider, especially if you have pain in your back, knees, hips or ankles. And, PLEASE, if you have neuropathy in your feet, don’t even consider wearing these.
When you are wearing this footwear – do you feel stable, are your feet sliding? How are they staying on your feet? While out, look at people’s legs and feet while they are walking in thongs (flip-flops). Do they look stable and move smoothly? Or, do you notice some wobbling in ankles or knees?. I notice more women than men in thongs having trouble walking well. However, I unfortunately see lots of girls creating what could become chronic problems with their alignment. Properly fitting and supportive footwear are helpful not just to feet but all our joints. Unstable feet will create, or contribute to, unstable ankles, knees, hips and pelvis. This footwear, along with stilettos and ballet flats are the worst things you can wear. If you have doubts, ask any podiatrist, orthopedist or physical therapist.
- What makes flip-flops so bad? they have no SUPPORT. They stay on your feet because your feet and toes grasp to hold them on. This creates all sorts of unnecessary work for your whole body, especially hips, knees, ankles and feet.
Test for footwear support: while feet and toes are fully relaxed, do feet slide or feel secure while standing? While walking?
If you feel you absolutely must wear this flimsy footwear:
get them with arch support, not flat soles (as in pic) and straps which actually hold on to your feet, not sliding around.
Wear for limited time – not all day.
Your feet and joints will thank you.
