Living in Florida I’m used to seeing flip-flops 9 months out of the year but it seems that even though they may inspire “vacation-like” feelings, they are actually doing your feet no favors.
When you wear thonged sandals, you have to slightly “clench” your toes to keep them on and that’s not a natural position for your feet. To test this, take your shoes off and take a step. Pay attention to how your midfoot and toes bend at the end as your heel leaves the floor. Now “clench” your toes just a bit, curling them down toward the pads of your feet. Take another step. Feels different, doesn’t it?
As you are constantly clenching, the tension alters your gait which can eventually cause muscular issues in your feet and calves. That can lead to the uncomfortable condition called plantar fasciitis- a sharp shooting pain in the bottom of your heels with each step. Flip flops might even cause other lower body issues like knee pain.
But again, flip-flops are a summer staple, so wear them but maybe not if you are planning to walk all day. You can also find a sandal that stays on easily and doesn’t put your foot to work like flip-flops do, like a Birkenstock.
Erin Elizabeth is a long time activist with a passion for the healing arts, working in that arena for a quarter century. Her site, not even six years old cracked the top natural health sites within the first year of its inception. She is an author, public speaker, and has recently done some TV and film programs for some of her original work which have attracted international media coverage. Erin was the recipient of the Doctors Who Rock Truth in Journalism award for 2017. You can get Erin’s free e-book here and also watch a short documentary on how she overcame vaccine injuries, Lyme disease, significant weight gain, and more. Follow Erin on Telegram, Twitter, and her other social media platforms.
