Going Barefooted Or Wearing Flip Flops

People mistakenly believe that wearing flip flops or going barefooted are healthy alternatives to wearing shoes. This could be because of all the hype about the dangers of wearing high heels. With the summer months upon us, many people opt to wear flip flops or go barefooted under the assumption that they are doing their feet a favor.

While wearing high heels can be problematic, so can going barefooted or wearing flip flops. Flip flops offer none of the necessary support that proper footwear does. This lack of support can contribute to plantar fascia or sprains. The lack of support leaves the foot susceptible to injuries involving the tendons, such as tendonitis. This is because the muscles and tendons of the foot have to compensate for the lack of support and receive none of the shock absorption that is a function of proper footwear.

Going barefooted leaves feet vulnerable to puncture wounds, scrapes, or cuts. Puncture wounds are especially problematic for the feet. A common injury during the summer months, puncture wounds can lead to infection or painful scarring. If someone does get a puncture wound, it is important for them to seek medical attention to ensure that the wound is properly cleaned and free of debris.

People are not wrong for wanting to avoid high heels or limit their use for special occasions. High heels commonly contribute to the development of foot problems. For people concerned about foot health, the best footwear is an athletic shoe with proper support.

Any shoes worn should have a toe box that is wide. A narrow toe box puts undue pressure on the toes and can lead to problems such as bunions and hammertoes. Neither the toe box nor any part of the shoe should cause friction against the foot. Friction can lead to calluses, corns, or blisters.