Ten reasons to think again about wearing flip-flops

Summer's here and our feet are noticing the difference as many of us now spend all day wearing flip-flops, which are only a minimal barrier between us and the hot ground. However, podiatrists say flip-flops have more disadvantages than benefits and they can cause problems in the short and medium term.

These are the ten reasons why prolonged use of flip-flops is not advisable:

1. They are not suitable for any type of walking, because they make us take short steps, drag our feet and more stress is placed on the ankle.

2. There is no support for the foot and this causes a lack of balance and increases the risk of falls and sprains.

3. They can cause injury between the 1st and 2nd toe, because the strap can rub.

4. They cause the plantar fascia, the tissue on the bottom of the foot which connects the heel bone with the toes, to stretch, causing inflammation, pain and tiredness.

5. Because they are completely flat, they provide little support for the sole of the foot. Laura Fernández, a podiatrist at the Vithas Xanit hospital, recommends soles which are one or two fingers thick and if they are higher in the heel, even better.

6. They can cause 'hammertoes' due to inadequate support. Laura explains that without us really realising it, our toes tend to bend in order to get a better grip on the ground and better stability.

7. They change the way we walk, and that has biomechanical consequences especially, says Laura, for people who tend to turn their feet inwards or outwards, because wearing flip-flops makes that worse.

8. In certain people, for example diabetics, who often suffer from inadequate circulation in their feet, any injury can lead to some serious complications.

9. The foot is unprotected. It is highly exposed to external agents: the sun, insect bites, grazing.

10. It should go without saying, but it is not advisable to do any type of sporting activity in flip-flops and drivers are banned from wearing them.

Of course, they do have some advantages:

1. They allow the feet to breathe.

2. They are easy to put on and take off.

3. They can be washed quickly.

There is no need to throw your flip-flops away after reading these recommendations, however. Experts say they are suitable for the beach, swimming pool and public showers because they prevent skin infections. Podiatrists just recommend that for everyday use they should be replaced with other types of sandal with a thicker sole and provide support for the ankle.

Laura Fernández says humans have lost the tradition of walking barefoot and we need something solid beneath our feet now, although she also points out that walking barefoot on the beach is very good for us.