Since I live at the beach there is no time like the present to be wearing a pair of my many pairs of flip flops! I am a flip-flop addict in every true meaning of the word. I own a pair
in almost every color imaginable and one to match almost every outfit in
my closet. They range in style from really dressy to ultra athletic. Even though there are studies about the dangers of my 90% of shoes owned, I am not changing them. I do wear an arch supported sandal when I'm walking long distances or tennis shoes if it is cold.
In a study conducted at
Auburn University
led by biomechanics doctoral student Justin Shroye in 2008, the
evidence revealed these shoes can lead to potential injury issues due to
the biomechanics of the shoe altering the walking gait of those who
choose to wear these types of shoes. This issue can lead to potential
back, hip, knee, ankle, and foot problems.
By studying 39
college men and women wearing both flip-flops and athletic footwear,
Shroye determined there was some difference in the way the participants
walked in each shoe. He had the participants walk on a platform that
measured “the vertical force as the walkers’ feet hit the ground” while
videotaping the participants “stride lengths and limb angles.”
What
the research revealed is when the participants were walking in
flip-flops, they tended to take shorter strides while not allowing the
same heel strike vertical force as when wearing the athletic shoes. The
study also revealed the participants “did not bring their toes up as
much during the leg’s swing phase, resulting in a larger ankle angle and
shorter stride length, possibly because they tended to grip the
flip-flops with their toes.”
While you may be ready to toss your
summer favorites into the trash, Shroye did state these shoes do serve a
purpose, especially for those who spend time at the beach or need a
nice reprieve from their athletic shoe wear. However, it must be
emphasized that these shoes are not designed to wear for long-distance
walking as there is a potential for injury anywhere along the kinetic
chain. In other words, if you are suffering from knee or back issues
after wearing flip-flops, you may want to reconsider wearing them the
next time you are out for a nice stroll.
I am not about to throw away the flip flops since I know that I'm wearing other shoes for my walking long distances and exercise. Don't throw away the flip flops!
Concept in Topless Sandals
I haven't tried these yet but I am in love the concept and the jewelry that goes with them and here is a website that sells these!
http://www.beautifulbarefootsandals.com
Are you a flip-flop addict?
Have you ever suffered an injury wearing these shoes? Would you still
wear them regardless of the injury potential?
June 6: Do you prefer flip flops or sandals? writing prompt
