It’s summertime.  We have thrown off those cumbersome winter shoes and traded them in for those easy slip-ons we all love, the flip-flop.   We as moms love them because they are easy to slip on and run out the door.  Kids love them because they don’t have to tie their shoes all summer long.  Some say that wearing flip-flops are not good for you.  They indicate that they are detrimental to our feet and other joints.  Other experts claim that flip-flops and sandals are not detrimental to us but are actually beneficial.  The primary purpose of all footwear is to protect the feet from the elements and environment.

It has been shown that different foot movements and mechanics occur when wearing flip-flops compared to more traditional shoes.  Regardless of the change in foot function, Chard et al. reports wearing flip-flops actually replicates barefoot walking.1  Wearing flip-flops and going barefoot actually are very beneficial for you by stimulating muscle function needed to utilize more normal mechanics of your feet and ankles therefore allowing you to recruit muscles in a more natural fashion.  Similar to the new trend of barefoot running or minimalists shoe running that we are seeing, more experts are recognizing that less restrictive footwear in certain environments allow for more normal movement.  It has even been shown in children that more flexible footwear helps decrease prevalence of development of flat feet and hallux varus (bunions).

There are some instances where sandals and flip-flops are not the best choice in footwear.  Open toed shoes while playing sports, hiking, and running can create a tripping hazard and tend to slow one down with these activities.  A more rigid shoe with a closed toe will allow for greater balance and stability with doing higher level activities but will also restrict movement.3 People with balance issues, diabetes, more severe cases of arthritis of the foot, and certain foot deformities benefit from a more rigid shoe for support and protection of their joints.

According to what I see in the clinic, the more rigid shoes and restrictive footwear cause the shutting down of muscle function in the feet therefore causing weakness and limited mobility throughout the foot and ankle. This can occur with wearing any supportive brace for an extensive time.  We came into this world without shoes, I believe it would be fine to walk around the world as God created us.  If you have pain while wearing sandals or flip-flops see you healthcare provider to assess if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed.  So unless you have more serious orthopedic or structural deformities of your feet, pain while walking in sandals, or stability issues then kick off the bulky shoes of winter and trade them in for your favorite summer footwear.  Enjoy the warm weather showing off those Pedicured toes and wear flip-flops proudly knowing you are doing your feet well by giving them some exercise.

Guest Blogger: Amy Entrekin

Amy Entrekin is an Iowa native farm-girl that has moved to the suburbs.  She graduated from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, TX where she met her husband Aaron.  She won over the Texas man who moved to Iowa and they now live in Ankeny, IA with their three children Eric (December 2004), Ava (February 2007), and Evan (November 2008).

Amy is a physical therapist at Johnston Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine.  She is passionate about helping people regain an active lifestyle after an injury as well as educating them on prevention and general wellness.

She has been blessed with the opportunity to work in a field she is passionate about on a part-time basis while spending time being a full-time mom.  She enjoys serving others and being involved in their church (First Family Church). You never know who God has placed in your path today to serve, so let’s get ready and get our hands dirty.