There have been many news stories recently claiming that flip flops lead to foot problems. The reason cited: flip flops don’t offer good arch support.
A lack of arch support in the shoe leading to problems is hogwash. In fact, flip flops make your feet healthier.
Let’s start from the beginning: our feet were designed to withstand walking, running, standing, and jumping. They weren’t designed by Nike or Adidas to fit into a shoe with a stable heel and arch support.
The claims made by some that arch supports are healthier for your feet are based only on the questionable evidence of “Expert Opinion.”
True research shows that arch supports weaken the foot and the leg over time. Arch support decreases the work of the foot, leg, and thigh muscles. That’s why they make us feel better. But what feels good now isn’t always good for us later. If we rest our foot and use the muscles less, they weaken. Weak foot muscles allow progressive arch collapse.
So, how do flip flops make you healthier? Holding on to any shoe without a heel cup strengthens the muscles inside your foot by making them work. It makes you create your own arch. Ever try to run up a flight of stairs in a flip flop?
Flip flops are not meant for every environment because your foot can get injured by external forces. They are not good on uneven ground. They are good for flat, well known terrain, and they will strengthen your feet more every time you wear them.
