Flip flops aren’t ideal year round but they often make an extended appearance during the hot summer months. Sandals can be great if you want to let your foot breath, but they offer less support and protection than regular tennis shoes. Below, we discuss some of the benefits and dangers of wearing sandals.
Benefits
We’ll start with the good. Sandals can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.
- Feet can breath – Sometimes it’s important to keep your feet dry, and sandals are perfect for letting your feet breathe. As we spoke about earlier, some foot conditions like ingrown toenails or athlete’s foot heal quicker if the foot is kept out of a tight, damp environment.
- Ease of access – Many people like to walk barefoot around their house, so grabbing a pair of socks and tennis shoes when you want to go outside can be a little bit of a hassle. Sandals are perfect for situations like taking out the trash or letting the dog out. You’ll protect your feet from rocks in your yard, and you can quickly slip them on and off if you’re making multiple trips outside.
- Build for the beach – Sandals are the perfect type of shoe to wear to the beach. They can protect your feet from the hot sand, and you can wear your sandals into the water to rinse them off at the end of the day.
Drawbacks
Sandals are great in the right environment, but they can also put your feet in danger if used improperly.
- Poor Foot Support – While some sandals like Birkenstocks offer comfort and arch support, most cheap sandals offer no more support than a piece of cardboard. Regular tennis shoes are designed to distribute weight as you walk, but some sandals do a poor job of cushioning your foot with each step. If flimsy sandals are worn for an extended period, you may be putting unneeded stress on your feet and ankles.
- Little protection – Sandals are great in some situations, but not if you plan on being active. Running in sandals, even if you’re just chasing down an errant Frisbee, can be dangerous because the shoes aren’t designed for uneven surfaces. You’re much more likely to sprain an ankle in a sandal than a tennis shoe, and forget moving heavy objects. Sandals can slip off if you’re walking backwards while carrying an object, which can cause you or someone else to trip, and they offer little protection if you drop something heavy on your foot. Stick to tennis shoes or professional footwear when active.
- Sores and diabetic risk – Straps or thong sandals can cause abrasions on a person’s feet or toes. These open wounds make a person more susceptible to infection. Also, since people with diabetes often suffer from poor circulation in their feet, flip-flops can lead to serious medical complications if a foot becomes injured or infected.
Related source: ABC News