When you go to the beach, or when you even go to your backyard during the summer, or to the swimming pool, the thing you do is wear flip-flops as you can just shake them off when you are ready to go into the water, or you want to sunbathe on the lawn chair. Why would you wear sneakers on a hot day? Especially if you are wearing them by the pool or the beach? It is fine to wear flip-flops for a short time. However, you don’t want to wear them for prolonged periods. Let’s go over nine reasons why that is.
Your Feet Are Exposed To Harmful Microbes
When you wear flip-flops you know that your feet are exposed. That means different bacteria, fungi, and viruses will come to your feet because of the exposure of them. Therefore, you will end up with infections on your feet and toes such as the Athlete’s foot which causes plenty of itching and redness. You want to limit how much time you spend wearing flip-flops for that reason alone.
They Slow You Down
It is one thing to wear flip-flops for a short time when you are sunbathing or walking around the pool or beach. But you don’t want to wear them for prolonged periods otherwise. That is because they will not allow you to run properly as they are clumsy to walk with and that will slow you down. You are better off wearing sneakers if you want to leave the beach or the pool area.
You Become More Clumsy
If you try to walk too much in flip-flops, you have the risk of falling because they can cause you to lose your balance. Therefore, tripping and falling is not a risk you want to take if you are wearing flip-flops. If you plan to walk away from the beach or the pool area, put your sneakers on!
They Can Hurt Your Heels
When you walk, your heels hit the ground and you need proper cushioning to prevent any foot injury. Flip-flops do not have the cushioning you need when you are walking like sneakers or other running shoes. Therefore, when you walk, you will end up in pain in your heels for this reason and could end up with complications such as heel spurs.
Blisters Will Happen
The only thing that holds your feet into the flip-flops is the strap and that strap will rub on your skin each time you walk. Therefore, the friction that the strap creates as it rubs against your skin will cause blisters. Blisters are painful, especially when they are on your feet.
Toe Damage Can Happen
When your toes bend and stay that way, that is known as hammertoe, and flip-flops can do that to your toes. That is because the straps keep your toes in a scrunched position that can cause your toes to stiffen and they will become pained. You will need surgery to correct hammertoe.
Not Good For Your Posture
If you wear flat shoes as it is for prolonged periods, then you would end up with poor posture over time. Flip-flops are flat shoes and don’t have the cushioning to protect them. Therefore, you will find that your posture suffers and that can wreak havoc on your back.
You Could Suffer From Shooting Pains
If you are wearing flat shoes like flip-flops too often, then that ruins your posture as you know, and your joints have to work extra hard to keep your posture proper as much they can. That can cause joint injuries in your knees, hips, and back, and that is what will be responsible for those shooting pains you feel. You will need to see a chiropractor for treatment.
It Can Cause Bunions
Your toes work extra hard when you walk in flip-flops. You already know that hammertoe can result from wearing those flip-flops too often. However, it can also aggravate your toes by causing a bump at the side of the big toe which is a bunion. Bunions are incredibly painful and will require surgery.
Therefore, there is nothing wrong with wearing flip-flops once in a while for short periods at the beach or the pool. However, do not make a habit of it and walk with them for prolonged periods either. That is when the complications begin to arise.
