Are summer sandals killing your feet? Expert advice on footwear
An in-depth look at how flat flip-flops impact foot health, featuring expert tips from podiatrist Dr Helen Branthwaite and fashion forecasters.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Flat flip-flops lack proper support and put extra strain on feet
- Fashion expert Angela Baidoo suggests kitten heel or contoured styles
- Podiatrist Dr Helen Branthwaite recommends daily urea-based moisturisers
- Transition slowly into minimalist barefoot shoes to avoid injuries
Flip-flops have always been a popular solution for sweaty and uncomfortable feet during scorching weather, and this summer they are receiving a stylish revamp. According to fashion expert and trend forecaster Angela Baidoo, the most fashionable way to sport them is paired with a kitten heel.
However, heels or not, traditional flip-flops carry a poor reputation for lacking support and potentially harming our feet. Dr Helen Branthwaite, a podiatrist, explains that problems typically arise when individuals transition directly from highly structured footwear into wearing flip-flops extensively. This sudden change subjects the foot to unusual strain, elevating the risk of injury.
"The foot does start to change shape and tends to splay a little bit over time. A good analogy is if you were to wear a corset all the time and then took the corset off, everything would sort of all hang out, so to speak."
Dr Helen Branthwaite
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The structural changes in feet caused by unsupportive footwear happen because intrinsic foot muscles must overcompensate to stabilize the arch. Choosing contoured soles or supportive footwear helps distribute pressure evenly, preventing long-term overuse injuries such as plantar fasciitis.
For those seeking stylish yet comfortable alternatives, Baidoo recommends supportive flip-flops like FitFlops, which feature sturdier, contoured designs compared to flat foam sheets. Wooden clogs are also making a comeback—a trusted choice for medical professionals and chefs who spend all day on their feet. Additionally, Scholl slider mules serve as classic orthopaedic footwear.
When it comes to the trend of minimalist barefoot shoes, Dr Branthwaite emphasizes the importance of easing into them gradually rather than embarking on a 5-mile hike immediately.
Dr Helen Branthwaite's top tips for maintaining healthy feet include:
- Examining the sole and material closely to understand how it affects your gait and movement
- Testing flexibility; if your flip-flops bend in two easily, assess whether your feet can handle the unsupported load
- Checking foot condition regularly, as open footwear dries out skin and can lead to hardened heels and fragile toenails
- Applying an emollient cream containing urea daily to maintain hydration
- Getting feet measured regularly, as foot size shifts throughout life and is not permanently fixed
Source: BBC Health
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