[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/flip-flops-foot-problems\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/flip-flops-foot-problems\/","headline":"Are Flip Flops Dangerous for Your Feet?","name":"Are Flip Flops Dangerous for Your Feet?","description":"Wearing flip flops can cause a variety of health problems, including blisters, soreness, and foot infections.","datePublished":"2017-06-13","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","name":"Primary Care","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/primary-care-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/primary-care\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Flip-Flops-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Flip-Flops-1.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/flip-flops-foot-problems\/","about":["Family Health","Safety"],"wordCount":382,"keywords":["Flip-flops","foot health","safe footwear"],"articleBody":"When the weather warms, you may want to kick off your sneakers in favor of a pair of flip flops. But is this comfortable summer footwear dangerous for your health?For more information, or to find a primary care doctors, visit www.UPMC.com\/PrimaryCare\u00a0or call 1-855-676-UPMCPCP.Wearing improper footwear can cause discomfort and a variety of problems \u2014 including foot fungus, balance problems, and blisters.RELATED: 4 Simple Tips to Keep Your Feet HealthyFoot Safety and Flip FlopsThe problem with flip flops is all in the construction. The health hazards associated with wearing flip flops include:Most flip flops feature a thin rubber sole that provides little arch support, which can result in foot pressure and pain.Flip flops offer no ankle support, which can contribute to injury and balance problems.Flip flops also offer no support to the Achilles tendon, which can become sore or strained if overextended.With their open design, flip flops provide minimal protection against the natural wear and tear that occurs when walking.They do not provide a barrier between your skin and the dirt and debris you may encounter.Flip flops can worsen existing problems with your feet and posture.The thong that rests between your big toe and second toe can cause friction and blisters. And if exposed to bacteria, infections can develop between the toes.Dos and Don’ts When Choosing Flip FlopsIf flip flops are your favorite summer footwear, you can keep yourself safe in a few simple ways. Shop for flip flops designed with additional arch support. You can even opt for more supportive sandals with ankle and foot straps \u2014 these shoes provide the breathability of flip flops with added support.When choosing a pair of flip flops, do:Shop for leather flip flops or sandals made from thicker, more supportive materials. This helps provide better arch support and minimizes blisters and callouses;Ensure your feet do not hang over the edges of the flip flops;Ensure the soles of your flip flops are strong enough that they cannot bend in half.Do not:Wear flip flops with deteriorating solesWear flip flops while doing heavy lifting, athletics, or yard workWear flip flops during long walks or while on your feet for extended periods of time"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"06","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/06\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Are Flip Flops Dangerous for Your Feet?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/06\/flip-flops-foot-problems\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]