Flip-Flop Flap

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Darlene Rempel, C Ped (C) Jean Grant

Flip-Flop Flap

It is said that in Canada there are two seasons, winter and construction. In the footwear industry there is winter and flip flop season. When the heat rises people turn to the EVA(ethyl vinyl acetate) based “sandal” for it’s fashion, lightness and airiness. However a recent study has proven what foot specialists have known for years....that wearing flip-flop sandals leads to lower limb pain and injury.
“We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back,” said Justin Shroyer, a biomechanics doctoral student.

The research done at Auburn University Department of Kinesiology had 39 recruits (men and women) walk on a force plate and videotaped the subjects to measure vertical force as well as stride length and limb angles. The subjects wore thong-type flip-flops and traditional athletic shoes. The results were that when wearing flip-flops the recruits took shorter strides and had less vertical force on their heels than when wearing athletic footwear. It is was proven that study participants did not bring their toes up as much during the leg’s swing phase, resulting in a shorter stride length. This was probably due to the tendency to grip the flip-flops with their toes to keep them on their feet. It is always humourous to see athletes who have a significant amount of support in their athletic footwear walk into the office wearing flip-flops and complaining of lower leg and foot pain.

The bottom line is flip-flops have no support value what so ever. Flip-flops are made of a very low durometer (hardness) of plastic. That is what gives them their lightness and the appearance of shock absorption. However, the lower duometer EVA means it will compress easily which leads to early breakdown of shock absorption. In the flip-flop there is no control features such as heel control or arch support. What support some of them do have will breakdown easily with pressure. This lack of support will lead to lower limb and foot discomfort including shin splints and metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of the foot). In 2002 a British study found that 55,100 men and women went to hospitals with flip-flop related complaints.

In the thong style flip-flop, the plastic piece that goes between the great toe ant he second toe has led to increased incidence of a pinched nerve (neuroma) between the 1st and 2nd metatarsal head. There is also a greater chance of blistering in this area. There have also been reports of chemical burns from the plastic that encases the foot in poorly manufactured flip-flops.

Now we don’t suggest that you throw all your flip-flops out, however we do recommend they be worn for short term benefits only, such as post-game relief from athletic shoes, pool decks, and sandy beaches. Flip-flops are an excellent shower sandal to help prevent the spread of warts. Flip-flops were not meant to be worn as primary footwear, nor to be worn all day or for long walks.
If you develop lower limb discomfort, perhaps you should check your footwear. If your pain persists, see a Canadian Certified Pedorthist and get out of your flip-flops.