TheUnstitchd
Let’s face it, wearing custom flip flops rocks. This is because they keep your feet cool, they are easy to throw on, and they come on a lot of colors and styles that anyone can’t help but love. They are casual, fun and friendly.
However, these custom flip flops can be pretty terrible for your feet. All of this matters because flip flop season is starting, so let us let the numbers speak for themselves that all of the emergency room visits that are due to shoe-related injuries, 27,000 of which are associated with flip flops.
Still, wearing flip flops is better than going barefoot because they do provide your feet with some protection. Flip flops do not really offer an arch or heel support and you will have to grip them with your toes so to keep them on. So when you wear custom flip flops for too long, or for the wrong activity it can cause a lot of problems.
Custom flip flops have been blamed by podiatrists for blisters, bacterial and viral infections, bad posture, shooting pains, bunion exacerbation, hammertoe issues, athlete’s foot and lack of arch support.
A study conducted in 2008 revealed that flip flops actually change the way wearers walk, and sometimes the effect is permanent. These changes can cause damage to the rest of the body with distinct and noticeable effects on everything from the wearer’s posture to their gait.
But of course, custom flip flops are not all the time bad as long as you wear them in moderation.
Keep your Feet protected and still wear custom flip flops
Here are some tips that you should heed in order for you to keep your exposed feet happy and healthy:
-
Do not wear your custom flip flops while you are driving your car
Driving your car while you wearing your custom flip flops is really a bad idea. Just the same as wearing any backless shoes, there is a high possibility that your flip flops will slip off your feet and get stuck under the brake or the gas pedal. When you are driving, you should always wear shoes that are sturdy and secure. If you are not worried about your own safety, at least try to think about everyone else on the road. And for the ladies, you already know what the problems are going to be when you are driving in stilettos. Although sandals might be slightly more unassuming, the danger is still there.
-
Consider your activity when you are wearing your custom flip flops
It is already established that flip flops are fine if you are wearing them for short-term use, this is good especially if your flip flops have at least some arch support and a cushioned sole.
Your custom flip flops are good to wear when you are at the beach, around swimming pools, in showers and locker rooms at the gym, or on short trips to the store.
Obviously, you should not be wearing your flip flops for running, hiking, long-distance walks, standing for a long time, especially when you are playing sports. Sandals can be a better option, but, they are still not that supportive like running shoes if you are going to be active.
-
Do not be too cheap in buying custom flip flops
Of course, this does not mean that you have to overspend. There will be perfectly okay plastic versions that are sitting on the shelf that you might be tempted to reach for it, but honestly, there are things that are really worth the investment. And your feet are a good example of that.
Unless you are shopping in a totally reliable store, then it is guaranteed that the more money that you are going to pay for your shoes, the more likely it is that it will provide your feet with arch support. In fact, custom flip flops are not the most expensive shoe form, and you are bound to get a lot of use out them, so it’s better you buy one that is good enough to ensure that your feet are protected.
-
Being “broken in” does not imply that it is “beautiful”
Just like what you do with your running shoes, you should also replace your flip flops in every few months. Of course, a little wear and tear are cute, but a lot is dangerous.
-
You should look at where you’re going
Custom flip flops offer little to no protection against broken glass and other sidewalk debris. So if you are not willing to give your feet a cover, then at least you should keep your eyes open and stay alert.
-
Do not feel guilty to treat yourself
This is not about the love for pedicures, it’s just that, it is important that you keep your feet clean, moisturized, and pampered. For one thing, everyone will be able to see them, so you might as well maintain them that they look their best. But, in general, it is a good idea that you treat your feet kindly after they have been exposed to so much sun and dirt and water. Applying sunscreen is also important.
-
If possible, try to buy leather flip flops
It has been continually reminded to us by the American Podiatric Medical Association that leather can make your feet less likely to get blisters. Also, you can get a rustic, well-worn look without having to actually break the shoes in too much. Plastic flip flops do not stand a chance.
-
Be sure that you always use your common sense when you are shopping for flip flops
Of course, shoes are not supposed to be folded in half. But, when it comes to flip flops, your custom flip flops can and should bend just at the ball of the foot. When it comes to feet safety, one-size-fits-all is not really a thing.