Flip-Flops a Necessary Evil”: MD Podiatrist

The shoes you wear while playing sports, exploring theme parks, running daily errands, and more can greatly impact your foot health. “Now this is part art and part science—a shoe should fit well, both in the toe and midfoot as well as the heel,” sports podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM explains. “You should avoid shoes that are too tight and heels that slip. Find out what kind of foot type you are and consider a shoe that appropriately supports or cushions what you need. If you invest wisely, you’ll be rewarded immensely.”

Dr. Michaels calls flip-flops a “necessary evil” when you’re heading to the beach or relaxing by the pool, but you shouldn’t make it a habit of wearing flip-flops when you’re walking a lot. He explains, “Their lack of cushion and support put undue stress on our arches and Achilles tendon. They also make our toes work overtime by grabbing onto the front of the flip-flop to stabilize, which can lead to hammertoes.”