MD Podiatrist Discusses Arch-Support Flip-Flops  

According to board-certified podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM, summer’s flip-flop trend is likely wrecking your feet. Because flip-flops aren’t designed for walking long distances or all-day wear, they can often cause your feet to work overtime. “This recruits muscles you don’t normally use, shortens your stride into a shuffle, and causes fatigue to travel up to the arch, Achilles, knees, and lower back,” Dr. Michaels explains. He says, arch-support flip-flops are the solution.

According to Dr. Michaels, it’s important to keep these crucial support features in mind when shopping for flip-flops that prevent sore, tired feet. 1.”A contoured footbed with arch support is essential. Not a flat slab. A flat footbed is barely better than walking barefoot. You can test a sandal in the store by folding it in half. It should bend at the ball of the foot only. If it folds in the middle like a wallet, it doesn’t have support and your foot will be working overtime.” 2..A deep heel cup helps center the pad under the heel bone and keeps your foot from sliding around. This is where a lot of “my feet are killing me” walking pain comes from.” 3. “Cushioning should be firm, not mushy. You want shock absorption without losing stability. If the sole compresses flat under your thumb or collapses when you step, it’ll bottom out on a walk.”