Flip-flops sweep students off their feet

It is 75 degrees outside in the daytime, but at night it quickly turns chilly.

Students have already started digging in their closets for the winter boots, but many prefer flip-flops during the day. They come in all colors, styles and sizes. The footwear can be cute but may also carry some very serious long term problems.

 “Certain flip-flops have given me blisters,” sophomore Andie Valenta said. “Most of the time I have to wear them in, in order to be comfortable.”

Podiatrist Dr. Matt Lynch works at the Scott and White Clinic in Temple. He said wearing non-supportive shoes may lead to conditions such as foot fatigue, arch pain and heel pain.

Achilles tendon problems can occur due to the lack of support flip-flops give. They can also make existing problems worse. Certain people should not wear them at all, including those with high risk feet due to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease or poor circulation. It can lead to devastating problems such as infection, loss of toes, and lack of feeling found in diabetes.

UMHB Nurse Debbie Rosenberger is the coordinator of Health Services.

She said, “Tennis shoes with arch support are the best for our feet.”

 Lynch said, “This style of footgear should not be worn during athletic type activities such as running, jumping or other high impact activities. They would be a poor choice for activities that require standing and walking all day such as at an amusement park.” 

The risk of foot or ankle sprains, contusions and even fractures from lack of support increases.

Rosenberger said flip-flops do not protect the foot.  They provide no arch support and, therefore, can increase foot strain. However, she said they are good to use in the shower to prevent contact with athlete’s foot fungus.

Senior Danielle Hampton said, “I don’t like the divider in between my toes. My job requires closed shoes because I work for the football team and H-E-B.  It’s easier and more comfortable.”

Lynch said, “Usually it is recommended that we wear a more rigid shoe type that provides support. Cushioning is usually secondary, and most flip-flops are soft and actually do provide some degree of cushioning.”

However, being comfortable is important among fanatics.    

“I like flip-flops be- cause they are comfortable and easy to slide on and off,” freshman Mateo Gamboa said. “I use them all the time and year round.  The only thing I don’t like is how easily they break.”

Many would conclude that there has been an increase in foot problems at the doctor’s office because of these strappy sandals, but that isn’t necessarily true.

Lynch said, “I polled my five partners. We have not seen a huge number of injuries from this, but we have seen women sprain feet and ankles from twisting or sliding off flip-flops, especially while wearing them and running. It’s even happened in wet weather where the flip-flop becomes slick, and the foot slides off.”