Although they are very practical for the pool or the beach, these shoes should be worn as little as possible in summer, advises a podiatrist.
Summer is just around the corner, and with it, the desire to let your feet get some fresh air. Whether it’s to get rid of the tan lines on shoes or simply to air out the arches of your feet, it’s hard to resist the call of slides, flip-flops and other crocs when the heat is in full swing. But if this type of shoe seems to be a summer ally, it would be better to opt for a real pair of summer shoes.
The reason ? The models mentioned above are likely to cause health problems for those who tend to want to wear them throughout the summer. “At the start of the school year, we receive all the injured from the summer”, testifies Daniel Benjamin, podiatrist. And to add: “These are often patients who have worn flip-flops for a long time and who are no longer able to walk.”
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Poor foot support
These shoe models “do not support the feet, which therefore have to exert more effort”specifies the specialist on the site HelloDoctor.
A warning which does not prevent the podiatrist from recognizing the very practical nature of these shoe models when they are used in a particular setting. “Open shoes are ideal for trips to the beach or swimming pool, but not for hiking!”, insists the specialist. So while flip-flops, slides and even crocs are models that are perfectly suited to going to the beach or the pool, you should not wear them on all occasions.
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Choose closed summer shoes
Indeed, rather than wearing this type of shoe every day, it is advisable to favor models more suitable for walking. The specialist therefore recommends opting for closed shoes because they provide better support for the foot.
While this may seem anecdotal for those who find slides, flip-flops or even crocs very comfortable, using closed shoes relieves the foot, which does not have to make any additional effort.
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A risk of aponeurosis
The specialist shares several risks that can harm the health of the user who chooses to wear slides, flip-flops or crocs on a daily basis. Among the most common adverse effects are plantar aponeurosis, which consists of inflammation of the muscle tissues located under the arch of the foot.
This isn’t the only risk associated with overuse of open-toed shoes like flip-flops, slides, or crocs. The specialist also mentions the risk of being subject to a heel spur, which manifests itself as intense pain in the heel. Particularly throbbing, it can especially appear in the morning and patients who suffer from it report pain similar to a needle digging into the foot. To minimize the risk, it is better to find a closed shoe that fits your foot.
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