Flip-flops Can Alter Your Gait

Possible Cause of Painful Conditions

Flip-flops are a huge part of the summer scene. While they may be stylish and initially comfortable, flip-flops may actually cause problems for your feet, ankles, knees, hips, and back. How could a little pair of shoes do so much harm?

Impact of Flip-flops on Gait and Body Mechanics

Researchers from Auburn University studied how people walk in thong-style flip-flops. They found that people change how they walk in flip-flops compared to athletic shoes. The altered gait can cause problems for the flip-flop wearer -- especially if flip-flops are worn exclusively.

The researchers had study participants wear flip-flops and later wear athletic shoes to walk a platform that measured vertical force as their feet hit the ground. A camcorder also recorded stride length and limb angles.

Researchers found that when study participants wore flip-flops, they took shorter steps and their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when they wore athletic shoes. The flip-flop wearers also did not bring their toes up quite as much during the leg's swing phase, creating a larger ankle angle and shorter stride length. Researchers felt this last observation was due to the wearers gripping the flip-flops with their toes.

Wear Flip-flops Occasionally

The flip-flops in the study were from well-known companies and priced in the $5 to 50 range. While researchers concluded that flip-flops change body mechanics and can lead to painful conditions, they did not forbid them. Recognizing that flip-flops are popular, their best advice was to limit their use: Wear flip-flops for short periods of time, but not as all-day footwear, and replace them every 3 or 4 months.