Sandles and Safty

At last, the breezy days of summer are upon us. Instead of repeatedly checking the daily weather forecast to deliberate if we need a scarf or sweater for layering, we can enjoyably slip on some comfy shorts or an effortless sundress. For many of us, flip-flops become the go-to footwear to accompany such an ensemble, but as we’ve often been warned, these flimsy slip-ons do not always provide ideal foot support.

USA Today reports that Justin Shroyer, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, studied over 100 flip-flop wearers to uncover patterns in their feet and leg movements. While presenting his findings at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in Baltimore this week, Shroyer explained some of the key problems with these shoes. Namely, he discovered that by trying to grip and hold flip-flops in place, people work the muscles in their shins much harder than when they’re barefoot. He said that shortened strides while wearing flip-flops can also strain the lower legs.

"The more the shoe conforms to your foot, the better off your foot and leg will be," Shroyer told USA Today. "If it's loose, your foot has to work harder to keep your flip-flop on." He said that more structured flip-flops with deepened heel cups and defined arches can remove some of the stress from your feet and legs, but that a sneaker is still preferred when doing extensive walking or activity.

Orthaheel Wave Sandal, $54.99, orthaheelusa.com

Orthaheel Wave Sandal, $54.99, orthaheelusa.com

Dr. Rock Positano, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, confirms Shroyer's findings. "With no real solid support underneath the foot, it loses its shock-absorbing capabilities. The lower leg, shin, knee, hip, and back are overworking." Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery for the American Podiatric Medical Association, agrees with Shroyer as well. "Wearing flip-flops...