Be wary of flip-flop travel this summer

by Abha Malpani Jun 8th 2008 @ 10:30AM

Come summer and flip-flops are back in style. I personally own 6 pairs of carefully selected, comfy-yet-fashionable flip-flops and I wear them everywhere, all the time, especially when I travel.

Mine are mostly soft rubber with a decent grip on the sole, so I have often pushed my flip-flop limits and worn them hiking. OK, not smart but comfort wasn't the problem, the bugs were!

Anyway, looks like wearing flip-flops for long periods of time needs to be reconsidered as they change the way you walk. According to the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis, when in flip-flops, other than walking, the foot needs to put extra effort into keeping the flip-flop on the foot. This could lead to various aches and pains that could ultimately lead to tendinitis, lower leg, knee, hip and back problems.

But I love my flip-flops and I don't have any other footwear for summer! I have a pair of Nike rubber sandals but they are really ugly. Looks like I need to invest in some open walking shoes. Any suggestions?

Filed under: Gear, News

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Jun 8th 2008 @ 1:11PM

Chris M. said...

Get yourself some Keen's, I've worn mine hiking a few times, including on the Inca trail.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/

I have the Newports and something similar to the Commuter. The commuter has a little less support but breathes better. My wife and one of her friends like their Chacos, http://chacousa.com/, I'm not sure I would hike in 'em though.

Jun 9th 2008 @ 10:51AM

BrianM said...

+1 ~ I've never run into a dissatisfied Keen owner, at least when it comes to wearing comfort. They're not the best looking shoe (but better than Crocs!), but I've not worn anything else that was so comfortable. They're great travel footwear too, easy in and out, no laces and if you have a pair of socks the same color as the sandal, you can even get through some more dress-up events with them... heh.

My wife and I both started out trying Chacos and we both hated them enough to return them. I've heard form a few others who felt the same way, so there IS a chance you won't like how they wear. For both of us, they caused blisters and were just generally painful to wear.

Now, we have 5 pair of Keens between us and they are the 'go-to' footwear 90% of the time (we live in Wyoming and enjoy snow-sports, Keen didn't have winter footwear when we bought our Merrel boots).

Jun 8th 2008 @ 9:37PM

Claudine said...

Sometimes I wish that flipflops could be banned. They are super-ugly, and I hate that flip-flop sound. I have to admit, however, that they are comfortable. Yes. I would wear them but not hiking!

Jun 8th 2008 @ 9:58PM

iomatic said...

Chaco Flips (yes the BEST pair of flip-flops/sandals/slippers ever; hands down. Work everywhere I've been; except Tokyo, wear nice shoes though.

Even in snow (albeit briefly).

Jun 8th 2008 @ 10:01PM

iomatic said...

Chaco Flips (yes the BEST pair of flip-flops/sandals/slippers ever;
hands down).

Work everywhere I've been: hiking, rivers, streets, etc.; except Tokyo, wear nice shoes there, of course.

Even in snow (albeit briefly).

Jun 9th 2008 @ 10:23AM

chrisshdy909 said...

For those of us who live in South Florida, you wear flip-flops year round, and here, yes, they are sylish!

For me, I wear them out of necessity, because it gets so damn hot down here wearing any type of closed shoe outside in the heat is incredibly uncomfortable (my feet sweat ew)

Jun 12th 2008 @ 12:19AM

Parley paz said...

Summer is really a best time for enjoy. Got a cool design flip-flop from Zappos to make summer more enjoyable.

Jun 13th 2008 @ 4:43PM

Nick Hawkins said...

I love Mion sandals. They're awesome.

http://www.mionfootwear.com/products/index.jsp

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