In a recent post I read at Prevention, podiatrists said, “Flip-flops are ideal summer footwear—but the type of foot ware isn’t exactly known for its support. They’re super easy to slip on and let in a great breeze, but the soles of most are paper thin at best. That not only means that they flatten within a few wears, but they can leave your feet feeling fatigued. The solution? Fit-Flops with arch support.
The experts also advise, “The issue with traditional flip-flops is that they are designed to wear for short distances. An example would be walking to the pool or to the shower. Because of this, traditional flip-flops offer very little support, stability, or shock absorption,” says Asim Sayed, D.P.M., A.A.C.F.A.S., a podiatrist based in Kansas City, MO. “By utilizing this type of footwear for long periods of time, you are putting your feet at a mechanical disadvantage and applying increased stress on certain parts of your foot.” I am sure you agree it makes perfect sense.
Choose the best flip-flops with arch support
The foot doc’ claim, “Yes, you can rock flip-flops (cute ones, too!) without your feet having to pay the price. However, there are sandal features that you should keep in mind to make that possible. For one, your flip-flops should never be paper-thin (unless you’re wearing them exclusively as shower shoes at the gym). In other words, if the flip-flops can easily break, they can easily damage your feet. Following are some tips the podiatrists say to keep in mind while shopping:
Foot Arch
Flip-flops feel different for each person, mainly due to your foot arch. Think of it this way: If you have a high arch, you need flip-flops with a similar high arch. If you have a flat arch, you need flip-flops with a lower arch.
Foot Shape
The footbed shape should follow your natural foot shape, Andersen says. Contoured footbeds are ideal because the molding tends to fit feet better. This type of footbed is often made of cork or natural latex and provides even distribution of your weight across the shoe. A contoured footbed is also more comfortable, because they consistently support your foot alignment while also helping to prevent painful injuries like shin splints and collapsed arches.
“A deep heel cup will increase the stability among other things,” Sayed explains. “Additionally, look for a midsole that is thick to assist with shock absorption.”
Great selections in the Best Fit Flops Collection.