Even though we’re officially into the fall season, folks are still clinging to their summer footwear, specifically, flip-flops.
Millions of pairs of flip-flops are sold every year, and chances are you have at least one pair in your closet; but could your flip-flops be changing the way you walk?
Auburn University researchers placed reflective balls on key points of people's legs, then videotaped them and measured vertical force and stride. They found flip-flops significantly changed how people walked.
"All the variables that we looked at, there were several that were different between when people walked in flip-flops and when they walked in tennis shoes," says Justin Shroyer, a sports medicine researcher at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama.
Computer analysis found flip-flop wearers took shorter steps, their heels hit the ground with less force, and they didn't bring their toes up as much.
The same toe grip action that keeps flip-flops from falling off may not be so good for you.
"What we found is you do change the way you walk, so if you do have lower leg problems, if you do have foot problems, pain, and you wear flip-flops a lot, then maybe reconsider wearing them all the time," Shroyer said.
If you can't bear to give up the shoes for good, experts recommend you choose flip-flops with arch and heel support. Only wear them for short amounts of time.
Don't wear them if you have to walk far, and when they start to wear out, throw them out.
