Balance and Summer Footwear

With summer approaching everyone is getting ready to replace their winter footwear with flip flops and sandals.  Flip flops may be the summer go-to by freeing your feet from your winter boots, but these forms of footwear increase the risk of falling by sacrificing balance.

Podiatrists explains the reason why flip flops and some sandals are not good for balance is because these forms of footwear sacrifices the proper form of walking. While walking, people are supposed to land their foot with the heel first and the ball of the foot following. Flip flops and sandals force the ball of the foot to be first in order to keep the footwear from falling off the foot. This forms unnatural strides in walking and increases pain in the lower and upper parts of the leg. It also causes conflict by trying to maintain balance and keep these shoes on your feet.

The lack of support of sandals can damage the upper body such as poor posture knee pain, shin splints and hip pain.  The minimal support of the footwear is too thin to absorb the impact.

A positive form of footwear for summer that can help with balance is sandals with arch support. Sandals such as Birkenstock sandals have built in support that will help you maintain your balance while walking. Also, going barefoot has been proven to strengthen the smaller muscles in the foot.  These muscles can help increase balance by creating a strong walking stride by having the heel of the foot land first.

Since one of the best parts of summer is sliding on flip flops and walking out the door, we encourage you to select supportive footwear or to even take off your shoes, and go for a barefoot walk once in awhile.  Losing your balance is no laughing matter. Make sure to select shoes that will keep you safe so that you can enjoy this whole summer!