Because there is no side support and the pinky toes are exposed, often hanging a little off the edge, the little guys are prone to being bumped and stubbed, sometimes even dislocated. There’s nothing to be done for a broken toe but to wait for it to heal so it’s best to protect them in the first place.
If you often wear flip-flops and find your feet and legs are sore, the best thing to do is to get rid of the sandals and regularly stretch your feet.
Opting out of flip-flops doesn’t mean you have to close your feet up like it’s January—there are lots of supportive, fashionable sandals that will let your feet soak up the sunshine and allow you to feel the warm breezes between your toes.
Many are thong-style with a simple back strap to keep your feet from slipping around the base of the sandal. Look for sandals that move with your foot to avoid pain and blisters. Arch support is also important to prevent fatigue and strain. In terms of materials, leather and rubber soles are better than foam for absorbing joint impact.
Better yet, walk barefoot when you can.
Kick off your shoes and stand tall! Walking barefoot on natural surfaces like grass and sand doesn’t hurt. In fact, the more often you walk shoeless, the stronger your feet and ankles will become (2).
Going barefoot improve the ease of movement and flexibility of the feet, which in turn results in better blood circulation. It also provides better stability and balance.
As you begin to spend more time barefoot, your natural gait will emerge, (unimpeded by footwear) and the muscles of your back and abdomen will tone and strengthen.
Additionally, you are much less prone to slouching if you’re barefoot. Most shoes and sandals hold the feet in an unnatural position that your body attempts to correct by changing your posture.