Wearing Flip-flops May Lead to Leg Pain

I love that comfortable feeling of slipping into a pair of flip-flops right after a run or race during the hot summer months. That's why I was so disappointed to find out that excessive wearing of flip-flops may lead to lower leg pain and a change in your stride.

A recent study, presented at the 55th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine(ACSM) in Indianapolis, compared the gait of flip-flops wearers to their gait when wearing sneakers. Researchers found a statistically significant decrease in the vertical (straight-down) force in flip-flop wearers. This decreased force may explain anecdotal evidence that persons who wear flip-flops alter their normal gait and may experience lower leg pain.

If you love your flip-flops like I do, be sure to follow these tips:

• Don't make them your primary shoes. Flip-flops are not meant for walking long distances, so wear them casually for short periods of time.
• Look for flip-flops that offer good support. Although they'll be more expensive than less supportive flip-flips, they're worth the investment.
• Although your flip-flops may feel really comfortable after you've broken them in, you should replace them every few months, just like you would your running shoes.

_{"Flip-flops, Heels Examined for Performance, Impact" American College of Sports Medicine press release, May 29, 2008}