AU study shows that overuse of flip-flops can lead to orthopedic problems
Auburn University researchers have found that wearing thong-style flip-flops can result in orthopedic problems of the feet, ankles and legs. The research team, led by biomechanics doctoral student Justin Shroyer, presented its findings at the recent annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis. "We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back," Shroyer said. "Variations like this at the foot can result in changes up the kinetic chain, which in this case can extend upward in the wearer's body." The researchers, in the AU College of Education's Department of Kinesiology, recruited 39 college-age men and women for the study. Participants, wearing thong-style flip-flops and then traditional athletic shoes, walked across a platform that measured vertical force as the walkers' feet hit the ground. In addition, a video camcorder measured stride length and limb angles. Shroyer's team found that flip-flop wearers took shorter steps and that their heels hit the ground with less vertical force than when the same walkers wore athletic shoes. When wearing flip-flops, the study participants did not bring their toes up as much during the leg's swing phase, resulting in a larger ankle angle and shorter stride length, possibly because they tended to grip the flip-flops with their toes.
Tags: flip-flops, kinesiology, research, sports medicine
August 4th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
I’ve had a pair of Tevas for about 15 years now and they’re awesome, and holding up pretty good. I enjoy wearing them in the summer and cutting down on sock laundry. Plus, I always tune into that margaritaville song when I put them on and no matter how painful my ankle, knees, or lower back are – I feel at ease.. Recently while shopping for new running shoes I thought about looking into some new sandals and was really impressed with a pair I discovered which had air cushioning in the heal and even a beer bottle opener on about the midsole on the bottom of each! Have you tested the effects of these advanced sandals on your specimen? I’m really crious to see if the air cushions help improve the vertical force deficit your study suggests and wonder if the metal beer bottle opener sole offers any additional arch support of suppresion of toe bunching per stride?? Cheers!
September 13th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Well I don’t see a problem that serious to be worthy of such a study. A person with thong style flip flops does not necessarily grip them with the toes.
It may be that participants in this study were too cautious about the analysis and evaluation of their gait that it altered their normal gait.
Only a person wearing flip flops for the first time may be subject to such gait.
Dr. Gauresh
Orthopedist
St. George’s Hospital
January 17th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
I agree with Dr. Gauresh. I have flip flops that are VERY comfortable, as much so that I put them on after I take off my other shoes. I believe they are convenient and safe.
February 15th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
I agree with Dr. Gauresh and Amy. I am very comfortable in my flip flops, but they are also called “curiously comfortable flip flops” from http://www.feelgoodz.com.
May 4th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
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