For most people, summer means sunny weather, holidays and outdoor activities. It also means a chance to ‘liberate’ our feet from cumbersome shoes and boots and enjoy wearing fun, informal footwear.
But is this a good move for our feet? It all depends on the ‘fun informal’ footwear.
Many foot care professionals advise caution, as they see a sharp increase in foot pain problems in the summer, when large numbers of people wear flimsy footwear like flip flops, or even go barefoot for prolonged periods. At Foot Solutions Richmond, we call summer ‘Plantar Fasciitis season’.
Flip flops may seem comfortable when compared to more restrictive formal shoes, but they aren’t good for foot health. According to the College of Podiatry, ‘flip flops and cheap sandals provide no/little arch support and constant wearing can cause pain’. Some experts even argue that flip flops are the most unsupportive footwear you can choose. Because flip flops don’t support important weight-bearing areas of the feet, they can directly lead to serious conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis which affect the bottom of the foot and the back of the leg. Also, flip flops often cause wearers to trip up when the loose soles catch against things like uneven paving stones or steps.
Summer foot pain problems are often compounded on holiday, when people spend a lot of time walking barefoot on hard, tiled or concreted surfaces around pools or in hotels or villas.
So, what is the answer? Surely, we’re not expected to wear heavy, formal shoes in the summer? Of course not.
How can you enjoy the sunshine without compromising your foot health?
You and your feet can enjoy the sunshine safely by following the 3 tips below:
- If you’re likely to be on your feet for long periods, wear well-constructed sandals and summer footwear that provide stability and support and which ideally, can accommodate custom arch supports. Foot Solutions have an extensive selection of stylish, comfortable options to choose from
- Wear flip flops sparingly. They can provide good protection on the beach or in the shower room, but they shouldn’t be worn for extended periods
- Walking barefoot on a sandy beach is usually fine, but avoid walking shoe-less on hard surfaces with no ‘give’
Call in store to see our full range of summer footwear. Our consultants will be delighted to help
Image credit: Gilles Seguin via Unsplash