It is usually high heels that get a bad press for causing foot problems, but flip-flops injure more than 200,000 people each year, costing the NHS over £40m in treatment.While they used to be limited to the beach, flip-flops are now a staple of many a girl's wardrobe and GPs are dealing with injuries from falls and longer-term problems on a regular basis.
Experts say the summer footwear favourites force us to change the way we walk and, aside from the risk of tripping over, prolonged use can lead to shin splints and joint pain.
Among the most frequent complaints are twisted ankles and aching toes, from the toe-scrunch grip necessary to keep hold of the flip-flops.
MBT, the shoe firm that obtained the figures, said 15 million British women now don the flip-flops for the summer months.
Mike O'Neill, a spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, explained the dangers to the Daily Mail: "They land on the outside and then roll the foot inwards putting all the pressure on the big toe. This constant rolling puts pressure on the ankle joint causing it to weaken.
"The lack of support of the flip-flop also causes pain in the tendons on the inside of the foot and lower leg. It can also lead to shin splints."
But don't worry, you won't need to spend the summer wearing sensible shoes - just make sure you put the flip-flops away once the heat fades.
What do you think? Are you a flip-flop fan? Leave your comments below...
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Thursday 29 July
By Lynne
Perhaps it is peculiar to me, but I cannot wear flip-flops at all. (Not even on the beach) I just cannot stand that 'pillar' between my toes. It makes me cringe. The only sandal type shoes for me are the ones with a tab straight across the foot. That may well be just as bad, I don't know. Anyway, that's started the comments off for you!
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Thursday 29 July
By Eileen
Millions of people all over the world. particularly in Asia, wear flipflops all day, every day of the year, and have beautifully straight toes, no bunions nor athletes foot. It is cramming the feet into high heels/tight shoes which causes the problems, compounded with obesity increasing the number of pounds per square inch on the feet.
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Wednesday 11 August
By John
We are NOT discussing Asia, or anywhere else except Britain, and the cost to the National Health Service. Clearly Brits, for whatever reason, are not meant for flip-flops!
Thursday 29 July
By Dori
There are much better flip flops now such as Fitflops ( I never have mine off!!!) which are more supportive and exercise the legs. Think Sketchers & other brands do similiar things. Worth the extra money if you can afford it.
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Thursday 12 August
By Donna
I found these http://www.nooshooz.co.uk/shooz/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=16 and they have extra padding on the insole ad also a wider upper to support the feet , I also have Fit Flops , I wear my Fit-flops around the house and my Nooshooz with all my pretty dresses and skirts .
I do not like the flimsy rubber flip flops as I have tripped many times , but with the wide suporting upper of the Fit-flop and Nooshooz there is no risk of them causing an accident .
Thursday 29 July
By Foz
I thought it was obese people who caused the NHS most problems, followed by smokers, I suppose a fat smoker wearing flip flops is a national dissaster, aaaarrrrggghhh. There again nexr week flip flops will be good for you, but only if you eat three a day ha ha ha
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Thursday 29 July
By Sam Richardson
Yes i agree, crocs are another problem in footwear, no support!!!!! i work in a childrens shoe shop, we have too many referals from the hospital because the children are not wearing proper footwear with no support, this makes me really cross, as this problem can be sorted when the child starts walking, put a proper fitting shoe on your child and not a fashion item, fashion causes real problems with young children..."NO" to uggs, crocs, and dolly shoes....they cause real problems.......
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Wednesday 11 August
By John
Sam - well-said! NOT that the millions of stupid people out there will take any notice ....
Thursday 12 August
By mum
what a load of codswallop !! My 12 yr old has never had a pair of tight shoes or high heels in her life but has bunion like growths on her feet - foot doctor at hospital says just the way her feet are growing - the angle of her toes has never changed in years as her feet grow - Fitflops for her are great - no pressure, she has to wear trainers to school as they are soft and ' give ' at the toe despite getting regular letters home about it. Even Clarks shoes are not broad enough at the toe and narrow at the heel. Lightweight goretex type walking boots are great for winter.
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Thursday 12 August
By Brian
I wore flip flops way back in the fiftys in Malaya,Flip flops were not even in this country most solders wore them off duty never did me or any I know any harm Its the users that cause the damage not the fllp flops left your feet up you sloppy lot
I knew I should have inported them in the fiftys I would have been a millionare now.
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