Flip-flops are a summer fashion staple among college students and Americans, but a recent study from Auburn University warns that the shoes could have a negative effect on health if worn too often.
Researchers asked 39 college-aged individuals to wear either flip-flops or athletic shoes and walk on a platform that measured step force and stride length. The subjects wearing flip-flops took shorter steps, hit the platform with less force and kept their toes angled farther down than those wearing athletic shoes.
Those differences could cause problems in the feet, hips and lower back, according to the study.
Austin podiatrist Rick Warpula said flip-flops would not cause an average student any serious problems as long as they were used appropriately.
"I like flip-flops; I wear them myself," Warpula said. "If used properly, they can be convenient, helpful and appropriate. The main thing is that shoes need to be appropriate for the activity."
Wearing flip-flops to the beach or pool or on short walks is fine, Warpula said, but wearing them while participating in sports or walking long distances could cause a number of injuries, from ankle sprains to sunburned feet to toe fractures.