Flip-Flops Flop

Why Flip Flops Might Be Wrecking Your Feet (And What to Do Instead)

Summer is here—and so are flip flops. While they’re easy and convenient, most flip flops are not great for your feet when worn too much. Here’s why:

The Problem with Flip Flops

To keep a flip flop on, your toes have to grip constantly, especially your big toe. This causes the muscles in your foot to work in unnatural ways—leading to weakening of your arch over time. Instead of supporting your natural foot function, flip flops encourage poor mechanics.

The Big Toe's Big Role

Your big toe isn’t just for balance—it plays a huge role in arch support. The muscles that pull your big toe inward (toward your midline) help stabilize and lift your arch. When these muscles get weak (often from poor footwear), the arch collapses and throws off your whole lower body alignment.

Why Foot Strength Matters for Your Whole Body

Weak feet = poor foundation. That means your knees, hips, and lower back end up compensating for what your feet can’t do. Over time, this leads to knee pain, hip tension, lower back issues, and reduced athletic performance.

Better Footwear = Better Function

The solution isn’t arch supports—it’s strong, functional feet. Arch supports and orthotics may help short term, but they can let your muscles stay weak instead of fixing the real issue.

Instead, look for:

• Shoes and sandals with a wide toe box to let your toes spread naturally

• Flexible soles that allow foot movement

• Minimal drop (no raised heel)

Some excellent options include (but certainly are not limited to): Keen, Vivobarefoot, Xero Shoes, Lems, Luna Sandals, and Bedrock Sandals.

These support natural movement and let your feet do their job.

Go Barefoot When You Can

Walking barefoot (especially outside on grass, sand, or dirt) is one of the best things you can do for your foot strength and overall balance. It activates small stabilizing muscles, improves sensory input, and builds natural arch strength

Bottom Line

Your feet are the foundation of your body. Flip flops, narrow shoes, and over-reliance on arch supports weaken that foundation. Building strong feet with the right footwear—and spending more time barefoot—can improve everything from your arches to your lower back. Flip flops to walk from the car to the pool? Go for it! Flip-Flops all summer long? Perhaps reconsider your footwear strategy for long-term comfort and health!