Tips to Avoid a Flip-Flop Fiasco

Following the recommendations listed below, which are provided by the American Podiatrtic Medical Association will ensure that when you wear flip-flops, your feet will remain protected and healthy!

Shop for a flip-flop made of high-quality, soft leather. Leather minimizes the potential
for blisters and other types of irritation.

DO’S:
• Do look for flip-flops that hold APMA’s Seal of Acceptance, such as those made by SOLE
and Orthaheel. Evaluated by a team of APMA podiatrists, these products are shown to
allow for the most normal foot function and promote quality health.
• Do gently bend the flip-flop from end to end, ensuring it bends at the ball of the foot.
Shoes of any kind should never fold in half.
• Do wear a sturdy pair of flip-flops when walking around a public pool, at the beach, in
hotel rooms and in locker room areas. Walking barefoot can expose foot soles to plantar
warts and athlete’s foot.
• Do ensure that your foot doesn’t hang off of the edge of the flip-flop.

DO NOT'S
•Don’t re-wear flip-flops year after year. Inspect older pairs for wear. If they show signs of
severe wear, discard them.
• Don’t ignore irritation between toes, where the toe thong fits. This can lead to blisters and
possible infections.
• Don’t wear flip-flops while walking long distances. Even the sturdiest flip-flops offer little
in terms of shock absorption and arch support.
• Don’t do yard work while wearing flip-flops. Always wear a shoe that fully protects feet
when doing outside activities such as mowing the lawn or using a weed-eater.
• Don’t play sports in flip-flops. This practice can lead to twisting of the foot or ankle, as
well as sprains and breaks.