How to Choose Flip-Flops

When it’s warm outside, flip-flops might seem like the perfect pair of shoes to put on. However, not all of them are good for you, and sometimes they can even cause damage to your feet. 5-Minute Crafts wants to tell you how to choose the right pair to ensure the best support and comfort for your feet.

1. Get the correct shoe size.

When choosing a new pair of flip-flops, pay close attention to how well they fit your feet. Keep in mind:

• When you have the flip-flops on, make sure that your heels or toes don’t hang out. There should be at least half an inch between the edge of your foot and the edge of the sole.
• Also, they shouldn’t move around so much that you have a hard time keeping them on your feet when you walk.
• Check for how comfortable the flip-flops feel. Shoes that don’t sit too well on your feet can rub against the skin and cause open wounds and blisters.

2. Check the arch support.

Flip-flops are normally lighter and more flexible than normal shoes, and that’s why they can sometimes miss arch support. However, it’s necessary as arches help you to maintain good foot health. Shoes with arch support are designed to hold up arch muscles and shift away from the weight of the forefoot.

Flat and very flexible flip-flops that you can easily bend in half most likely won’t offer the necessary arch support and can be harmful to your feet. Therefore, it’s better to avoid them.

3. Check the heel.

To minimize the strain to your heels, Achilles, and back, it’s recommended to choose flip-flops that have a little heel or wedge instead of being completely flat. This heel or wedge should be no more than 3/4 of an inch and provide good cushioning to ease pressure on the feet.

Bonus: some extra tips

Do:

• Choose better quality, sturdy flip-flops, preferably made of leather, to minimize risks of blisters and irritation.
• Slightly bend the flip-flops, making sure that they can bend at the ball of the foot.
• Replace old flip-flops that are torn or damaged.

Don’t:

• Ignore irritation and discomfort when wearing flip-flops.
• Work in the yard while wearing flip-flops. Instead, wear shoes that can protect your feet.
• Play sports in flip-flops as you run into the risk of damaging or twisting your foot or ankle.