Now that the weather is heating up, it’s sandal season once again. We love our strappy styles and the ease of flip flops, but a lot of our go-to summer styles can be bad for our feet. Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, foot surgeon and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association warns that many summer shoes “tend to be too flat and flimsy” which can lead to knee, hip and back pain. This is the footwear we should stay away from to stay safe while looking good.
“Fashion” sneakers- If they were made for style and not for support, don’t wear them for more than casual walking and standing because they’re not good for your feet.
Flat flip flops- Those flat and thin ones have little to no support, so go for styles with thicker soles and arch support built in.
Very high heels- The higher they are, the more they distort your skeleton, forcing your knees and hips to move forward and your back to hyperextend backward. The American Podiatric Medical Association advises sticking with two inch heels to stay safe.
Flat sandals- Sure, they’re cute, but they don’t have support, arches and cushioning, so they don’t absorb shock and can cause foot, knee, hip, and back pain.
Very high and stiff wedges- Wedges are better than heels because they distribute body weight across a bigger surface, but look for cushioned ones that “bend at the forefoot” and are less than three inches tall so they’re more comfortable and natural to walk in.
Thin ballerina flats- Find more supportive versions of the style that have cushion and arch support.