Another name for the “flip-flop” is the “trip-slip.” Nothing ruins a nice day at the pool like a broken knee cap, sprained wrist, or a concussion, and the recovery from these injuries is even worse. Fear not, you can still keep your feet cool by wearing sandals that have a heel strap and (at least) a little bit of traction.
Biggest risks for flip flops:
- Wet surfaces: flip flops usually have smooth bottoms that are ideal for hydroplaning. When your feet go out from underneath of you quickly your skull can find the ground faster than your body can stop it. People get concussions and traumatic brain injuries from these falls. (As someone who’s had too many concussions, I can tell you they are something to avoid.) If you do stop your head from hitting the ground the speed usually means a broken bone in the body part that stops spares the head from hitting the ground. Those who are strong and in good shape break bones, and those who are not fare much worse.
- Tripping: because flip flops flip and flop they turn someone who walks well into someone who does the “cowboy shuffle” – meaning your shoes barely leave the ground, so they catch easily, taking you down hard. This carries the same risks as the wet surfaces – broken bones (more on the front side of your body) and head trauma.
- Driving: flip flops delay braking speed, get caught on pedals, and slip on the pedals. All of which massively increase the risk of getting into an accident. Some estimates are as high as 1 million additional accidents per year.
- Playing sports: does anyone over 25 need an explanation of why playing pickleball, or even Frisbee in flip flops is a good way to get a high grade ankle sprain? Who wants to spend their beach trip limping around?
- Alcohol: it should go without saying that adding an additional risk factor for trips and falls (alcohol) to the increased risk of trips and falls from flip flops multiplies the danger. The worst falls with the alcohol and flip flop combo have been fatal.
- Foot problems: the less acute problem with flip flops is that they change how you walk. Normally your toes come up as your pick up your foot, but to keep the flip flop on your foot your toes have to curl down. A normal stride moves your toes and ankles up and down providing alternating stretching and contracting in both directions. With the flip flop your toes and ankles miss out on the upward stretch (toe extension and dorsiflexion of the ankle), and your hips and knees also need to compensate for the changes at your feet. A few minutes isn’t going to be a problem for most, but multiple hours for feet that are already “on the edge” can lead to a very painful flare-up that can last for days or weeks.
Is there any time flip flops are safe?
Flip flops are lowest risk on a soft, dry surface like beach sand. Not really safe, but lowest risk. They’re convenient because they slip on and off quickly and keep your feet from burning on the hot sand. They still pose a significant tripping hazard, but if you are going to fall, sand would be the least bad surface to fall on. With all of that said, I would not recommend walking to the beach in them. Also, if you have a history of plantar fasciitis (or other painful foot situations) I would not wear them even on the sand.
Bottom Line
Getting hurt sucks the fun out of life for you, and for the people who love and care for you. Sandals are slightly less convenient for summer shoes, but I hope I’ve made the case that the slight inconvenience is worth it.
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Coach Josef Brandenburg — ACE | NASM | Precision Nutrition | Training Peri and Menopausal Women | Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification | Functional Kettlebell Training | 28 years coaching | Specializes in strength training for women over 40.
Josef Brandenburg, best selling author, is the co-owner and a coach at True 180 Personal Training, Charlotte’s most effective personal training studio for women since 2016. With decades of experience and multiple certifications, he shares his research with you!