Every summer's soundtrack includes the familiar "thwack thwack" of flip-flops.
The airy sandals are comfortable for many people around the pool, on a beach trip or quick errand close to home. But wearing such flimsy footwear on a regular basis could lead to foot problems.
"They're a little bit of foam on the bottom of your foot and that's about it," said Dr. Seth Richman, an orthopedist at Novant Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine - Cornelius.
Flip-flops have expanded to year-round footwear in the temperate South, something Richman, a New York native, has grown accustomed to. He sees patients — and many of the challenges flip-flops create — throughout the year. He urges flip-flop fans to keep the following in mind.
Injured? Get immediate orthopedic care.
Not very safe
"The biggest thing I see is that flip-flops aren't going to give you any protection if you stub your foot or if something drops on you," Richman said. "It's easy to get them caught and trip. And slippery surfaces are not exactly the best traction. If you're going to do biking or ride the (community) scooters we're seeing now, you can fall and get some serious road rash because there's not much protection there."
Not supportive
The average flip-flops are thin and flat. Women's flip-flops are notoriously slimmer than many men's versions.
"A piece of leather with maybe a rubber tread if you're lucky," Richman said. "That's basically walking barefoot. It's not giving you any support. You're going to have issues with plantar fasciitis (inflammation of tissue that stretches from the heel bone to the base of the toes). If you have issues with flat feet or high arches, you're not getting any protection from that."
Richman said flip-flops with additional arch support are available. They cost more, but the more support they provide, the better.