It’s that time again in New Mexico when sandals and flip-flops become the norm for almost all events. Here at New Mexico Foot and Ankle Institute, we see the problems that come along with that. We see an increase in heel pain, arch pain, Achilles tendonitis, and other aches and pains that come from not wearing a shoe with enough support.
Painful Feet?
So if you have noticed your feet getting sore and painful, you may want to check what you are wearing because they may be hurting you more than you think. Sandals and flip-flops always seem to feel great when you first put them on. Our feet seem to enjoy having no shoes and socks on. But after a long day of wear and tear with no support, our feet seem to scream for help. My tips for this start with watching what kind of sandals and flip-flops we wear.
Benefits of Supportive Sandals
Luckily, you can now purchase sandals that have more support and more cushion than you used to. Make sure they don’t bend much and you have a nice layer or cushion under your feet. Some sandals now even have built-in arch support. We carry a number of different sandals and flip-flops in the office that are very supportive. There are many brands now that are built for activities and even hiking. Some people just need more support than these sandals can provide, and I recommend using shoe gear specific to the activity.
If you are going to be doing a lot of walking, stick with your good walking shoes. Exercise should be done in specific exercise shoes. If you are going to hang out at the pool or if you are planning on an afternoon in the backyard doing a barbecue, go ahead and break out the flip-flops and enjoy the sunshine and warmth that make summer so great.
