Flip Flops - Good, Bad or Just Plain Ugly?

As summer rolls in, we tend to see a familiar trend in the clinic—an increase in patients dealing with knee pain, ankle discomfort, hip issues, and even lower back pain. When we dig a little deeper, there’s often a common problem: flip flops.
While they may seem like the perfect summer footwear, flip flops can do more harm than good when it comes to your overall alignment and spinal health.

Flip flops simply don’t provide that support. They lack structure, which allows the arch to over-roll. This motion not only destabilizes your foot, but also causes a ripple effect throughout the body. The inward rolling of the foot creates excessive rotation through the ankle, knee, hip, and eventually your spine.

That constant, repetitive motion can lead to inflammation, overuse injuries, and joint misalignment. Many people don’t notice it immediately, but after days or weeks of wearing flip flops regularly, the discomfort starts to settle in.

A Summer Staple

Flip flops are quick, easy, and a staple of summer. But convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of your joint health.

When you’re walking long distances, spending hours on your feet, or even just standing for extended periods, your footwear matters more than you might think. Wearing flat, unsupportive sandals day after day puts unnecessary strain on your musculoskeletal system. Over time, it can lead to chronic pain and even postural problems.

You don’t have to give up open-toed shoes entirely—just be mindful of what you’re choosing. Look for sandals that offer:

• A contoured footbed with proper arch support
• A deep heel cup to help stabilize the foot
• A firm, structured sole rather than soft foam

These features provide much better support and help protect your knees, hips, and spine from unnecessary stress.

If you’re not sure what to look for, we’ve included a video in this blog that shows a good example of supportive sandals.