Wearing Flip-Flops Might Be Worsening Your Heel Pain

Flip-flops are a summertime staple: easy to slide on, cool, and perfect for the beach. But even though they’re convenient, they can wreak havoc on your feet.

If you have heel pain that seems to get worse after a day in flip-flops, you aren’t imagining things. Flip-flops offer little to no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption, making them one of the most common culprits behind foot pain — especially in the heel.

Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in foot and ankle care in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York. Here’s why wearing flip-flops might be making your heel pain worse and how to choose shoes that help your feet feel better.

The connection between flip-flops and heel pain

One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition that develops when your plantar fascia — a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot — gets inflamed. Plantar fasciitis causes sharp, stabbing pain in your heel that’s particularly bad with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

The plantar fascia takes an incredible amount of stress with every step you take, and as your foot strikes the ground, it can get irritated, stretched, and inflamed. Since flip-flops offer little to no arch support, wearing them can make heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis even worse.

Along with lack of arch support, flip-flops can alter your gait. They don’t secure your foot, so you might grip the soles with your toes to keep them in place, which can throw off natural walking mechanics. This added strain doesn’t just affect your foot, either. It can travel up the kinetic chain and contribute to pain in your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back over time.

It’s important to note that wearing flip-flops occasionally isn’t typically enough to cause heel pain on its own. However, flip-flops and other non-supportive shoes can certainly worsen existing problems or delay healing from conditions like plantar fasciitis.

How to choose shoes that support your feet

So, what should you wear instead of flip-flops? The best footwear for preventing heel pain is supportive, well-cushioned, and suited to your activity level, so look for shoes with strong arch support, a slightly raised heel, firm heel counters, and plenty of shock absorption.

Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics can pinpoint the cause of your heel pain, recommend treatment, and help you find comfortable shoes that fit your style. Many brands now offer sandal-style shoes with orthopedic features that still feel light and breezy but won’t sacrifice your foot health.

Depending on your needs, we might recommend custom orthotics, physical therapy, and advanced treatments for chronic pain. And when you’re dealing with heel pain, it’s a good idea to wear supportive slippers or shoes indoors, too. Walking barefoot for long stretches can exacerbate heel pain, even if it's only around your house.

Don’t let summer style set you back. Get personalized care for your heel pain at Manhattan Orthopedics, and support your feet all season long. Schedule a consultation with our team to get started.