Flip-flops: Bad for the soul?

Women could benefit from investing in a good pair of ladies shoes, following publication of a new survey which suggests that walking in flip-flops can cause a number of aches and pains all over the body.

The study, which was carried out by podiatrists from Auburn Universit, revealed that wearing thong flip-flops can bring about sore feet, ankles and legs. The team concluded that flip-flops cause more health problems than any other shoes, including high heels.

Presenting their findings at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine, Justin Shroyer, lead researcher, explained that people walking in flip-flops tend to take shorter steps and place less vertical force on their heels, which can result in problems from foot up to the lower back.

"Variations like this at the foot can result in changes up the kinetic chain, which in this case can extend upward in the wearer’s body," he added.

Although the researcher's did not suggest that people stop wearing flip-flops entirely, they advised that they are only worn for short periods of time, adding that flip-flops are not designed to properly support the food and ankle during all-day wear.