Antoni Figueredo, podiatrist: "Flip-flops may be comfortable at first, but they're not that good."

If there's one shoe that's perfect for summer, and one that everyone in Spain has at home, it's flip-flops. Versatile, comfortable (at least apparently), practical, easy to clean... and even available in a thousand other highly desirable designs, flip-flops promote a light step, keep feet open to prevent moisture and bacteria buildup, and are suitable for everyone.

However, podiatrist Antoni Figueredo has some caveats about this type of footwear, which he doesn't consider particularly healthy for either the gait or posture . In a video on his social media, the expert asserts that flip-flops "are one of the worst types of footwear in existence from every perspective." What exactly does he mean?

Flip-flops, a bad choice for our feet

In his criticism, Figueredo, the popularizer and foot health expert, refers to flip-flops, the simplest and most widespread model, but also the least safe and least suitable for postural health. The main reason the podiatrist advises against their use is that, without realizing it, with each step in flip-flops we force our toes into a "claw" shape to prevent them from slipping out.

It's an involuntary gesture that, if performed for a few minutes a day, won't have any consequences. However, if we spend the entire day in flip-flops, eventually, "we'll end up increasing the muscular load on our calves and the fascia, the tissue located on the sole of the foot ," warns the podiatrist.

As a result of this poor stride, muscle pain is likely to develop, especially in the metatarsals of the toes, as well as in the Achilles tendon due to the "claw effect" and the lack of cushioning due to the thin, flat, and shapeless sole . In the worst case, plantar fasciitis can develop due to constant inflammation.

Changes in foot biomechanics, and pain in the knee and back

Flip-flops, by their very design, don't help the foot feel comfortable, even though they might seem that way at first. Stepping in flip-flops " alters stride, momentum, and especially impact on the heel. In general, it could be said that it changes the entire biomechanics of the foot ."

By not stepping correctly, the consequences continue to multiply, in the form of repercussions on the knees , and even affecting the back, which causes pain without us often finding an explanation.

Since they don't offer any kind of support, unlike traditional jelly shoes, which at least support the foot (though not the ankle), the foot is at the mercy of our stability and balance, and the safety of the terrain we're walking on . The Achilles tendon suffers, the heel suffers, and the gait changes for the worse. Furthermore, they can be slippery on certain surfaces, with the consequent risk of falling.