Buy and Walk in Flip Flops
Flip-flops are definitely 'in', and they come in all different colors and styles. They are not the same to walk in as regular shoes, and you have to learn how, or else you might just find yourself walking 'out' of them.
Contents
Steps
- Get a good pair of flip-flops. When standing in them you should be able to see about a 1/2 an inch (1.27 centimeters) of a sole all around your foot.
- Make sure they don't rub the top of your feet. This will irritate the skin. Flip-flops with rubber straps can be easier on the feet but those with leather or cloth straps can be fitted to be more snug and easier to walk in.
- When walking, keep your feet pointed relatively straight. If you walk with 'duck feet' or with your toes pointed together, you are more likely to have them get caught on the ground and you will trip.
- Pinch your big toe and pointer toe together as you walk. This will help you to keep control of the position of the flip-flop on your foot.
- Curl your toes and foot a little as you walk.
- Walk heel to toe. If properly fitted, there should be no need to slide your feet continuously to keep your flip-flops on.
Tips
- Your foot should never hang over when standing. If the sole is much bigger than described, your flip-flop is probably too big and you'll also have a hard time walking in them.
- As someone who lives in flip-flops it's recommended trying on a pair that fits loosely, and has at least an inch sticking out the back of your heel. This allows me to walk without pinching my toes around the strap, as my foot can drift over an inch back when I walk and still be in the flops.
- You should not pinch or curl your toes in flip flops. This is the main cause of injury. Make sure the flops are fairly snug, let your foot relax, and walk as you would if you were barefoot. This is the only safe and healthy way to wear flip flops.
- One of the alias names for flip-flops is 'slaps'. The name comes from the slapping sound made when you walk in flip-flops and the sole of the flip-flop hits the bottom of your foot.
Warnings
- Curling your toes when you walk for extended periods of time can cause hammer toe, in which the second, third, and fourth toes remain bent, resembling a hammer.
- If the top of the strap part of the flip flop breaks off its virtually impossible to fix it without it coming out again. Be careful of this!
- Be careful: If worn for extended periods of time, your toes can feel chafed from the thong piece. When sitting in public or standing in line, it is common to take one or both of your feet out of the thong area and give your feet a rest from the thong part. Just try to be discreet as to not put the bottom your bare (or flip flopped) feet visible so that a dirty sole is exposed.It is acceptable to kick the flip flops off and sit "Indian Style" in a restaurant booth. However, try to not expose the sole of your foot if it is blackened from walking about.
- It can be hard to drive a car in flip-flops But, when you do decide to drive, put your heel down they can be pushed forward and get stuck in the pedals. It is recommended to drive barefoot and then put them back on when you get to your destination. Be sure to put the flip-flops AWAY from the pedals! Check against all applicable laws and ordinances by reading websites such as www.pedolgroup.com, www.barefooters.org, or even a simple Google search.
- It is hard to sneak up on people if you are wearing flip-flops as they make a 'slapping' sound when you walk.
- Wearing rubber flip-flops in hot weather on long walks is a good way to get blisters on your feet.
- It is hard to run in flip-flops. Make sure you are comfortable if you frequently run.
- Wet weather/puddle advisory. Most flip-flops have soles that can become quite slippery on a wet surface. Pay attention to the condition of the ground you are walking on.
