Comfort and Running Shoes Store, The Shoe Barrel, Warns About Dangers of Flip Flops

June 7, 2011 - PRLog -- Summertime is here.  It’s time for pool parties, BBQ’s, and summer vacations.  It is also the most popular time to free your toes and slip on a cool pair of flip-flops.   This time of year, people can be seen donning flip-flops just about everywhere.  Of course they are on the beach, but people can also be seen wearing flip-flops in shopping malls, supermarkets, and casual restaurants. The ever growing popularity of “Flip-Flop Fridays” has even made them acceptable in the workplace! Many think that they are doing their feet a favor by taking a break from stiletto heels or uncomfortable dress shoes, and sliding into flip-flops.  However, The Shoe Barrel, a comfort and running shoes store, warns that this highly popular form of footwear may be causing some serious problems.  Find more information on http://www.TheShoeBarrel.com

“Many people wear flip-flops as replacement for their normal shoe gear because they are simple to wear, especially in Southwest Florida, where most are wearing more relaxed clothing,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kleiman, a Florida Podiatrist with the Institute of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine.  “That’s where we find the problems.”

“In a normal flip-flop the front of your foot has to work harder to keep the flip-flop on and there is minimal support and shock absorption.  That can lead to and exacerbate tendonitis, arch pain, hammer toes and many other issues,” said Certified Licensed Pedorthist Chris Cole, The Shoe Barrel.

“We’re probably seeing ten people a week with flip-flop related issues,” commented Dr. Kleiman.  “We see an increasing number of patients with conditions such as plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of the foot.  This can certainly result from wearing flip-flops frequently.”

Flip-flops have virtually no support, they don’t absorb shock, and people typically wear them for far too long.  In addition, they’re unstable, making it easier to turn an ankle.  For all of their seductive sponginess, 99 percent of flip-flops provide no support.  So, they can stress other joints, causing pain in the knees and back.

For those flip-flop lovers who don’t want to give up freedom of the toes, there are some alternates that aren’t as damaging to the feet.  There are specialty lines of flip-flops that provide support, absorb shock, and provide stability.  The Shoe Barrel, which features high quality shoes online, carries a few lines of flip-flops like Finn Comfort, Aetrex, and Aravon that are fashionable and easy on the feet.  See examples of these flip flops, sandals, and many other shoes at http://www.TheShoeBarrel.com

“These types of flip-flops are really the best option out there, as the sole and arch support are similar to a good athletic shoe.  It can accommodate an orthotic and it is even adjustable at the toe area so the straps don’t cut into the front of the foot,” said Chris Cole.

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About The Shoe Barrel:
The Shoe Barrel is a health oriented, online footwear retailer, operated by Chris Cole, a Certified Licensed Pedorthist. The online store, located at http://www.theshoebarrel.com, provides a vast selection of high quality comfort shoes and sandals, including brands such as Finn Comfort, Drew, Chung Shi, Reebok, MBT, and more. All footwear sold on the site is overstock inventory from a retailer that is a recognized leader in specialty footwear, orthopedic shoes, walking shoes, running shoes, rocker sole shoes, and diabetic footwear. It also specializes in shoes for alleviation of joint pain and back pain, and for those suffering from foot conditions, such as heel pain, flat feet, hammer toes, or plantar fasciitis. The Shoe Barrel’s online store provides an unsurpassed level of quality footwear, at deeply discounted prices that are not available in a retail setting. For more information about The Shoe Barrel, visit TheShoeBarrel.com or call (239) 495-8911.