Fashion experts and podiatrists discuss the impact of popular summer footwear styles on foot health and offer advice on choosing supportive options.
Key facts
- •Fashion trend forecaster Angela Baidoo identifies kitten-heeled flip-flops as a popular style for the current summer season.
- •Dr. Helen Branthwaite warns that feet can splay over time if they are not properly supported.
- •Crocs and Birkenstocks are cited as orthopaedically designed options that prioritize comfort.
- •Fisherman-style sandals are suggested as a more formal alternative to casual flip-flops.
- •Experts recommend regular foot measurements to account for natural changes in foot size over time.
As summer footwear trends evolve, experts are highlighting the balance between style and foot health. While flip-flops remain popular for their convenience, podiatrists and fashion forecasters warn that a lack of support can lead to strain and injury, particularly when transitioning from more structured shoes.
Foot Health and Support
Dr. Helen Branthwaite, a podiatrist and chief clinical adviser at the Royal College of Podiatry, notes that flip-flops are not inherently bad, but problems arise when wearers switch abruptly from structured footwear to flat, thin styles. This transition places increased strain on the feet, which may change shape and splay over time. Branthwaite compares this to the effect of removing a corset, suggesting that feet need time to adjust to less supportive footwear.
Recommended Alternatives
Fashion expert Angela Baidoo suggests several alternatives for those seeking more support. These include contoured options like FitFlops, orthopaedically designed footwear such as Crocs and Birkenstocks, and wedges, which offer support throughout the shoe. For more formal settings, Baidoo points to fisherman-style sandals as a versatile choice for both men and women.
Expert Advice for Foot Care
Experts advise that individuals should ease into minimalist barefoot shoes rather than attempting long-distance walking immediately. Additionally, because feet change shape throughout a person's life, experts recommend having feet measured regularly. Wearers of open footwear are also reminded to monitor their skin, as it can dry out quickly in the heat.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by BBC Health.
