The very Australian footwear that’s hurting your spine.
Thongs (or ‘flip flops’ to the rest of the world) are an Aussie footwear icon. They’re breathable, convenient…
and terrible for your spine. Sorry to break it to you!
It’s our duty to be honest about your favourite footwear – even though it’s certified un-Australian – because walking around in thongs could be doing you, and your spine, damage.
Five reasons to rethink wearing thongs
They change the way you walk
Striding purposefully in thongs is impossible. Instead? They make you mince. Smaller, shorter steps are necessary in thongs, which increases the likelihood of tripping and also puts an abnormal strain on your feet, hips and lower back.
You have to grip on with your toes
With that slippery sole and zero strapping, it’s necessary to hang on tight with your toes. Unfortunately, this can lead to conditions such as hammertoe, bunions, inflammation of the foot and even shin splints.
They leave your feet vulnerable!
What makes thongs so appealing (all that fresh air for your feet!) is also their biggest drawback: exposure. In thongs, your feet are out in the open and vulnerable to injury. Stepping on glass, stubbing toes, dropping something on your feet – all extra likely in flip flops.
They don’t allow your feet to bend
With that plank-like sole, thongs don’t allow your feet to bend and arch like they do when walking barefoot. This completely changes your biomechanics (the way you move) and your posture, too.
They put strain on your lower back
In thongs, your weight tends to be placed on the outside of your foot, as opposed to the center or ball, causing a slight rotation in the lower part of your leg, a twist in the pelvis and extra strain on your lower back.
Is it ever OK to wear thongs?
Of course! We’re not saying to toss your well-loved Hawaiian Havaianas – thongs can be handy while camping, communal showers, stopping your feet from burning from the car to the sand, and in one hand when there’s a fly on the loose. But for regular walking? Choose a superior shoe.
What’s better for your feet?
If you’re looking for a more supportive summer sandal, try:
- Crocs. Yes, we can’t believe we’re recommending Crocs, either. But aside from their questionable fashion cred, Crocs are actually a pretty good choice for casual summer footwear. They’re arch-supportive, reasonably enclosed, don’t require toe-gripping and don’t cause you to change your gait. In fact, Crocs are endorsed by some medical groups and touted as an ergonomic choice for standing jobs such as nursing.
- Lace up/strap-on sports sandals. Lighter-weight than a jogger, sports sandals are a great choice for maintaining your natural gait and keeping your spine in alignment. They’re fitted, supportive, have a contoured arch and still allow airflow in summer. Like any shoe, it’s important to find the right fit. Having an assessment with a sports shoe specialist or podiatrist, prior to purchasing your new (fancy!) summer sandal is a great idea.