What Shoes Are REALLY Doing to Our Bodies

Photo by: Illustrated by Zhang Qingyun

The Flip Flop - You may not be shocked to find that flip flops generally offer no support. But, that may not be a bad thing. As Wharton explains, due to the shoe's lack of support, the job falls on the natural structure of the body, making the foot and ankle do all the work. Light use over time may actually lead to a stronger foot, "as muscles adapt to more natural work and less support."

But, trading in ... more 

Photo by: Illustrated by Zhang Qingyun

The Flip Flop - You may not be shocked to find that flip flops generally offer no support. But, that may not be a bad thing. As Wharton explains, due to the shoe's lack of support, the job falls on the natural structure of the body, making the foot and ankle do all the work. Light use over time may actually lead to a stronger foot, "as muscles adapt to more natural work and less support."

But, trading in your weekday shoes for weekend flip-flops may not always be an easy transition. "If someone used to heels suddenly wears flip-flops all day, they run the risk of muscle or tendon injury," says Dr. Novella. "The best way to change from one style to another is gradually...either in terms of gradual increase or reduction in heel height or support." And like most cases in which our bodies feel discomfort, you need to trust your instincts, he says: If you feel pain, don't assume it's okay to push through it. less