You may know that flip-flops, although comfy and ideal for summer, are murder on your feet and ankles. Wear a pair of them all day and you’ll be feeling it the next day. You’re also more likely to injure your ankle, and the lack of support can even injure your knees.
But that said, how do you know what footwear is better? You want something cool and breathable for the summer, but that’s still supportive for your feet. If you’re looking for healthy summer footwear in Rochester Hills, MI, we have an authoritative list on what to look for from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). Ideally, you’ll be looking for something that both provides support and cushioning, which is possible to find in open-toed sandals. Read on to learn about what to look for in your summer footwear:
- Ditch the flip-flops: Let’s start with this—while you can find plenty of traditional sandals that are going to work, there are no flip-flops that are recommended by experts. They provide zero support and cushioning, frequently resulting in reports of heel pain and even long-term conditions like plantar fasciitis. These problems even extend to the hips and the lower back. Begin by throwing those flip-flops in the trash, or reserving them exclusively for the beach or swimming pool.
- Shank: A shank is a semi-rigid and flexible material that is found on thicker sandals. This provides additional support, and won’t be found on thinner sandals. A lack of a shank means unstable pedal foundation and poor balance.
- Three-arch support: This means that all three arches—the medial, lateral longitudinal and anterior transverse—are supported by the footwear. By having all of these arches supported, along with a shank, all arches are allowed to achieve normal motion. This means your body won’t waste motion, which can have surprisingly positive effects. Oftentimes, poor footwear leads to improper spinal alignment, which may lead to pain in other parts of the body that are compensating for the lack of support, like the legs, knees, shoulders and neck.
- Orthotics: Another smart idea is to ask your podiatrist or doctor about custom orthotics for sandals. If you wear orthotics in your shoes and they help mitigate foot pain, then why not extend that to your sandals? After all, you’re going to be outdoors a lot during the summer, so the extra support could make a huge difference.
The next time you’re in the market for healthy summer footwear in Rochester Hills, MI, talk to the experts at Haig Shoes. We’ve been around for more than three decades and are known as the leader for footwear in the region. Our friendly and professional team will help you find a pair of shoes or sandals that will both look great and keep your feet in excellent shape.
We carry all kinds of men’s and women’s shoes, from casual sandals and slippers to athletic, dress and work shoes. We offer all the highest-quality and most popular brands, including Ugg, Birkenstock, Ecco and New Balance shoes. Stop by our store today to pick up your first pair!