After keeping our feet prisoners throughout the long cold-weather season, many Coloradans are excited to set their feet free in the summertime without considering health and safety.

Despite this need to let our feet breathe, flip-flops aren’t always a great option if you’re also trying to prevent foot pain or injury.

Flip-flops are recommended to protect the feet in certain situations — such as in locker rooms, public showers, around the pool and in hotel rooms to lower the risk of contracting bacterial infections — but they offer no arch support, heel cushioning or shock absorption, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. 

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This lack of support can lead to foot pain, tendinitis, sprained ankles if you trip, or other foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes.

Flip-flops in moderation

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Some flip-flops have an official American Podiatric Medical Association seal of approval, but that doesn’t mean these shoes are appropriate for all occasions. 

It’s OK to wear flip-flops for errands around town or when you won’t be doing much walking, but if you’re heading out on a long walk or hike, or heading to an event that requires a lot of walking, it’s better to choose a shoe for support rather than breathability. 

To prevent injury risk or foot pain, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society recommends limiting the amount of time spent in flip-flops or sandals and instead choosing shoes with built-in arch support, a low heel and adequate padding for the ball of your foot. 

When to see a podiatrist

If you have severe pain or swelling in your feet, it’s time to see a podiatrist. Other reasons to see this specialty foot doctor include open wounds that won’t heal, signs of infection such as redness, warmth and tenderness in an affected area, or you have a fever over 100 degrees, according to Memorial Regional Health.

If you can’t walk or put weight on your foot, or you have diabetes and have wounds that aren’t healing or are deep, red, swollen or warm to the touch, a podiatrist can help. Memorial Regional Health offers podiatry services in Craig and Steamboat through Dr. Derek Harper, a podiatrist with a background in complex foot and ankle surgeries, as well as treatment of many common foot and ankle issues.