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First we hear about flip-flops and cancer risks, and now this: New research shows extended flip-flop wear could lead to prolonged foot and leg pain. D'oh!
“We found that when people walk in flip-flops, they alter their gait, which can result in problems and pain from the foot up into the hips and lower back,'’ said Justin Shroyer.Shroyer, a biomechanics doctoral student at Auburn University, measured 39 college-aged men and women as they walked in flip-flops on a platform that measured vertical force. He also used a video camera to monitor their stride lengths and angles. Sandal wearers tended to take shorter steps than their shoe'd counterparts, and they seemed to use their toes to grip the sandals as they walked, which led to a bigger angle to the ankle and a shorter stride.

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READERS COMMENTS
We started a company, www.pecheblu.com to make better flip flops because we couldn't find ones that gave us arch support, cushioning, traction, and a subtle edge wall to protect our toes. We just had a rave review yesterday in the Chicago Tribune, which called PecheBlu flip flops, "comfort food for the feet." If you can twist a flip flop, don't buy it, it will never give you support. There are better alternatives than slab, flat flip flops, so find them. We point out that you wouldn't start a tennis match with a sore arm, but many do start with feet tired from wearing flip flops all day.
Posted: Jul 03, 2008 Steve
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