The start of summer is the unofficial start of flip-flop season, but doctors at Cleveland Clinic recommend against using them for all of your summer activities.
Dr. Brian Donley, a foot and ankle surgeon at Cleveland Clinic, said flip-flops are fun and fashionable, but not for everyday use.
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"They can be damaging because they don't provide support and protection to your foot. And they also don't provide support to the arch to allow you to support your foot as you go on your normal walking cycle of the foot," said Dr. Brian Donley.
Donley said flip-flops are great because they are easy to get on and off, but you should avoid wearing them if you're going on a long walk.
He recommends wearing a shoe that supports feet from heel strike to toe push-off as you walk.
Donley said flip-flops affect the way people walk because they have a tendency to slide or slip off feet causing people to counteract how they normally walk.
Another problem, people who wear flip-flops can experience heel and arch pain if they're worn too long.
Donley said the best place to wear flip-flops is by the pool or at the beach.
"I wear them; my family wears them, whenever you want to use them for short periods of time. Certainly at the pool, at the beach, you want to get your shoe on and off quickly, you don't want to waste time, but not ever for any extended use," said Donley.
Parents said they think about when their children should wear flip-flops and when they should not wear them.
"They're not allowed to wear their flip-flops when they're riding their bike or doing anything, you know, running; more outdoor activities. I kind of limit it you know that way but, coming shopping its fine," said Pam Pate, a mother from Flat Rock.
"We talk about it all the time, we also try to do the same thing, get better quality ones, ones that aren't just cute," said Christina Callender, who lives in Trenton.
Here is another piece of advice for flip-flops.
Throw away flip-flops that are worn or torn and when shopping for a new pair, avoid those with soles that freely bend or twist.