With the arrival of summer, feet finally free themselves from sneakers and closed shoes. But while on the one hand wearing lighter and more open shoes is a relief, on the other it does not mean that we can choose any model without worrying about the consequences on the health of our feet.
Indeed, during the summer it is important to pay attention to what we wear. An unstable shoe that does not adequately support the foot or that forces us to change the natural way of walking can cause tension and pain that does not stop at the feet, but can also involve the ankles, knees and back.
Taking stock of the choice of summer footwear is 60 Millions de Consumerswhich analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most used shoes during the warm months. And the result is not always what we would expect.
Flip flops
Let’s start with the much-loved flip-flops, practical, fresh and essential on the beach and in the pool. According to French experts, however, they would be among the worst footwear to choose if we have to walk for a long time.
The problem is primarily linked to poor stability. The foot can in fact slip inside the shoe, increasing the risk of hitting or damaging the nails. Furthermore, to avoid losing the shoe with every step, the toes tend to contract and “cling” to the sole.
This movement, if repeated for a long time, can cause tension and pain in the sole of the foot. Flip-flops, therefore, may be comfortable for short trips, but they are not the ideal choice for a day spent walking.
Crocs and Birkenstocks
Footwear like Crocs and Birkenstock can offer a more comfortable solution than flip-flops, but experts say it’s important to choose the right model.
In particular, it would be preferable to opt for footwear equipped with a back strap, capable of keeping the foot more stable and preventing it from sliding forward or sideways during walking. And of course, the strap should actually be used.
However, as regards Birkenstocks, a question is raised relating to the pre-formed sole. A very structured support can in fact reduce the work that the foot muscles are called upon to carry out during walking. In other words, the foot could end up “lazy” and work less actively.
Sandals
For summer, one of the best choices seems to be sandals, but even in this case not all models are the same.
Experts recommend preferring footwear that keeps the foot firmly in place thanks to laces or straps. The height of the sole can also make a difference: the ideal would be a small heel of around 3-5 centimetres, which would encourage more correct movement of the foot during walking.
Conversely, when the foot is not stable enough and tends to move inward or outward, the rest of the body may try to compensate for this imbalance. Over time, according to experts, this could contribute to the appearance of pain that affects not only the feet, but also the ankles, knees and even the back.
The best time to try on shoes
Then there is one last practical tip to keep in mind when we buy a new pair of shoes, valid not only in summer. Experts suggest trying on footwear in the late afternoon, when feet tend to be more swollen than earlier in the day. The heat and the many hours spent standing or walking can in fact increase the volume of the foot.
Trying on the shoes at this time therefore allows you to better understand if the shoe is really comfortable and if it leaves enough space for the foot, avoiding purchasing a model that could be too tight after a few hours of use.
The message that comes from the French investigation is therefore quite clear: when we choose shoes for the summer we should not only look at aesthetics or the sensation of freshness.
Good footwear should first of all allow the foot to move naturally, without forcing us to squeeze our toes to keep it steady or to change the way we walk. Especially if we plan to spend many hours on our feet or walk for a long time, it is worth choosing models that guarantee adequate support and good stability.
It is therefore better to leave flip-flops for the beach or for short trips, while for longer walks it is preferable to focus on shoes that keep the foot firmly in place.
