I'm often asked about finding good shoes, and even made a video about it. When you're shopping for summer footwear, remember what to look for:
- Arch support
- Heel support
- Shock-absorbing material in the sole
- Soft, non-irritating material in the uppers
I'm not saying you have to wear leather shoes in the summer or only athletic shoes. Look for summer shoes with the above-listed criteria. Don't settle for inferior footwear.
I don't like to see people wearing flip-flops or flimsy sandals because I know the injury and pain these type of shoes can cause. Wearing flip-flops on the beach or by the pool is fine. What's a bad deal is wearing them everywhere--all the time--in all kinds of weather and activity. Flips-flops aren't made to give proper protection or support to the foot. Consistent flip-flop wearers are more at risk for injury and pain.
Buying supportive footwear now can help you avoid pain and injury later. Also, if you invest in sturdy footwear, you won't need to pay for medical care later. When it comes to everyday footwear, flip-flops are just flops.