Flip-Flops

How Flip-Flops and Sandals Affect Your Spine

Flip-flops and sandals may be summer staples, but most people don’t realize just how flip-flops affect your spine. These light, open shoes may feel comfortable, but they often lack the support your body needs—and that can lead to real problems from the ground up.

Your feet are your foundation. When they don’t have the right support, your entire posture can shift. Flip-flops and flat sandals offer little to no arch support, heel cushioning, or shock absorption. This causes your foot to work harder to stay stable with each step, often leading to changes in your gait, like shorter strides, inward foot rolling, or tight calf muscles. These small changes travel up the kinetic chain and can cause misalignment in your knees, hips, and spine.

Over time, people who wear unsupportive footwear regularly may develop lower back pain, hip discomfort, or neck tension. If you already have spinal misalignments, flip-flops can make things worse, especially when combined with long periods of standing, walking, or carrying bags while on vacation.

So, what can you do? Start by limiting your time in flat sandals and choosing supportive shoes for walking or long outings. Look for sandals with contoured footbeds, heel support, and arch structure. If you love the feeling of open shoes, consider orthotic flip-flops designed for better alignment.

At Holmes Chiropractic Office, we help patients identify the hidden causes of discomfort, including issues that start with your feet. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment to your spine, reduce pain, and help your body move more naturally, even if you’ve spent years in less-than-ideal footwear.

This summer, enjoy your favorite shoes in moderation—but don’t ignore what they might be doing to your spine. Your back, hips, and feet are all part of the same system, and when one part is off, the rest feels it too.

Want to walk through summer pain-free? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Holmes and let’s keep your spine supported from the ground up.

Click here to contact Dr. Holmes or call 713-862-2440