Chances are you have a pair of flip-flops in your closet. They are definitely a summertime favorite. But doctors say the shoes you love could be changing the way you walk.
Computer analyists at Auburn University found flip-flop wearers took shorter steps, their heels hit the ground with less force and they didn't bring their toes up as much. And they warn that toe-grip action that keeps flip-flops from falling off may not be so good for you.
"What we found is you do change the way you walk, so if you do have lower leg problems, if you do have foot problems, pain, and you wear flip-flops a lot, then maybe reconsider wearing them all the time," said sports medicine researcher Justin Shroyer.
If you can't bear to give up the shoes for good, doctors recommend you choose flip-flips with arch and help support.
Another bit of advice: Don't wear them if you have to walk far, and when they start to wear out, throw them out.
