April 6, 2013

A-Z 2013 the letter F

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In my humble opinion the world would be a less comfortable place if it were not for the fact that every day I can get up open my closet and slip on a pair of very comfortable flip flops.

My "f" word...flip flops.

If the weather permits you will be sure to find me in one of my several pairs of my favorite flip flops.

To be honest I don't care for shoes, sneakers and socks. I wear them if I have to but I'd rather not. Frankly even slipping on a pair of bedroom slippers makes my feet hot and uncomfortable. Too many years at the beach I guess!

It's was rather depressing but not at all surprising to find out that according to many health professionals there are many potential downsides for anyone who regularly wears flip flops. Their comfort can and is deceiving.  And the reasons? Flip flops can be the cause of poor arch support, increased instances of blisters due to the straps, increased stress on the toes when walking, lack of support for the back and ankles and persistent foot pain and be the cause of changes in gait ( people who wear flip flops shorten their strides) and that's only naming a few.

When buying flip flops the experts suggest it's important to consider the overall quality. Gone are the days when buying them at the drugstore of the five & ten were acceptable or healthful. A decent pair of flip flops that have arch support and the proper cushioning may indeed cost as much as a good pair of running shoes. And the bad news; it's still not good for your feet to wear them all day long, particularly when you're taking long walks or in the garden. Best put on your sneakers for that!


I was amazed to learn how much research has actually gone into the flip flop. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)  has a seal and recognizes flip flops that provide proper foot support and promote good foot health. 


Knowing all this; I'm still not giving up my flip flops! I have invested in a good pair of sneakers with plenty of support for when I'm on my feet shopping, walking or standing in the kitchen for long hours. I've learned by experience to flip off the flip flops for something with a bit more support or my legs and back will be crying foul later!

So now you know my go to footwear are flip flops, what's yours? 












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27 comments:

  1. I've only worn flip-flops as a child during the hot summer months (when we had them). I don't think I could wear them now. Interesting on how they've changed over the years.

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  2. I am so with you, Jen! I am the most comfortable in flip flops (and the flip flop weather is my kind of weather!. I am somewhat aware of those drawbacks to ff's but I wear them anyway (though I usually do spend more than the $2.99 ones at Rite Aid). I like how my feet feel in them and I like the variety I can have for not a ton of money. Great post!

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  3. I hate wearing shoes,I can never get the to fit properly, they always hurt and as for heels,forget it.Funny your post should be about this as I just said to hubby that I wish the good weather would come and I could get back to wearing flip flops or sandals.Love being on holiday and wearing them for two whole weeks.

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  4. I suffer from poor circulation and my feet are a casualty as soon as the temperature drops - currently I'm wearing a snuggly pair of Uggboot-type slippers so I have cosy toes. Mind you, in the heat of Summer, there's nothing nicer than padding about barefoot on the tiled floor! ;-)

    Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier - hope you are enjoying the A-Z blog-hop!

    SueH I refuse to go quietly!

    Twitter - @Librarymaid

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  5. I neglected to slip in a pair of Flip-flops when I packed for Santa Barbara, because it was very wintery here in MO still, so I had to get a pair, so I could take my Grandsons to the beach.
    Katie atBankerchick Scratchings

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  6. I talked about flip=flops today too. Aren't they the best?!?
    from The Dugout

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  7. Oh my yes, I love me some flip flops and the warm weather to wear them in. Darn plantar fasciitis has made it next to impossible for me to get away with it anymore. still.... the temptation is too great to resist in the summer!!

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    1. OOOH I've heard that's very painful. I guess any footwear hurts with that condition!

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  8. I like flip flops in the summer too. But I know how bad they are for my feet, so I'm a sneakers girl most of the time. Or cute flats. I like how easy they slip on. I will have to look for flip flops with that seal. Cool! Happy A-to-Z 2013! ~Angela, Whole Foods Living, http://www.wholefoodsliving.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. I have to have an arch so cute flats are as bad as $3.00 flip flops.

      I found this brand call Rocket Dogs-they make great flip flops..with arch support..sneakers too.

      I think my feet would quite frankly sweat off in sneakers if i wore them all the time.

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  9. A couple of years ago I 'invested' in a pair of good flip flops while in Cape Cod. I am am SO glad I did! They are still good as I noticed the other day as I hauled them out of my closet and put them on. I'm with you Jen...can't beat a good pair of flip flops!!

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  10. A very clever and informative post for the Letter F. Through your descriptive writing we are now well aware of the pros and cons of wearing FlipFlops. I wonder how many will take heed....I wish I had known this years ago when flipflops were so flimsy they stuck to asphalt in the summer and gave new meaning to 'flat-footed'. But they were and still are soooo cute!
    Now I wear those really stylish Berks!
    Sue CollectInTexasGal
    AtoZ LoneStar Quilting Bee

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    Replies
    1. Last year I was still wearing the drugstore ones and paying dearly for it. Then I did a bit of research and saw the light so to speak; got a few better pairs of flip flops and they're much easier on the back and feet

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  11. You're preachin' to the choir for this one. I am lucky enough to work for a company that has very casual dress standards. I can be found in slippers (this is what flip-flops are known as in Hawaii) pretty much every day. And despite hearing about the warnings of arch support and what not, I still wear slippers everywhere for pretty much everything I can get away with them. I loved the post. Enjoy your day off :)
    Elliot
    We Are Adventure

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    1. I wore mine out today! First day of the season..took my mom to the foot doctor. It was only about 65-70 here but that's flip flop weather for me!
      I remember my brothers family with a pile of slippers at their door in Hawaii! Everyone loves them no matter what they call them. I know a lot of people who'd love your job :)

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  12. Hi Jen, My daughters must be related to you. They prefer wearing flip flops over anything else as well, except maybe a new pair of shoes the first day they buy them. Then it's back to flip flops. Take care of your feet. God bless, Maria at Delight Directed Living

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    Replies
    1. Well then I consider myself in good company then!

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  13. Flip Flops FOREVER! my motto!
    Only wish I could wear them for ever, not in lour climate ~~~ if I did I'd lose my tootsies!! Brrrr they'd freeze off.
    Next month though yeah!!!!!

    Ron

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  14. Shhh...don't tell me about that. I live in flip flops in the summer. They're great for highlighting my purple feet.
    Yes I said purple.
    I have bad circulation.

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  15. Bad circulation on someone so young? That's just not right!

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  16. I love my flip-flops! I wish I could wear them everywhere. :)

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  17. I don't wear flip flops myself. I can't abide having anything between my toes. But I love my Croc's and wear them everywhere I can get away with during the summer. My girls love their flip flops though.

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  18. I am wearing my cute flip flops this very moment as I write this...

    Btw, it will be snowing soon in Duluth.

    DAMN IT. But I shall still wear my flip flops.

    xx

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    Replies
    1. Drink wine, you won't care about the snow!
      And the flip flops will still be cute :)

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  19. Yea, they may not be the best thing to wear, but I love em'. I get the name brand ones, because they offer a little more cushion.

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    1. I'm with ya sista it's that or my back would completely give out!

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