Flip-flops not good for feet or career...

[heelsRus]

Looks like women are just gonna have to get back into heels :-) By Belinda Goldsmith Thu Jun 29, 1:38 PM ET NEW YORK (Reuters) - With more women wearing flip-flops to the office this summer, U.S. style gurus are warning that the casual shoe once mainly seen on the beach could be damaging to careers -- as well as to feet. Lauren Cardinale, 25, who works at West Glen Communications, wears beaded or other fancy flip flops to the office -- when she can get away with it. "Occasionally I wear flip flops to work," she said. "I wear nicer shoes if I'm meeting with clients or if I know there will be someone in the office who doesn't approve of flip flops." Cardinale is one of thousands of young women in New York who consider flip-flops an essential part of their summer wardrobe. An online survey conducted for retailers Old Navy and Gap found flip-flops topped the list of wardrobe items that college and high school students planned to wear to work this summer. More than 31 percent of women said flip-flops were the single "must have" item for work this summer. But many companies disagree. "The dress code says no beach wear and flip-flops are considered beach wear," said a spokeswoman for BNP Paribas. Style gurus warn that flip-flops, which are worn mainly by younger women, could be harmful to a career. "Shoes convey the mood of a woman. Wearing flip-flops conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation. That's not a good message in the office," said Meghan Cleary, a style commentator who wrote the book "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You." Doctors say it's not just careers they could harm. Physicians at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons say flip-flops are linked to a growing number of heel problems among teens and young adults. "We're seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn't have this problem," said spokeswoman Marybeth Crane in a recent statement. She said flip-flops with thin soles have no arch support and can accentuate any abnormal biomechanics in foot motion which eventually brings pain and inflammation. $140 FOR FLIP-FLOPS? Flip-flops are far from new, dating back at least 70 years and believed developed out of traditional Japanese woven or wooden soled sandals in New Zealand. The basic flat sole with a Y-shaped strap, that passes between the toes and around either side of the foot, is known in every nation and to every social class. In developing countries, they are the cheapest -- and often only -- form of footwear, easy to make and easy to fit. The term "flip-flop" derives from the noise they make while slapping against the wearer's heels and the floor but they are also known as thongs in Australia, jandals in New Zealand, and slippers in Hawaii. But flip-flops took on a new life among the young and trendy a few years ago. They have surged in popularity with shops now selling them in every conceivable color, with sequins, flowers, and even bridal flip-flops with over 300 Swarovski crystals on the straps for about $140 a pair. Last June the Northwestern University's champion women's lacrosse team was widely criticized for wearing flip-flops when they visited the White House and met President George W. Bush. Ellen Campuzano, president of the Committee of Color and Trends, a New York-based forecasting service specializing in footwear and accessories, thinks flip-flops' popularity will wane. "Usually these trends come and go in about five years," she said. "I think we've reached the peak, they can't be any more widespread, so maybe next summer something will replace them."

[Dawn HH]

I think that you all have read before just how I feel about flip-flops. YUCH!!! I sure do hope that they ARE on the wane. I had my one and only pair for shower use while in the army because I was told that I would buy a pair at the PX for that use. I complied because it was an order and as soon as I got home, they went into the garbage. I hate those things with a purple passion. Cheers--- Dawn HH

[chris100575]

I can't understand how flip flops would be worse for your feet than just going barefoot, which you might as well be. I think flip flops can look good as long as the girl wearing them has pretty feet, especially with painted toenails! One of the girls at work was wearing a black pair today with jewelled straps and I thought they looked quite sexy. The dress code where I work is pretty relaxed though, I wear jeans and t-shirts for example. Chris

[Shafted]

It's actually that slapping action that's bad for your feet. And as far as being bad for your career, most office and manufacturing situations specify NO OPEN TOES as they are considered unsafe because they provide no protection whatsoever for the foot.

[Danielinheels]

I can't understand how flip flops would be worse for your feet than just going barefoot, which you might as well be.

I think flip flops can look good as long as the girl wearing them has pretty feet, especially with painted toenails! One of the girls at work was wearing a black pair today with jewelled straps and I thought they looked quite sexy.

The dress code where I work is pretty relaxed though, I wear jeans and t-shirts for example.

Chris

They make your toes "claw" down, and the lack of proper back support as well as the aforementioned slapping combine to cause these problems.

I randomly asked a girl why she was wearing flip-flops. She said because they were comfortable.

I asked how often she wears flip-flops. She said almost daily, and for the majority of the day.

I asked her if her back, shins, or neck were giving her problems. She said all three.

I then corrected her; she didn't wear them because they were comfortable, but because they require virtually no effort to put on. Also told her that the shoes I was wearing - a simple, thick-strap mary jane - is just as easy to wear and has proper support for the body, not just the feet. I also suggested the uberpopular ballet flats. They don't provide ideal ankle support (and most women's shoes don't, because they're cut so low), but they would be an improvement.

By the way, expect pics of me in those shoes within the next few days

[chris100575]

I never thought that the slapping action would be bad for you! You learn something new everyday! Open toes are allowed where I work, it's an office environment so you don't need toe protection. Chris

[shrimper]

There is a real difference between flip-flops which are UNsexy, and thong sandals that have the same strap arrangement but have soles and heels. Thong sandals are sexy as He*l and I love the sight and sound of them.

[Danielinheels]

I never thought that the slapping action would be bad for you! You learn something new everyday! Open toes are allowed where I work, it's an office environment so you don't need toe protection.

Chris

Slaps against the heel, that which most directly supports the achilles tendon.

I've overworked the tendon once and trust me, it's NOT a good feeling. I couldn't imagine living in shoes that slowly tear away at it.

[Wolfgang]

I don't really like flip flops aside from the fact that when I need to go to the store or whatnot really quick they take the least effort of all my shoes [mostly boots and tennishoes] They make my toes cramp up though after a while. High-heeled sandals of the same arrangement are even worse because I have to worry about keeping them on my feet AND keeping my balance. I can do one or the other - not both