A healthier flip flop? Yoga sandals take a step forward
By Crazy Legs on Jun 05, 2009 with Comments 11
Flip-flops are synonymous with summer and as the June solstice marks the official first day of this long-awaited season, it’s time to bare feet to the rest of the world. But this summer icon has gotten a bad rap lately with studies showing flip-flops are responsible for altering gait to the point of creating aches and pains all over the body.
What if there was a pair of flip-flops that actually improved foot health and overall body alignment?
Yoga Sandals(R), featured at www.yogasandals.com, are “A Better Flip-Flop” according to Prevention Magazine. Tested and approved by the National Health and Wellness Club, Yoga Sandals(R) differ from traditional flip-flops as they have four toe separators that provide a natural alignment of the 26 bones and hundreds of muscles in each foot allowing them to work in freedom while providing firm heel support, offering more than just a healthier alternative to the traditional flip-flop.
A study by Auburn University biomechanics researchers found that flip-flop wearers take shorter steps and tend to clench toes together to keep them on, creating a higher risk of muscle and joint pain in the feet, ankles, knees, legs and back. Yoga Sandals(R) counteract this issue as the toe separators keep them secure while the sloping sole provides firm heel support and in-step relief, aiding in better posture and balance by enforcing a basic principle of yoga; spreading toes for grounding to achieve optimal body alignment.
“I have used the Beech Sandal for painful feet with very good results. Patients reported that the sandals allowed them to walk and stand with less pain”says Dr. Claudio Carvalho, DO, MS, an osteopathic physician who treats patients with musculoskeletal and joint pains from injuries or degenerative diseases such as arthritis.
Yoga Sandals are available in a variety of styles and colors including a unisex model in larger sizes for men and value priced from $28-43.00
Filed Under: Fit Fashions
Not gonna lie, They look pretty dang uncomfortable to me. I guess I can’t speak until i’ve tried them though right?
after enrolling on a Yoga Class, i am not stress free and is more relaxed than ever. Yoga is really very helpful both in physical and mental health.
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Everyone (apart from me) in the office bought these – only one complained they hurt but admitted she had intially worn them too long: you must only wear them for short periods and build up use apparently!
I’m up for trying anything new…maybe
These are definitely interesting looking. I already don’t wear flip flops because I can’t stand the strap between my toes…I can’t imagine a strap between all of my toes…yikes! Might be good for some, but I really don’t see how it can be comfortable.
Not sure I like these. They look very odd, and would leave rather scary tan lines after a while.
I don’t even like the feeling of the toe-separators that spas use for pedicures. I can’t image having these on my feet for more than about 5 minutes!
Just one gals opinion…
do you know where you buy these? I need a pair-messed up my feet last year with flip flops-I will check back tomorrow to see if you have added where you get them in comments-thanks
I really don’t like the looks of these.
hmmm..not sure I’m up for these- but I’ve been avoiding flip flops for the reasons mentioned in the article- don’t want to wind up with hammertoe!!
I bought my teen daughter the Yoga Toes contraption, which is supposed to provide the same benefits. It spreads the toes the same way as these flip flops. She complained that it hurt and takes getting used to when the toes are spread like that. It cost me 50 bucks and she only used it 3 times.