("I know I have at least two pair at all times.")
It's Summer footwear that feels like fun.

("When it's time to relax and get laid back, definitely put flip-flops on.")
("I think there's an attitude that goes with them. Yes, they feel like summer. They're very comfortable to wear.")
("They seem comfortable.")

But could flip-flops be a bad thing? Auburn University Researchers placed reflective balls on key points of people's legs, then videotaped them, measuring vertical force and stride. They found flip-flops significantly changed how people walked.

"All the variables that we looked at, there were several that were different between when people walked in flip-flops and when they walked in tennis shoes."

Computer analysis 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. The same 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."

But if you can't bear to give up the shoes for good, choose flip-flops with arch and heel support, only wear them for short amounts of time, don't wear them if you have to walk far, and when they start to wear out, throw them out.

"Once you blow that flip-flop out, don't break out the duct tape and try to fix them. Get a new pair."

For More Information, Contact: Auburn University Auburn, AL http://education.auburn.edu/news/2008/june/flipflop.html