Politicians aren't the only ones giving "flip-flopping" a negative connotation these days. Rain or shine, hot or cold, most of the people seen walking around campus are sporting flip-flops. Originally reserved for the beach and other summertime activities, thong sandals have become an essential part of the comfort-seeking college student's wardrobe all year round, replacing walking and/or tennis shoes. "Flip-flops are comfortable and they're perfect for the hot weather, plus they're the quickest to put on," sophomore Mercedes Ruiz-Castaneda said. Flip-flops may save time when rushing to make it to class in the morning, but will walking around in these flat-soled shoes all day end up being causing our bodies harm in the long run? The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) agrees that flip-flops don't provide any arch support, heel protection or shock absorption and cause problems like tendonitis, arch-pain and sprained ankles. Jessica Celorio, a nurse at Shands Hospital, says that the flat soles on flip-slops can lead to serious back, balance and posture problems in the future due to continual lack of support to the pressure points in our feet that support our posture. "If everything is not aligned properly, then we can damage our bodies over time and end up with nerve pain," she said. Although flip-flops may feel like the most comfortable shoes out there, the comfort is only temporary and their health-related effects will emerge in the future. "You won`t notice right now, at 18 to 22, you`ll notice when you`re 50 and you have problems maintaining balance due to consistent use of flip-flops with flat soles," Celorio said. She said that the flat soles on these sandals can seriously affect posture, leading to ankle, knee, hip and lower-back pain as well as nerve-related joint issues for which there are only pain relievers, not cures. Part of the appeal of flip-flops is that they seem to match with everything, making most people reluctant to just get rid of them. So are we willing to risk our health in the name of fashion? Ruiz-Castaneda, a telecommunications major from Miami, admits that she feels discomfort after a day of walking in flip-flops, but she can't give them up because they're what she's used to. "I know it's probably better to wear sneakers around campus, but flip-flops are cute and show off my pedicure," she said. "I would say some flip-flop use is okay, but the flat soles shouldn`t be used extensively," Celorio said. "Due to the varied texture of the ground you walk on around campus, for example, grass, concrete or asphalt, the best shoe to wear is a tennis shoe. It gives you the support your feet need for balance and posture." Jim Christina, DPM, director of scientific affairs for the APMA explains that flip-flops allow the foot to "be as flat as can be," which provides no support for feet with an especially flat structure and should be worn in moderation, not if you're doing a lot of walking. "To have flip-flops on for short periods of time to do errands, that's usually not going to be a problem," Christina says. Carlos Diaz, a junior Biology major agrees that the natural arch of the foot helps reduce tension on the knees and needs to be supported. "There are better flip-flops out there that do provide arch support," he said. The APMA recommends alternatives to flip-flops from brands such as Chaco, Dansko, Wolky and The Rockport Company, which make shoes that provide enough support for the foot. So the lesson to be learned here: you can minimize health problems in the future by replacing your flip-flops with sneakers or supportive walking shoes for activities like walking around campus all day. | 
