If you’re a thong wearer, ditching the shoes and wearing thongs everyday can make the feet a little bit sore. If we don’t over do it, this soreness may only last a short time.

Don’t get me wrong, this is great for the feet – they NEED to move! However, there are a few considerations when making the change to more flexible summer footwear:

Limit wear time in the beginning:

• This is similar to going for a long run with 0 training, or getting back in to the gym for the first time in a long time. You get sore!! This is not solely the shoes fault!
• If the feet have been cooped up in stiff shoes the muscles, tendons and bones need time to adapt to this increase in movement.
• Give them a break and let your feet recover in between wears.

Ensure you have a rear fastener on the shoe:

• The traditional fastening of thongs (over the toes) is often loose, causing us to claw the toes downward to keep the thongs on our feet. Even if this fastener if firm, the back of the thong can still slip around – causing clawing for stability.
• This constant clawing causes an un-natural walking gait and constant use of toe muscles which can lead to over-use injuries in the foot and ankle.
• A rear fastening allows toes to relax – the foot is then able to function naturally

Now I know what you’re thinking, “but the rear fastener looks ugly and isn’t fashionable”. Trust me I’ve heard it all. However, some thongs with rear straps look good these days. If you want some options, chat to Tom!

Side note: Going barefoot on a regular basis as well as regular foot strengthening and mobility exercises will improve your ability to tolerate a flexible summer shoe.

Follow these steps and minimise your foot pain during summer. If you have foot pain and still want to wear flexible summer footwear – you can, just get it checked out, our Shepparton podiatrist Tom is an expert 😉

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