Flip-Flops All Day on Vacation: Why You Come Home With Foot, Knee and Back Pain
After every summer holiday, Dr. Amr Elyamany sees patients with pain in the knee, the foot or the back, and inflamed Achilles tendons: problems they did not have before the trip. The reason is simple. They spent the whole day walking in flip-flops.
Why flip-flops cause trouble
Flip-flops make the foot roll inward more (overpronation). When the foot leans inward, the pressure around it is distributed badly, and that leads to the problems above: foot pain, Achilles tendon inflammation, and pain travelling up into the knee and the back.
What to do instead
- Wear a sports shoe for walking and sightseeing.
- Switch to flip-flops only for short distances, for example between the hotel and its facilities.
- Do not wear them all day, or for the whole vacation.
A small habit for a better holiday
Choose the shoes that will carry you through the day, and keep the sandals for the pool and the beach. Your summer should be a source of joy, not of pain.
Key takeaway: Flip-flops are fine for short trips; for a day of walking, wear a supportive shoe.
When to see a doctor
- Heel, arch or Achilles pain after walking in flat sandals
- Knee or back pain that started after a holiday
- Pain that does not settle within a week of changing footwear
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.