People have worn this casual, “Y” shaped style of footwear since roughly 1,500 B.C. Nowadays, they come in eye-popping colors, patterns, and some even have built-in bottle openers. However, when it comes to functionality, flip-flops sacrifice arch support, protection from the elements, and natural walking mechanics for the opportunity to spread your toes and fully enjoy the hot summer days. You may have heard that flip-flops are bad for your feet, but how bad is “bad,” and is there a way you can still enjoy flip-flops without sacrificing arch support? 

The degree to which an individual experiences pain while wearing flip-flops is typically a result of two significant factors: 

1. The Structure of Your Foot: Some individuals experience pain because they have a foot that tends to over-flatten as they walk. For these individuals, pain often presents itself in the arch or heel of the foot. It may be a result of weak tendons that provide support to the arch of the foot, previous injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, or plantar fasciitis. 

Typically, Flip Flops have flat soles that provide little to no support to the foot arches and heel. For those who suffer from plantar fasciitis, flip-flops can at times be painful as the arch doesn’t provide the right support to distribute the weight throughout your foot.  

2. Walking Mechanics: It starts from the foot up! Typically, in a standard shoe, most walk in a heel-toe stride. However, when you walk in flip-flops, your heel hits the ground with more force, which can cause you to change your stride and affects your natural walking-mechanics. If your foot doesn’t receive proper support, it can affect your posture, which can prompt knee, back, and other joint pain, in addition to your foot pain.

Most pains experienced while wearing flip-flops simply come down to a lack of arch support. With that being said, is there a way an individual can still enjoy the freedoms of flip-flops without sacrificing arch support?

Yes, there is!

The Tuli’s® X Brace low-profile design will fit into any shoe or cleat and is comfortable to wear with any kind of footwear, flip-flops, and high heels included.

The beauty and effectiveness of The Tuli’s X Brace is in its ease of use, simplistic design, and its ability to address a very complex issue with incredible success. Foot pain due to plantar fasciitis, Sever’s Disease, and over-pronation, which is often caused by under-supported, over-use of the foot.

The unique “X” design in our patented foot brace provides support and reduces arch pressure very similar to how the Low-Dye taping technique works but without all the expertise, time and tape necessary.

The Tuli’s X Brace is made to give you the support where you need it the most. So, throw on The X Brace and give your foot the support it needs in those flip-flops or any other shoe!

PLEASE NOTE: The information on this website and article is for information only and should not be used as a substitute for consulting your doctor. Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and rehabilitation.