Definition: Sandals with heel straps are distinguished from flip flops and sandals that do not have a strap or a supporting device at the heel. This is significant Pedorthically. For safety reasons, sandals with heel closures are better for those with ambulation and other foot issues.
Sandals and flip flops do not meet with test of the best shoes for foot function but they are going to be worn in warm climates regardless. The field of podiatry and other shoemakers have made sandals more stable while retaining other sandal qualities. Aextrex, Orthaheel and Alegria are brands that have cushioned soles with arch support built in. Along with a closure at the heel, these sandals are much safer than flip flops and sandals with thin soling and no arch support.
Benefits: Some choices in footwear are problematic in terms of stability and support but they have also been made better by addition of thicker soling and arch support. For those with injury, ambulation problems and overpronation and oversupination issues, sandals with closure at the heel and adequate cushioning and arch support have increased quantity and quality of footwear available to them.
Text: Copyright 2010 Carole Romig Image: Foot.com