LAURA JANE KENNY | staff writer

Flip-flops are simple, comfortable and fashionable. However, bacteria and sprained ankles loom on the horizon for avid flip-flop wearers.

The infamous high heel has stepped down from its formerly known position as the most dangerous shoe.

New studies show that the beloved flip-flop is just as bad, if not worse, for your health.

An ABC article warns people about the popular and stylish flip-flops.

The adored sandals are bad for your feet due to lack of arch support, lack of ankle support, and the tendency for flip-flops to cause people to trip and fall.

The article featured Dr. Rock Positano, a podiatrist from New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery.

He has found flip-flops to cause more orthopedic problems than any other footwear.

Certain situations call for flip-flops, similar to formal occasions requiring high-heels.

However, like high-heels, flip-flops can cause negative strain on the foot when worn daily and for long period of times.

“Flip-flops have their place. They provide foot protection for things like showering in public showers, pools and summer activities, but they can have their disadvantage if you are trying to do any kind of activity. There is no support and no protection,” APU women’s health nurse practitioner Gidget Wood said.

People who wear flip-flops daily, even if they are Rainbows, are at risk for injury.

The ABC article advises that shoes should be switched out, regardless of the type of shoes, to prevent fungus and other germs. Flip-flops, in particular, should not be worn daily due to lack of arch support and unstable ankles.

Another article was printed in the Daily Mail, a British newspaper, warning readers of the dangers that foot apparel can cause.

The article informed people that flip-flops could lead to joint pain, shin splints and twisted ankles.

“People end up with foot injuries as a result of the lack of protection to the foot when they are trying to do things like play sports,” Wood said

“Simply put, flip-flops just aren’t good for your feet,” Christian Robertozzi, president of American Podiatric Medical Association said in a release to the press.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) is a collaboration of America’s foot and ankle physicians and surgeons.

Some APU students can be seen wearing flip-flops in all weather conditions, relentlessly resorting to flip-flops over all other footwear. Some students defend their choice due to the quality of their flip-flops.

“With sandals, as with anything in life, you get what you pay for. If you’re not willing to pay for a good pair of sandals you’re not going to have good support,” undeclared freshman Jenna Lindsay, who loves her Rainbows, said.

Even APU’s beloved Rainbow sandals are being questioned.

Though Rainbows have good arch support and are comfortable, they are not the safest option for footwear.

Due to the single strap on one’s foot, tripping and falling out of Rainbows can cause injuries.

However, students are loyal to their beloved footwear regardless of the warning.

“[Rainbows] are the most amazing things in the world. I love Rainbows because of the arch support. And they are so comfy,” Lindsay, who owns a well-worn pair, said.

Positano treats up to 10 injuries a week caused from flip-flops alone.

He believes women replace everyday walking shoes with flip-flops cause this increase.

Flip-flops not only cause short-term problems, they can also lead to orthopedic issues later in life.

Positano has treated patients for nerve damage that was caused by wearing flip-flops over many years.

“They are easy to put on. It’s less hassle in the morning,” freshman theatre arts major Gavan Wyrick said.

The APMA suggests Wolky, Chaco, Dansko, and The Rockport Company for good alternative to flip-flops.

These sandals not only have better arch support, but straps to better keep the sandal attached to one’s foot.

“[Flip-flops] are the cool things to wear because it’s California. But after doing High Sierra, I would prefer wearing Chacos,” junior psychology major Megan Shelby said.

Students from APU are reluctant to act on this warning.

When informed about flip-flop pitfalls, students said they would still wear them, regardless.

“I have worn then my whole life,” freshman communication studies major Courtney Luke said. “I think they’re cute and they’re fun to wear. They are not very bulky so they are easy to walk around in.”

When informed about the damage that flip-flops can cause to a person’s feet some students will change their decision about flip-flops, without entirely leaving the particular footwear.

“Well maybe I would switch to a more supportive flip-flop. They have nicer ones now, I’ve seen them the ones that curve to your feet, not just the cheap flat ones,” freshman applied healthy major Colton Simmons said.

Rain or shine, APU students can be seen wearing flip-flops.

Even with the hazards, the convenience of flip-flops seem to outweigh the dangers.