Flirty footwear can flirt with pain

Source: thebrooklynsun

July23. 2008

Do you have your eye on that ultra-flat, strappy sandal? Think flip-flops are simply the most comfortable shoe ever invented?

The article by Dawn Aulet in Brooklysun looks at this issue

Link: TheBolingbrookSun.com

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Fashion flip-flop

Source: http://www.lowellsun.com/lifestyles/ci_9751185

Whether it’s crystal-encrusted or an old-school beach sandal, it’s summer’s must footwear

By Ashley Morris, Sun Correspondent

Article Last Updated: 01/07/2008

Back in the ’60s when flip-flops were called thongs, they were a simple summer accessory worn and sold only at the beach. Only within the last decade could they be found dressy and bedazzled for formal attire.Many consider the original shoes or sandals that people wore in the Egyptian period the original flip-flops.

Nowadays, the technological world has left its mark on this ancient summer footwear. The flip-flop has been upgraded to fit the expectation of a generation chock full of high-tech gadgets.

“I have a mild flip-flop obsession but that’s mostly because I hate heels and hate real shoes, other than sneakers” says Beth Stack, a 30-year-old teacher and mom from Lowell.

“I own over 25 pairs, mostly Teva and Reefs. Most of mine are casual or athletic ones. My favorite flops are my green Reefs with the bottle opener in the bottom-they’re my favorite color.”

The Reef’s fanning flip-flop has a built-in bottle opener just in case your beverage is not a screw-top. The Reef Stash flip-flop also has a style with a built-in compartment in the sole where one can store money or a credit card. This is perfect for men or women who hate taking pocketbooks to the beach and is available at Reef.com.

For those of you who did not lose that 20 pounds you promised yourself and realized summer was here last Friday, here’s something to ease your bikini-baring anxieties. The Bath and Body Works’ fit flop claims to improve muscle tone, increase circulation, improve balance and posture as well as burn calories.

“I’m burning calories and starting to see more definition in my calves,” says Dagny Runyan, a 28-year-old swim coach from Lowell.

Even Swarovski Crystal has jumped on the flip-flop bandwagon. Designer Stewart Weitzman is selling “Indiana Jelly” flip-flops with crystal detail for $155. They come in clear and gold and can be purchased at Bloomingdales.com.

There is a wide variety of price ranges when it comes to flip-flops. Old Navy still sells your basic summer flop for under $4. Wal-Mart sells its own brands, Faded Glory and Sand Sun, for around $5. Reebok, Nike and Adidas can usually be found on sale from $15 to $25. These sports brands come in a variety of styles and colors. Adidas makes Ayuna 2, a flip-flop with a fitFOAM cushion that molds to your foot. It’s lightweight comfort that comes in a variety of eye-catching colors.

After surveying a group of people on their stance on flip-flops and what brands or styles they prefer, the results are split. half really like their inexpensive, simple flip-flops. “I buy my flip-flops at Wal-Mart,” says 19-year-old Megan McLellan of Lowell.

Whether you love them or hate them, favor the expensive brands or a simple pair of Old Navy’s flip-flops, the super-casual footwear isn’t going anywhere, at least until September. Millions are sold annually and with new features to catch the eye of buyers, it’s more likely that flip-flops will be an ongoing success rather then a super flop.

Flip flops: the footwear that hurts so good

Beware before u wear

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Not so happy feet

Source: Hindustantimes.com

Article in Hindustan times conveys why Foot need to be taken care of during Summers.

Complete story

Neha Sharma, Hindustan Times

Mumbai, June 28, 2008

Enough of patting sunscreen on your face. Believe it or not, your feet need it more. If you are one of those who frequently wear flip flops or open sandals, then you are at the risk of developing skin cancer. Dermatologists say that this part of the body is most susceptible because it is often ignored.

Dr Shehla Agarwal, consulting dermatologist, says that fear of tanning compels many to apply sun-block creams or lotions on their face and arms.

The feet remain unattended to. If they apply sunscreen to their feet, they immediately slip into sandals and the cream is wiped out.

“In winters, our feet are kept safe inside shoes. Then they are suddenly exposed to extreme sunlight in sum mer. Fair skin is more vulnerable to cancer,” says Agarwal.

Acral melanoma (cancer of feet and hand) though not very common, affects Indian skin too, she warns. It emerges like a bruise and is often ignored.

The bruise does not fade, it appears and disappears. Then the toe nail lifts up or separates from the skin or, there is a black streak on the nail.

That’s the danger sign. As far as possible, try to wear socks with footwear, advises Dr Anup Dhir, senior cosmetic surgeon, Apollo Hospital. “In the west, they have introduced UV radiation-free clothing,” he informs. “If possible, we can also adopt such clothes.”

© Copyright 2007 Hindustan Times

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Print.aspx?Id=b1302a9a-d243-4c60-9189-b551d706e54c

Researchers- Flip-Flops Bad For Feet

Flip-flops” or “thongs” – Effect on Feet?

This little article brings a little research to the subject

Researchers at Auburn University have found that wearing flip-flops alters the way one walks, changing the gait in subtle ways that can lead to serious sole, heel and ankle problems. They presented these findings earlier this month at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis.

The Auburn team videotaped 39 flip-flop-wearing volunteers and noticed how they scrunched their toes to keep the flip-flip on the foot while the heel lifted in the air. This motion stretches the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs from heel to toe, causing inflammation, pain along the sole, heel spurs and tired feet in general.
These symptoms were actually what flip-flop wearers at Auburn University had reported upon returning to classes in the fall. An entire summer of flip-flop wearing had taken its toll.
The researchers also found that the volunteers altered their gait, taking shorter strides and turning their ankles inward, likely to keep the flip-flop from falling off. This, the researchers worry, can cause long-term ankle and hip problems.

read more | digg story \ http://www.livescience.com/health/080624-bad-flip-flops.html

Read Article: flip-flops-bad-for-your-body.pdf

Do’s Dont’s – Flip Flops

Flip flops used across the world have the benefits but carry some problems with them. The article provides Do’s & Don’ts for Flip Flops

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The Dangers Of Flip-Flops … In Footwear!, Dr. Mallika Mars

Article by Dr. Mallika Marshal for Flip Flops wearing

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