by Rudo Makuyana, Sydney Podiatrist
Are thongs bad for your feet? Ten years ago, I would have said yes—100%. But technology has improved and things have changed. So now the answer is, ‘mostly yes, but sometimes no.’
The thongs we used to wear, like the ultra-flat Havianas or any thong that consists of a flat rubber sole with a Y-shaped strap, are pretty rubbish when it comes to foot support. The flat base gives very little cushioning or comfort, and the thin straps make your foot work harder because your toes have to grip on to the thong. So, not great.
So thongs are bad for your feet, compared to wearing shoes. But they are better than going barefoot. In our hot city, the footpaths, driveways and asphalt roads get steaming in summer. So if you’re taking a short stroll, thongs are not bad for your feet when it comes to protection from burns. Trust me, burning the soles of your feet on hot surfaces is bloody painful! Even the sand can be incredibly hot over summer and thongs will give you a bit of protection. Speaking of the beach, we also risk bites from creepy crawlies and sea urchin injuries, so a pair of thongs will help protect you there too.
However I wouldn’t recommend you spend all day in thongs or do lots of walking in them. The lack of support just isn’t there for all-day comfort, which can lead to pain and injuries. Things are pretty flimsy, so we often see patients who get injured when the straps break suddenly, causing falls and injuries, which is obviously not fun.
And if you don’t want a wart or other bacteria infection, thongs are great for the pool, the spa, the gym or any other shared-access spaces where it’s easy to pick up an unwanted foot condition. So pack a pair of thongs when you’re using any kind of shared or communal showering or wet area—your feet will thank you.
These days, thongs have improved greatly from those flat rubbery versions that gave us no support, shock absorption, or foot comfort. Archies is a popular brand that gives extra arch support, making them more comfortable and better for everyday wear (I still wouldn’t wear them on on long walks though). Archies things are also sturdier than cheaper versions, with a one-piece design that adds strength, comfort and support. I also like the foam footbed from Archies, that moulds to your foot after few wears.
Though they are not thongs, Crocs are pretty good for wearing around the house over summer. Crocs are pretty unbeatable for comfort and convenience. They’re breathable and provide good support. Even though they’re not the most stylish of shoe, the design is clever and the marketing is impressive. (Who knew people would wear, let alone embrace such an ugly shoe?)
One thing I’ve noticed as a podiatrist of more than ten years is the shift from style towards comfort. When I was in my teens and early twenties, I was more concerned with cute shoes rather than support. But younger people these days are more keen on support and comfort rather than design. This has seen the rise of brands that provide lots of support like Twoobs, Bared and Frankie4.
So to summarise, are thongs bad for your feet? Tips from an expert Sydney podiatrist
- Thongs are okay for your feet – but don’t wear them long term
- Choose supportive thongs with stronger construction and arch support
- Cheaper thongs provide less support and are more likely to break
- Thongs are great to protect your feet from burns and injuries
- If you have flat feet, choose thongs with arch support (you need it most)
- Make sure your thongs fit properly – too loose and they’ll slip off, too tight and they’ll cause blisters or break (and make sure your toes fit without hanging over the edge)
- Apply sunscreen on your feet and toes when wearing thongs outdoors
- For children, choose a pair of thongs with a back strap for more secure support
Common problems arising from wearing thongs (for longer walks or all day, every day):
- foot pain caused by toes having to work extra hard to keep thongs on your feet
- arch pan or plantar fasciitis due to lack of foot support
- blisters caused from rubbing
- skin irritation due to the products used
- tripping hazards due to lack of structure or breakage
One final point: don’t drive wearing thongs! They are just so flimsy, it’s easy to get the thong caught between your foot and the pedals, causing a loss of control.
