Flip Flops Your Feet Will Love!

By Dr Kate Gazzard.

It’s summer which means it’s flip flop time! One of my big summer *sigh* moments is seeing athletes walking around in a basic pair of thongs with no support or cushioning and complaining of painful feet/arches/Achilles tendons. If you value what your footsies do for you out on the track/road/bike/field/gym, take care of them this summer with a plush pair of pluggers, especially if you are suffering from Plantar Fasciopathy and Achilles or flexor tendon problems. LOVE YOUR FEET!

1. OOFOS
www.oofos.com.au
These pluggers put the oooooh in Oofos offering a very plush ride with arch support. Great for plantar fascia woes and recovery after long sessions on your feet.  They come in a range of styles and colours for men and women.  Primo!

2. OLUKAI
https://www.thewalkingcompany.com.au/brand/olukai

Inspired by the feeling of bare feet in wet sand, Hawaiian brand OluKai builds their footwear with anatomically contoured footbeds to deliver the perfect balance of instant comfort and lasting support.

Medial and lateral arch support reduces aches and pains, and promotes healthier functioning for superior natural shock absorption and a coiled spring effect in the foot.

Olukai’s heel cup cradles the foot, minimises side-to-side movement, and provides stability and natural shock absorption. The heel cup centres and aligns the foot to minimise pronation and supination, reduce pressure on the arch, and enhance the body’s natural cushioning and bone protection. Pictured here is the Olukai O’hana.  Love this! Below is the Men’s Nui – a great looking ‘going out’ plugger!

3. VIONIC

Using Orthaheel technology for arch support and a comfortable ride, Vionic offers some fun and funky designs for men and women that will keep your feet happy!

4. ARCHIES

https://archiesfootwear.com.au/
Cheap and cheerful pluggers with an arch support that is also friendly on the hip pocket. You can even choose how high you want your arch support! Just check the sizing guide when you order on line as you need to go for a smaller size than usual!

5. FIT FLOPS
https://fitflop.com.au/.
One of the originals in the premium ride thong range. As much as I love, love, love these, at the higher end of the price scale, the price is a bit hard to *gulp*. But if you really want to show your feet some cushioned loving, this is the answer!

If you’re struggling with plantar fascia or tendon problems, research has shown comprehensively that the BEST treatment you can do is an exercise rehabilitation program involving an adequate balance of strength training (yes, strength training for your plantar fascia!!), recovery, correcting biomechanics or aggravating factors and a graded return to training.  Shockwave treatment can also provide symptomatic relief and enhance tendon healing. Contact www.proclinic.com.auif you need further information to help you get back on your feet!

Wishing you a summer of happy feet!

Dr Kate