Sandals Popular in Hot Weather, but May Cause Foot Problems

SEOUL, Aug. 1 (Korea Bizwire) — With the summer’s sweltering weather showing no sign of abating, shoes like sandals are becoming more popular than less comfortable options such as sneakers.

However, experts say special care is needed as wearing sandals incorrectly can cause foot problems.

Sandals usually have thin heels and offer no back support. In this case, the body will lean forward.

As the weight of the body is supported only by a thin strap in front of the sandals, the toes are loaded with excessive weight and pressure. In the process, the big toe cannot bear the weight of the body, causing it to bend.

Continuing pressure on the big toe cay cause hallux valgus.

The big toe has an important function of kicking off the ground when walking, and because of extreme hallux valgus, weight is transferred to other toes.

If the condition continues, it will lead to a deformation of the big toe and the second toe, and the pain will force the wearer to walk on the outside of their foot.

The individual’s gait will gradually change due to these abnormalities, and this can develop into secondary diseases such as arthritis in the ankles and knees, and herniated disks.

However, sandals are not the only footwear that causes problems. Even shoes with a narrow toe like high heels are dangerous.

Hallux valgus is overwhelmingly frequent in women. Usually, the ratio of the disease is about 8:2 for women and men.

This is due to the fact that women wear shoes that are tight in the toes, as well as the high maternal genetics of the disease, which is more than 50 percent higher.

The problem is that people with the disease disregard it lightly, treating it as just a “toe pain.”

“If your toes are bent by more than 12 degrees, it can be considered as hallux valgus,” said Dr. Park Eui-hyun, an orthopedist and head of the Yonsei Gunwoo Hospital.

Experts recommend choosing ‘foot-friendly shoes.’ “To keep your feet healthy, it’s better not to wear slippers or sandals often during the summer, or to wear a low heel of less than 5 centimeters,” Park says.

D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)