With this warm weather, slippers are a must! But how good or bad is it to walk a lot in these airy footwear?
To get an answer to that question, we called Monique van der Kaa, podiatrist and owner of Podotherapie van der Kaa. She specializes in athletes and chronic foot complaints and gives courses to podiatrists to make custom slippers.
Read also: 'Can you drive with slippers on?'
Monique van der Kaa:“About thirty percent of the Dutch have foot complaints, often due to wearing the wrong shoes. In the summer, especially slipper wearers come to our practice. Most suffer from their forefoot, heel or sprained their ankle. But we also see a lot of corns and calluses. A feeling of pressure in your forefoot can indicate prolonged overload. Stitches can be the cause of a nerve compression. All complaints that arise when you walk in slippers for a long time.”
“Slippers are suitable for functional use. So wear them on the beach, in the shower or around the house, but don't put them on when you go for a long walk. Because a slipper doesn't stick well to your foot, you have to put in a lot of effort to keep it on. You will therefore 'claw' with your toes. Walking in slippers for half an hour is quite healthy, because it activates the muscles in your feet. But flip flops and other shoes that don't fit well are more likely to cause calluses and painful fissures. In addition, you stumble faster. Birkenstocks have a better footbed than most flip flops or slippers, but they are also not suitable for a long walk. Sandals are better because your toes claw less. Shop adjustable ones, preferably with Velcro, for a better fit.”
“Do you want to be able to walk in slippers without foot complaints? Then I recommend that you have slippers or sandals made to measure at a podiatrist, podiatrist or orthopedic shoemaker. With a good footbed, a sturdy strap and the right fit you prevent a lot of misery. Your foot slides a lot less, there is the right cushioning and enough support and there are no pressure points. It is not said that everyone will get foot complaints. Some people wear slippers or pumps every day and have no problems with it. But they do have a greater chance of future complaints. Prevention is therefore better than cure.”
