With more women wearing flip-flops to the office this summer, style gurus are warning that the casual shoe once mainly seen on the beach could be damaging to careers – as well as to feet.
An online survey conducted for retailers Old Navy and Gap in the U.S. found flip-flops topped the list of wardrobe items that women planned to wear to work this summer.
More than 31 percent of women said flip-flops were the single “must have” item for work this summer. But many companies disagree. Style gurus warn that flip-flops, which are worn mainly by younger women, could be harmful to a career.
“Shoes convey the mood of a woman. Wearing flip-flops conveys the mood that you are relaxed and on vacation. That’s not a good message in the office,” said Meghan Cleary, a style commentator who wrote the book “The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoes Say About You.”
Doctors say it’s not just careers they could harm. Physicians at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons say flip-flops are linked to a growing number of heel problems among teens and young adults.
“We’re seeing more heel pain than ever in patients 15 to 25 years old, a group that usually doesn’t have this problem,” said spokeswoman Marybeth Crane. She said flip-flops with thin soles have no arch support and can accentuate any abnormal biomechanics in foot motion which eventually brings pain and inflammation.
Flip-flops are far from new, dating back at least 70 years and believed developed out of traditional Japanese woven or wooden soled sandals in New Zealand.
The term “flip-flop” derives from the noise they make while slapping against the wearer’s heels and the floor. Flip flops are also known as thongs in Australia, jandals in New Zealand and slippers in Hawaii.
Flip-flops took on a new life among the young and trendy a few years ago. They have surged in popularity with shops now selling them in every conceivable colour, with sequins, flowers, and even bridal flip-flops with over 300 Swarovski crystals on the straps for about $140 a pair.
This article may contain 3rd party information which CaribbeanJobs.com has approval to use.
