Are thongs really bad for our feet?
As Aussies we love to get around in shorts or dresses paired with thongs, especially throughout the summer months, it’s our thing! But, are thongs bad for our feet? In a world first, The University of Sydney aims to prove whether the commonly held assumption that thongs are bad for our feet is true or false.
Thongs also known as flip-flops, pluggers, go-aheads, jandals and Havaianas are the chosen footwear for many Aussies in the hotter months because they are comfortable and convenient, yet fashionable.
Podiatrist, Angus Chard is investigating the effect of thongs on our bodies with The University of Sydney. Mr Chard, who has sixteen years of clinical expertise, says he “looks forward to replacing the broad public misconceptions of the health effects of wearing thongs with hard evidence.”
But as our understanding of the complex nature of foot function grows, experts are starting to accept that the best shoe should mimic barefoot conditions, says Mr Chard.
“The latest research has found that there is more motion within the arch of the foot than previously thought. It might be the case that flexible thongs can actually assist in developing the 16 muscles within each foot.”
Mr Chard leads the team of researches from The University of Sydney which will investigate what effect wearing thongs has on the foot and the leg functions. Mr Chard explained that “We will be using technology – similar to that used in movies to bring to life characters such as Gollum from Lord of the Rings – to animate children’s foot and leg motions while they are barefoot, wearing thongs and traditional school shoes.”
What do you think the effects of wearing thongs are?
How often do you wear thongs?
Why do you choose to wear thongs?
Do you think they have an impact on your feet?
Would you continue to wear thongs, even if you were told they impacted your feet and legs?
