These thongs aren't made for walking

Erin Whittingham

With above zero temperatures, students are starting to trade in their sneakers for painfully cute flip flops.
"They're comfy, they're stylish, and they're cheap. They're pretty much all I wear in the summer. It's such a nice change from having to wear boots," said early childhood education student Mandy Wheeler, who has about 20 pairs ranging in all the colours of the rainbow.

Hospitality and tourism student Jaden Heard loves her flip flops simply because she loves the feeling of the open air between her toes.

"They are so easy to flip on and flip off and I love being in my bare feet. I have had the same pair since grade nine from Wal-Mart, and they haven't failed me yet," said Heard.  

From a fashion designers perspective, flip flops aren't seen as footwear. 

"They are an accessory. I see so many spring outfits where girls, and even guys now, wearing them," said fashion design co-ordinator Sheila Furlong.

But the rubber thongs do have their flops.

Dr. Jo Trenholm does not recommend people wear them too often.

"They're cute, but unfortunately they provide no support to your arch. They can cause lower back pains, joint pains, and shin splints because they put a lot of pressure and stress on the achilles tendon and the knees," said Trenholm.

According to a study by the American Podiatric Medical Association, people can start to feel some of the related pains in as little as three weeks after they start wearing flip flops or heels.

"They give me blisters. The thong rubs in between my toes and I can't wear them for very long," said public-relations student Victoria Cairncross.

Wheeler said despite the consequences, she is going to continue to wear flip flops and even add some new colours to her collection.