Slides are open-toed, backless footwear that require no ankle strap for retention. They have become a staple due to their convenience, often chosen for casual wear, quick errands, or poolside use. While slides offer comfort and accessibility, their minimalist design fundamentally alters the way the foot functions during movement, raising concerns about chronic use and foot health.
How Slides Alter Natural Foot Movement
Walking in a secured shoe, like a lace-up sneaker, allows the foot to move through a natural, biomechanically efficient gait cycle. This involves the foot making contact with the ground, rolling forward, and using the toes as a rigid lever for push-off. Backless slides cannot remain on the foot during the swing phase of walking without active muscular engagement.
To prevent the slide from flying off, the wearer subconsciously engages in a repetitive action known as “toe gripping” or “clawing.” This involves the continuous flexion of the toes throughout the gait cycle. This constant gripping is unnatural and prevents the foot from executing its proper functions.
The need to grip the shoe disrupts the foot’s natural rolling motion and strains the intrinsic muscles and tendons in the arch and forefoot. The foot must work harder in an abnormal pattern simply to keep the footwear attached, which can lead to fatigue and strain over time.
Common Foot Problems Linked to Slides
The altered biomechanics caused by continuous toe gripping and lack of structural support contribute directly to several common foot and lower limb ailments. Plantar Fasciitis is a frequently reported issue, exacerbated by the typically flat soles and minimal arch support found in many slides. These designs fail to protect the plantar fascia from excessive strain.
The chronic, repetitive flexion required to keep the shoe on can also lead to forefoot deformities over time. Conditions like hammertoes, where the toe is permanently bent at the middle joint, and bunions may be aggravated by the continuous, strained gripping action. The toe muscles shorten and lose their intended dexterity, encouraging dysfunctional movement patterns.
The lack of heel cushioning and shock absorption in most slide designs means the impact of walking is transmitted more forcefully up the kinetic chain. This poor absorption can stress the joints in the knees, hips, and lower back. The overcompensation required by the calf muscles can also lead to strain, sometimes contributing to conditions such as Achilles Tendinitis.
Guidelines for Safer Slide Use
To mitigate the potential negative effects of slides, limit their use to appropriate contexts. Slides should be reserved for short-term wear, such as quick trips to the mailbox, walking around the house, or poolside use, and not used as a primary, all-day walking shoe.
When selecting slides, look for specific design features to support the foot’s natural form. Footwear that includes a contoured footbed and modest arch support can help alleviate strain on the plantar fascia. Adequate cushioning and shock absorption in the sole are also helpful features to reduce impact on the joints.
For situations requiring more walking or prolonged standing, a better alternative is a sandal that includes a supportive backstrap or heel cup. A strap that secures the shoe to the ankle eliminates the need for the toes to grip, allowing the foot to function with more normal gait mechanics. Supportive athletic recovery slides are also an option, as they are often engineered with better arch support and cushioning than standard casual slides.