Health risks such as heel pain, hammer toe and tendonitis are among the dangers that come along with the sandals, but Reid said flip-flop wearers also should be aware of things such as twisted ankles or infections from cuts in between the toe from wearing a thong version sandal.

While the feet are the central area where pain is experienced and problems develop, they are not the only part of the body that is affected by wearing flip-flops, said John Throckmorton, a doctor of podiatric medicine, in Lansing.

“After wearing flip-flops for long periods of time the pain can travel into your ankles, knees and back,” he said.

“Your legs are the central support for the rest of your body, and by wearing flip-flops it can change the way you walk, which is a crucial aspect in regards to the rest of your health.”

Throckmorton said the lack of support flip flops provide can break down the arch and flatten the feet.

“Flip-flops can change the overall shape of your feet, so when the seasons change and you have to go back to another type of footwear, you may find that your feet are no longer the shape they use to be,” he said.

Leigh Ann Hamel, a theater sophomore, said although she was aware of the dangers regarding flip-flops, it does not affect her everyday choice to slip them on her feet.

“It really doesn’t matter to me, they are easy to put on and I think they are comfortable to walk around in,” Hamel said. “I have been wearing them forever and have never noticed any problems.”

The convenience of slipping on flip-flops, and being able to wear them with almost any style of clothing, is what Reid said attracts many people to them.

Avid sandal wearers, however, do not have to give up flip-flops altogether.

Instead, Reid said they should look for attributes that make a good sandal, such as good arch and heel support, a toe-thong made out of a natural material and an overall good fit on your feet.