Beware: The Footwear You're Wearing Could Be An Accident Waiting To Happen

By: Linda Lee

High heels may get a bad rap for twisted ankles, sore feet, and trip and fall accidents, but experts say another type of footwear is actually the most dangerous at home and at work.

Flip-flops are the most dangerous type of footwear, and are to blame for many different injuries, experts say.

"While they may be cheap and super comfortable, over time they can create serious problems," according to a report by the Office of the Safety Coordinator in Garden City, New York. "Accidents are caused by flip flops slipping off the foot and from the foot slipping off of them causing the wearers to trip and fall."

When it comes to footwear, these are a summer staple. However, in addition to trip and fall concerns, if worn on a daily basis, they can cause serious foot, hip, knee, and back injuries.

Lack of support can cause critical problems in the arch and heel of the foot, including plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of tissue on the bottom of the foot.

Foot doctors caution that if you plan on wearing flip-flops, shop for brands that offer arch support, and don't wear them for long periods of time.

Flip-flops also slow you down. An Auburn University study found that flip-flop wearers take smaller steps than people who wear sneakers.