General Discussion Triathlon Talk » flip flops cause leg pain??? Rss Feed  
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2012-05-01 1:57 PM

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Subject: flip flops cause leg pain???
Does anyone get leg pain after wearing flip flops all day? I moved this weekend and decided to wear flip flops yesterday while running a bunch of errands. Later that night, I started to feel a very slight pain in my right leg, on the under side but a little bit up from the knee and slightly to the side( cant remember the term but closer to the belly button). I have read that flip flops can do this but I am not sure that is what it is from or maybe just from moving and lifting boxes all weekend. I just wanted to throw it out there and see if anyone has experienced this before. I am icing it when I get home and iced it last night. I guess I am kinda freaking out because I have a half marathon in 2 weeks and this is supposed to be a big training week for me but I dont think I should run until the pain subsides. Thoughts?


2012-05-01 2:06 PM
in reply to: #4184216

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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
Depends, are you talking glorified shower shoes el-cheapo flip flops?  Or more substantial "shoe-like" flip flops, i.e. reefs or similar?  Yes to the former, no to the latter...
2012-05-01 2:23 PM
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Coastal Carolina
Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???

Nope and I wear them year round...

 

Might be you just have to get used to them, is it more of a soreness?

2012-05-01 2:46 PM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
yeah it doesn't work for me.  pool and beach and that is it.
2012-05-01 2:50 PM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I wear sandals on extremely hot days with no problems, sometimes flip flops to. Never had any problems.
2012-05-01 2:56 PM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I live in flip flops when I am not training.  I have never had a problem at all.  I would wear no shoes if I could, but TX isn't conducive for that.  


2012-05-01 3:12 PM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I get sore shin muscles. Something about the way that I curl my toes upwards to keep the sandals/flip flops/ thongs from flying off when I walk. But I'm reading that your pain is in some completely different place.

(yes, I said thongs. Damn underpants ruining my footwear terms...)
2012-05-02 8:01 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???

I think it probably also depends on what you're used to. If you wear "regular" shoes or sandals the vast majority of the time, and suddenly switch to them and wear them an extended period of time, then just like suddenly running in low-drop shoes when you'd been at 8 mm or more your whole life, sure...it's going to tax stuff. And, often, if you tax the foundation...the whole building can get creaky (to mix my metaphors).

2012-05-02 8:03 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
ecozenmama - 2012-05-01 3:56 PM I live in flip flops when I am not training.  I have never had a problem at all.  I would wear no shoes if I could, but TX isn't conducive for that.  

this, SC instead of TX though. 
2012-05-02 8:19 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
Agree it depends on what you are used to. In my younger days, I had trouble with PF and almost never even wore sandals. But since getting that cured with deep tissue massage, I've worn just about everything but high heels to work and for six years in the tropics here pretty much always in flip-flops, glorified flip-flops, or, for extensive walking, Tevas. Mostly barefoot inside. If you're used to it, it's fine. (I remember some of the sherpas in Nepal trekking in flip-flops.) But if you're not, it puts strain on different parts of your feet and legs. You should work up to it gradually. If you have a race soon I'd stick with normal shoes until after.
2012-05-02 8:34 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I pretty much only wear them to walk outside for a short time, like getting the mail, taking out the garbage, walking out onto the pool deck.  The times when I have worn them for an extended time, my shins ankles and calves get sore.  I think it's probably because it's not my normal footwear. 


2012-05-02 9:10 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I would suggest getting a "nice" pair of flip flops. Like others have said, the $2 Old Navy ones will kill your feet. I have a pair of Reefs and they are the greatest flip flops I've had. A full day at Cedar Point walking around and my feet felt fresh.
2012-05-02 9:15 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
All this talk of cedar point makes me want to ride the Raptor now!  
2012-05-02 10:45 AM
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Payson, AZ
Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I am in flip flops all day long.  I put shoes on to run and bike and that is about it.  You will walk a tiny bit different in flip flops so you are probably experiencing some muscle aches from using little muscles you wouldn't normally use. 
2012-05-02 12:44 PM
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Buttercup
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???

They do not cause me leg pain. I wear them almost daily, cuz I can.

I also have intact arches and strong feet. What about you?

2015-03-25 6:58 PM
in reply to: dmbfan4life20


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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I have a big problem with heavy flip flops. I bought Nike and suffered greatly, major leg pain! I didn't realize what was going on for a couple days. Again I bought a pair of Pali Hawaii and the same thing happened. The best flip flops I've ever had are Teva Mush, they are light as a feather and I can wear them all the time without leg pain. I just purchased another pair! My daughter loves it, she gets all the ones I buy that I can't wear.


2015-03-26 6:49 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
Not to minimize your pain, but frankly it's probably nothing. It could be due to the flip flops or maybe all the lifting from moving. Bottom line is.. RELAX. let it heal, which it likely will on it's own. Ice it, rest, etc and I'm sure you'll be fine. Too many of us triathletes get all worked up over the slightest pain and the added fear, doubt that it creates can be harmful to the healing process. Fear and the ensuing focus on the injury can actually hard wire the pain signals causing pain to persist even after healing has naturally occurred. You can avoid that by not worrying and believing it will heal just fine!
2015-03-26 6:55 AM
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I wanted to add that resting a day is probably all you need to do and take the next run easy to test it out.... but like I said don't worry about it. It'll likely heal up quickly.

Edited by ecpasos 2015-03-26 6:58 AM
2015-03-26 2:21 PM
in reply to: ecpasos

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Master
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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I'd think the same thing. Probably just your feet aren't used to the flip-flops are are a bit strained.
Probably giving it some rest and going back to your regular footwear will solve your issue.

Flip-flops (in Hawaii they call them slippers) are generally pretty awful footwear. Avoid wearing for extended periods IMO.
2015-03-26 2:30 PM
in reply to: dmbfan4life20

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Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
Matt - I have the same issue with flip-flops. My legs and feet ache after wearing them. I can wear sandals that have a good foot bed and support, but not flip flops.

I wouldn't worry about your upcoming HM. Just switch back to your regular shoes/sneakers/whatever, and all the flip flop aches and pains should go away quickly.
2015-04-02 4:45 PM
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Houston, Texas
Subject: RE: flip flops cause leg pain???
I've had the similar issue when using the flip flops for too long, when walking in the mall.

I believe it has to do with the material, so if your flip flop doesn't have enough cushion is creating too much pressure on your heel. Also you flip flops should not be recommended when doing activities that require a lot of foot movement. For sandals were not meant for the purpose and 2nd doesn't give you enough support. If is not properly taken care of you might develop Achilles Tendonitis Is this something that always happen?

Edited by Dhopps 2015-04-02 4:46 PM


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » flip flops cause leg pain??? Rss Feed