There are many reasons us LA gals throw on flip flops year round. They’re easy and comfy and we’re a casual city. Our weather is so good that we can sport Havaianas eleven months out of the year. So, why shouldn’t we?

Well, aside from the fact that non-stop flip flop wearing is boring and tired, new studies show that constantly wearing your flops can cause health problems. According to LiveScience.com, researchers at Auburn University found that the motion of walking in flip flops “stretches the plantar fascia, the connective tissue that runs from heel to toe, causing inflammation, pain along the sole, heel spurs and tired feet in general.” The researchers also found that flip flop wearers “altered their gait, taking shorter strides and turning their ankles inward, likely to keep the flip-flop from falling off.” This can cause long-term ankle and hip problems. ABC news quotes, Dr Rock Positano, podiatrist at New York’s hospital for special surgery, as saying that “flip-flops have single-handedly caused more problems with people’s feet in the last couple of years than probably any other type of shoe.” The doctor equated the wearing of flip-flops as being “no better than walking on a rubber band.” Teva wearers everywhere are saying “I told you so.” Noooooo!

I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to get long-term ankle problems, it’s going to be from wearing gorgeous heels, not waddling around in flip flops! Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m a serial flip flop offender. It all started 6 years ago when I moved to Venice Beach. Because I could walk everywhere and my closet full of heels felt stuffy, I converted to flip flops. I’ve worn them ever since. I even wore a jeweled pair under my Christian Dior wedding dress (in my defense, I was married on a beach but still) so I know I’m not one to be preaching. When I tired of rubber Reefs and Havaianas, I upgraded to metallic and leathers pairs, figuring it was okay that I was wearing flip flops because they were dressier. I thought I was giving my feet a well-deserved break from years of high heels. The problem is, flip flops are still bad for your feet, no matter how much they cost or how cute they are.

So, what do we wear? I love my flats but it gets hot in the summer so they’re getting pushed to the back of the closet for a couple of months. After doing some research, it seems to me that an ankle strap is the key to a “good” sandal for your feet because your foot doesn’t need to clench to keep the footwear secure. So, let’s all stop walking like ducks and start looking hot in strappy sandals. Here are some cute choices:

You probably already have a Gladiator-style sandal in your closet. If so, you should bust that out. If not, Urban Outfitters has several cool pairs to choose from.

Jeffrey Campbell Beaded Sandal ($88) I love the beaded, Native American feel to these sandals. What a great way to dress up your shorts and tank tops.

Infinity Sandal ($38) These are so cute and super affordable. Plus, they’ll go with anything. The neatest thing is the zipper on the heel. You get the strappy look without having to buckle all those buckles.

Another good source for affordable sandals is Old Navy. A classic flip flop look can be safe for your feet if you add a sturdy ankle strap.

Studded Suede Sandal ($16.50) I love these. They’re cheaper than going out to breakfast and crazy comfortable. The suede upper is really cool and the studs toughen up your look. It feels like a thong but with more support. I have them in gray and I’ll probably go back for the black ones.

Patent T-Strap Sandal ($11.99) These are stupid cheap and really cute. The closed back supports your ankle and the bright colored patent leather (pink or green) are so fun for summer.

Because you actually have to try on sandals instead of just picking them up off a rack like flip flops, you might want to consider ordering several pairs from Zappos.com and sending back the ones that don’t work. Shipping is free and you have 365 days to return a pair. Seriously. The site has zillions of shoes (okay, they have a lot) but here are a few stand-outs:

Irregular Choice Spaghetti Western ($94) I love this brand. Quirky and fun, dudettes. You can release your inner Rainbow Bright and look super sweet in the heat. Rainbow patent leather straps and a padded insole. Very 70’s chic.

Calvin Klein Coral ($90) This is a very pretty pair of sandals that looks barely there. The metallic upper is really cool and will go with everything.

Sam Edelman Ginger ($99) I really heart these. Gladiator sandals with beaded details and three buckles. Like jewelry for your feet. Don’t be scared. You can so rock these.

DV by Dolce Vita Elm ($66) Hurry up, ladies. These are already in my basket! Choose between either black/pink or brown/lime leather uppers with an adorable criss-cross pattern. How cute will these be with dresses? And jeans?

Forget my crate of flip flops. After looking at all these cute sandals, I don’t even miss them. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll still save them for the beach, trips to Maui and for when I need to run outside to let the dog pee on a tree. But, I resolve here and now to stop the flip flop abuse! You heard me.

*photo by davesandfords via flickr.

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