How our walking changes when we wear thongs (2024)

FAQs

How our walking changes when we wear thongs? ›

It is hypothesised that, compared to barefoot, wearing thongs will see reduced hallux motion, greater midfoot dorsiflexion and ankle eversion.

In summary, thongs do not provide support for the foot. If you have spent most of the year in shoes, a sudden swap to thongs can fatigue the supporting muscles of the foot and lead to pain or injury. This can be made worse if you already have a foot pathology. It's still ok to wear thongs.

According to Gersh, thongs, especially snug-fitting ones, can rub delicate genital skin and cause or worsen vulvar skin conditions and inflammation. Skin irritation isn't just uncomfortable, either. It can also make you more susceptible to infection.

Women wear G Strings for both practical and aesthetic reasons. G Strings are often chosen to prevent visible panty lines, making them ideal for wearing under form-fitting outfits. Additionally, some women feel more confident and attractive when wearing G Strings.

The higher peak plantar pressures associated with thongs increase the risk of pathologic abnormalities. A 2013 study found that, compared with sneakers, thongs were associated with a shorter stride, larger ankle angle at the beginning of double support and during swing, smaller braking impulse, and shorter stance time.

While most women find thongs completely comfortable, some have complained that the string at the back can be a bit of discomfort for some women if worn for a longer period of time. Since most women are habitual with having more coverage, they might find it difficult to adjust to almost no coverage that thongs offer.

The flimsy 1cm of rubber under your heel doesn't do much to support and cushion your heel every time it strikes the ground, sometimes causing bruising of your Calcanea Tuberosity, potentially leading to plantar fasciitis, and the development of Heel Spurs in some people.

She says wearing the wrong thong for too long can cause infections. "You run the risk of bacteria kind of accumulating and growing, and that could lead to things like some vagin*l infections, maybe even UTI's (urinary tract infection)," Dr. Udayamurthy said.

Many women agree that wearing a thong makes them feel comfortable, especially when wearing yoga pants, jeans, shorts or skirts. There is a perfect balance of comfort and freedom when wearing a thong, so if you pick the right fit and fabric, you are golden.

If your thong is too tight, it will surely be uncomfortable. On the flip side, if the fit is too loose, you won't feel secure. The best thing is to ensure you buy a thong that is your perfect size.

Why are thongs so popular now? ›

The newfound popularity of the bikini bottom thong comes on the back of a greater movement of butt appreciation/sexualisation, where the behind has entered the room of things to pay attention to.

In the 1990s, the thong gained wider popularity in the United States as underwear and as swimwear, especially with women, but also men.

Walking barefoot can be better than walking in ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or flimsy flip-flops but there are a host of dangers that walking barefoot can bring on, from stepping on glass to acquiring an infection. Flip-flops should not replace sturdier casual footwear even if they look fashionable.

Aside from aching heels, flip-flop wear can worsen other types of foot pain caused by bunions, hammertoes, heel spurs or tendonitis. Ankle sprains and tripping are more common in flip flops than in other types of sandals because there is no foot support, and your foot has to work to hold the sandal in place.

The bottom line

Many people enjoy wearing Crocs. They're lightweight, comfortable, and roomy, which makes them ideal for a range of activities. On the other hand, their lack of arch support can cause issues like plantar fasciitis, while their plastic construction may give you sweaty, smelly feet.

“They're just not supportive,” says Dr. Armstrong. “Flip-flops cause a lot of stress and strain to our tissue that results in inflammation and pain in the feet.” The thin straps don't securely hold the shoes in place, so your tootsies have to compensate to keep the shoe moving with you (hello, hammer toe!).

Thongs also come in seamless styles, which are great for everyday wear because they're designed with comfort and breathability in mind. Plus, because thongs have less fabric than other underwear styles, there's less chance your underwear will bunch or sag.

Flip flops can also exacerbate other types of foot pain, from bunions and hammertoes to tendonitis. And since your feet aren't covered or well-protected, you're at greater risk for stubbed toes, cuts, insect bites and infection.

Snug is the way to go: Aim for a tight fit where there's minimal room between your toes and the end of the thong. Going too big might mean the orthotic won't sit correctly on your foot.