It may seem stilettos are the most serious foot-pain offender, but it's summer's favorite shoe that's now getting the blame.
The American College of Sports Medicine determined wearing flip-flops is harmful to feet, legs and lower back when worn as primary footwear.
Floridians may be harder hit than most, with all-year sunshine allowing flip-flop wear year round.
"Flip-flops give no support for the arch, so there is some flattening in the feet overtime," said Dr. Scott Koppel, a podiatrist from North Florida Family Podiatry in Gainesville.
Flip-flops increase the chances for ankle sprains, and Koppel recommends when purchasing sandals to avoid funky or really thick soles, which can be hazardous, he said.
"The best choice is to wear an athletic shoe when you can," Koppel said.
He advises his patients to wear either New Balance or Asics brands because of their supportive soles.
Most flip-flops lack supportive soles and make people change the manner in which they walk or run.
When wearing them for too long, they can cause pain, according to the American College of Sports Medicine.
The average American takes between 10,000 and 20,000 steps day, and small changes to a person's gait can escalate to a serious injury.
Although summer's go-to shoe may cause pain, Cayce Connolly, a UF junior, says she won't stop wearing her favorite type of footwear.
"Flip-flops are so comfortable and they make my feet look good," Connolly said, while sporting a pair of Rainbow flip-flops during an interview.
"I always see people on campus wearing flip-flops, probably because it is so hot and they just want some breezy feet," she said.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends replacing flip-flops as often as possible and not wearing them for an extended period of time or for long distances.
