9 Reasons to Avoid Sandals on NYC Sidewalks

If you are planning a trip to the Big Apple or just a local ready to get outside, your first instinct might be to reach for your favorite pair of flip-flops or strappy sandals. After all, it’s hot! And you want your feet to breathe while you trek from Central Park to the High Line.

However, the sidewalks of New York City are a different breed of terrain. In our expert opinion, here are 9 reasons why we at Goldsmith Podiatry discourage walking around in sandals as the weather heats up.

1. Mystery Liquids

Whether it is leaking trash bags, air conditioner runoff, or something far more unsanitary, sandals provide zero protection. If you are in open shoes, that sidewalk soup is coming into direct contact with your skin.

2. Aggressive NYC Grime

NYC grime is a mixture of soot, brake dust, and various pollutants. Without a barrier, this filth gets ground into your skin and under your toenails and increases your risk of infections.

3. High Risk of Stubbed Toes

The sidewalks in New York are often uneven, with cracked pavement and protruding metal cellar doors. Without the protection of a closed-toe shoe, a simple trip can lead to a broken toe or a painful nail injury.

4. Lack of Arch Support

NYC is a walking city. You will easily log five to ten miles a day without even trying. But most sandals offer zero arch support, which means heel pain and a flare-up of plantar fasciitis are right around every corner.

5. The Dreaded Subway Grate

If you have ever worn thin sandals over a subway grate, you know the feeling of instability. The gaps are perfectly sized to catch a thin heel or a flexible sole.

6. Zero Shock Absorption on Concrete

Sneakers are designed to absorb the shock from unforgiving concrete sidewalks, but sandals leave your ankles, knees, and lower back to deal with the impact.

7. Vulnerability in Crowds

New York is crowded. Whether you are in Times Square or in a packed subway car, someone is eventually going to step on your foot.

8. Hot Pavement and Friction Blisters

In the peak of summer, the pavement can reach temperatures that are high enough to cause discomfort. Additionally, the combination of heat, sweat, and the straps of your sandals creates the perfect environment forfriction blisters to form within just a few blocks.

9. Exposure to Pests and Allergens

From sidewalk debris to the occasional city critter, keeping your feet exposed puts you closer to things you’d rather avoid. Closed shoes act as a shield against the less-than-glamorous side of urban nature.

If you’re looking for more foot care tips, give us a call at (212) 877-1002 so Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina T. Ruff at Goldsmith Podiatry can help guide you in the right direction.