SF State’s overcast skies never stop them. Neither does the rain. And it looks like experts advice won’t either.

Students have different reasons for wearing flip-flops to school. Some rely on them for comfort, others for style. But Maureen Lee, the podiatrist at the Student Health Center, has her reasons too.

“Flip-flops are primitive in providing what a foot needs,” said Lee. “Nothing is holding the foot. There’s no support for the mid and rear foot.”

In other words, the muscles that control the feet have to work harder to keep them in the thongs. The toes are the only part of the foot that are holding it and preventing it from sliding off.

Students who experience pain in the ball of the foot, known as the area just before the toes, are prone to metatarsalgia. Those who wear them all day on campus put much pressure on their feet.

Pain in the ball of your foot is often caused by improper fitted footwear, Lee said.

However, one student disagrees with the condition.

“I’ve heard about it but I don’t pay attention to it,” said Carly Mikkelsen, 18, a freshman apparel design and merchandising student. “I would still wear them everyday.”

Another issue experts have with students’ overuse of flip-flops is a lack of arch support in the foot.

“(Wearing flip-flops) is basically walking bare footed,” said Jane Galvan, assistant clinical professor for the graduate program in physical therapy at SF State. “If you’re walking around campus all day, you need good support or else you can tear the thick connective tissue at the bottom of your foot.”

The medical term for this circumstance is called plantar fasciitis, causing pain in the heel. Repeated tearing of the tiny fibers of this area can cause inflammation.

One student has experienced drawbacks with the functionality of thongs.

“They’re hard to walk in,” said Mike Walker, 27, a senior computer science major. “What if I was in a hurry and had to run? I just choose not to wear them.”

A regular flip-flop wearer disagrees.

“I wear them everyday; even if it rains,” said Theresa Williams, 23, a senior history student. “They’re comfortable.”

In fact, it’s not just a matter of the muscles and tissues that frequent flip-flop wearers can hurt - it’s their skin as well.

“You can get blisters, abrasions and sunburned when you wear them too often,” said Galvan.

The irritation they cause is the biggest concern for one student.

“It instantly annoys me when I put them on,” said Billy Sandberg, 18, freshman international relations major. “I don’t like the feeling between my toes.”

On the other hand, there is a specific time and place to wear flip-flops. They include the locker room, pool and beach.

“They are great to protect feet from contracting things like viruses, warts or athlete’s foot in public showers or getting cut from glass on the beach,” said Lee. “But not as a form of shoe gear – they’re not really meant for anything else.”

Galvan reminds students to be cautious of their feet.

“Especially in the city, you are prone to injury,” she said. “You can trip easily, things can fall on them and you can slip. And someone on MUNI can step on your toes.”

But if flip-flops cannot escape your wardrobe, experts say to switch up the type of shoes you wear. This can help relieve stress on your feet.

“If you have different shoes and you only wear flip flops occasionally then it’s OK,” said Galvan. “But they lack cushion, support and safety to wear all the time.”

For long-term effects, there are important features to keep in mind.

Shoes that have good arch support, are wide enough in the toes, well cushioned, enclosed and comfortable are the best for students walking around campus to get to their classes, according to the experts.

“Good support from your feet helps with the connective chain – ankles, knees, hips, and spine,” said Galvan. “Meaning, good shoes equals better alignment.”