Shop for sandals that combine style and support

Let's face it -- flip-flops are mainstream, and not just because they're stylish, easy-to-wear and cooler when the weather warms. For many of us, flip-flops are the equivalent of comfort food for the feet. Slip into a pair and you feel like summer really has arrived.

"They're kind of like the universal shoe in a lot of ways," says Dr. Zenon Duda, a Cape Girardeau podiatrist who's traveled the world and seen people wearing flip-flops made of everything from leather to tire treads. "I think they're a good thing because they provide air to the feet, they're comfortable and people like to wear them," he says.

Still, flip-flops do have their limits -- they're better suited for hanging around the house or going to the beach than doing chores or taking a long walk.

Vionic Orthaheel Tide II flip-flops in fuchsia, from Brown's Shoe Fit. (Laura Simon)

"There's no protection from the environment, so you could drop something on your foot or stub your toe easily. You could be injured if you accidentally step out of (the shoe) and onto the ground," says Dr. Hugh Protzel, podiatrist at Food and Ankle Centers of Southeast Missouri. "They generally have a very flexible bottom, so they're not so good for driving -- you want a stiffer bottom for driving."

Half of Americans have experienced foot pain or discomfort at some point, and improper footwear is a leading cause, according to a survey by the American Podiatric Medical Association.

"If you wear flip-flops all the time, they don't have any support, so your arch is going to collapse, and you're going to have pain in your heels," says Protzel. You might even develop hammertoes from continually working to keep flip-flops in place on your feet. Flip-flop-wearers are also prone to blisters and skin irritation, says Duda.

An added irritation? We're continually losing padding from the bottom of our feet, which makes it increasingly painful to wear nonsupportive shoes, says Duda -- by the time we reach age 50, we will have lost 50 percent of the padding from the bottom of our feet. Ouch!

The good news is, there will always be a time and place for flip-flops, and there are plenty of styles out there that offer decent support and comfort.

Look for these qualities when shopping for summer sandals:

Vionic Orthaheel Santiago sandals in natural snake, from Marcy's Planet Shoes. (Laura Simon)

A thicker sole. Duda likes a dense foam material to absorb shock as you walk on pavement.

Mesh straps on the top or back to keep the sandal on your foot. Try Chaco, Teva and river shoes, says Duda.

A good tread on the bottom.

Athletic styles from brands like Nike, Adidas and North Face tend to be molded to fit the feet, so they "flip and flop" less. They also offer nice cushioning on the bottom.

Birkenstocks are well-made and good for your feet, especially if you need plenty of arch support, says Protzel.

Do your flip-flops pass the test?

Choose a flip-flop that bends only at the ball of the foot. You shouldn't be able to bend your flip-flop in half.

Choose flip-flops in the correct size so your toes or heels don't hang off the edge of the sole.

Replace last year's worn flip-flops if they show signs of wear. Cracked or frayed shoes may cause foot irritation and provide inadequate support.

BrandPoint contributed to this report.