Personally, I think everyone's favorite warm-weather and beach footwear, the flip-flop, is disgusting. Not only is there now someone to back up my claim with medical evidence, but it appears that the rubbery soles are horrible for your body as well.

Dr. John Whyte, who I just chose as my primary care physician on my health insurance plan, took to the internet to preach about their evils:

The truth is many of our favorite flip-flops can be sending us feet first into serious injuries to our feet, ankles, knees, hips, and even our back. Over time these injuries can lead to serious bone, tendon, and joint damage.

Believe it or not, there's been a lot of research regarding flip-flops. A recent study found that flip-flop wearers tend to grip the footwear with their toes, causing shorter stride length and improper force when their feet hit the ground. What does this mean? Basically, a powerful force is transferred up our legs, putting additional stress on our lower body.

See, just like smoking, tanning, and eating at McDonald's, wearing flip-flops will mess your body up for life! The good Dr. Whyte, who I have personally nominated for a Doctor of the Millennium Award, didn't stop there. He also repeated what we already know: that flip-flops will make you flat footed; that they lead to more cuts, bruises, scrapes, nasty particles from the street sticking to your feet; and that they'll make you fall and sprain your ankle and look like a jackass.

And that is from a doctor. He pretty much prescribed that you get yourself a pair of sneakers. We're winning the war on flip-flops, people. Those nasty toe shoes better watch out, cause I'm coming for them next.

[Image via Shutterstock]