Wearing flip-flops, flats and other shoes that don't provide arch support may contribute to your toe troubles. In the case of flip-flops, not only do the thin rubber soles give your feet zero arch support, your ankle is free to move about. This leads to twisted ankles especially for those who wear flip-flops with a slightly higher heel, according to Dr. David S. Levine, foot and ankle surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.