FitFlops or Fit-flop?

13th June 2008

posted in Personal |

I don’t have gazillions of pairs of shoes, but I do have, oh, a few for every occasion and season. Still, I have one hard and firm rule about shoe-buying: They absolutely must be comfortable (This is why I do not own a single pair of high heels). I’m also not a fan of flip flops or any kind of shoe with an inner toe strap. All of which is why I will not be buying into the latest in women’s footwear – diet shoes.

Yes, that’s right. A British invention, FitFlops are purported to help work and tone the muscles of the thighs and calves so that women can burn even more calories and reduce the dread fat and cellulite – all for a pittance of $49.95. One reviewer said she found them comfortable, but added that it requires 15 percent energy than ordinary walking and that other wearers have reported discomfort. Other reviewers also reported discomfort, as well as a dismal lack of sandal-sculpted legs. But not only are such diet shoes not likely to give you the legs of a supermodel, they can actually throw you off your stride resulting in lower leg and feet pain. That is, according to a study released last month and presented at the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis.

Please. We already have pantyhose, Spanx, pointy-toed shoes and high heels to impede our comfort levels and mobility. Can’t a woman just wear a pair of casual flip-flops in peace?

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1 On June 13th, 2008, libbyloo said:

From one of the reviews: slightly destabilises your usual gait

Yeah… that’s exactly what I need! Ha!

I actually did invest in a pair of Gaiam’s Yoga Sandals hoping that their claim that my feet might hurt less is true… and hoping that they whole spreading the toes thing would help keep me from tripping over myself so often. (I also think they’re kinda cute!) We’ll see if they live up to their claim when they (finally) arrive in the mail (today, maybe?).

But wearing sandals to firm up my calves? That seems to be another thing entirely. And it seems to be a little ridiculous!

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

2 On June 13th, 2008, Tori said:

I used to have amazing arches in my feet. (Totally something to be proud of, I know! lol) Anyway, one summer I wore flip-flops almost everywhere, and now I’m completely flat-footed. Now I have to wear two prescription arch supports in each shoe or I get knee and ankle pain when I run. I can imagine a lot of people who fall for this and end up unhappy after a few months…

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 1:53 pm

3 On June 13th, 2008, Sarah said:

Hmm. I’ve been wearing these for about a month now and I really love mine. I find them incredibly comfortable. I’m maybe seeing a SLIGHT improvement in my calf definition. Not $50 worth (luckily, I didn’t pay that much for them). But I get compliments every time I wear them (I have the black patent ones) and they are really comfortable, in my experience. They seem to run really big. Maybe some people aren’t buying the correct size?

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 2:01 pm

4 On June 13th, 2008, Marste said:

You know what makes me sad about this? I think those sandals are so cute! Serously, I want some a LOT – I am the flip-flop queen around these parts! LOL

But the fact that they’re marketing them like that? Makes me want them less. Or rather, I want the SHOES just as much, but I really, really don’t want to encourage the marketing. So even though I want them, I probably won’t buy them. If that makes sense. *sigh*

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 2:33 pm

5 On June 13th, 2008, Liza said:

That really sounds dangerous. Especially for people with back/knee/hip problems. How about, if you want to work out, go to the gym, then when you’re walking, just walk?

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 2:45 pm

6 On June 13th, 2008, Yorke said:

I’ve not tried these, although I have the MBTs (http://www.blissworld.com/product/fitness+footwear/shop+fitness+footwear/mbt/mbt+kaya+smoke.do) and they rock. I didn’t get them to get awesome calves or get rid of cellulite as they apparently lie that they can do; however, having to walk in them has greatly improved my poster and lengthened my achilles tendon. I had a tendency to walk and run on my toes so these babies fixed me right up.

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 3:52 pm

7 On June 13th, 2008, Yorke said:

*posture. Der.

8 On June 13th, 2008, Peggy said:

It kind of reminds me of the Dr. Scholl’s “Exercise Sandals” that were all the rage when I was a teenager. They had uncomfortable wooden soles and I’m pretty sure the “exercise” came from flexing your toes while trying to keep them on your feet.

9 On June 13th, 2008, Rachel said:

Some people seem to really like these shoes, but I think I’m with Marste. Some of the diet food products out there may taste great, but I still won’t buy them on principle.

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

10 On June 13th, 2008, Epiphany Alone said:

Hasn’t this been done already? Weren’t Dr Scholls marketed to tone your calves and thighs?

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 4:55 pm

11 On June 13th, 2008, MJN said:

I actually bought these because I’d heard they were very comfortable, and they are. I wear them almost every chance I get; I have to spend 20-30 hours a week on my feet for work, and my knees were killing me. The shoes have almost eliminated that pain, likely because of the extra cushion that requires more energy to walk.
I was hesitant to purchase them because of their marketing as a weight-loss product, but they’ve turned out to be better than my expensive cross-training tennis shoes.

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 5:14 pm

12 On June 13th, 2008, La di Da said:

I’ll stick with my Birkenstocks, thanks. Like Tori, I wore flat no-support shoes for a summer (china flats) and they ruined my previously awesome feet. After much trial and error and money, Birkenstocks have returned my feet to normal.

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 6:37 pm

13 On June 13th, 2008, Cindy said:

Somebody help Tori! She has FALLEN ARCHES!!!!!

Tee hee. Diet shoes!

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 7:28 pm

14 On June 13th, 2008, Charlotte said:

Screw those, give me a pair of Old Navy flip flops any day. It’s so sad how they’ll turn almost anything into a weight loss product these days.

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 9:11 pm

15 On June 13th, 2008, sarah said:

I have occasionally seen Earth shoes (of which I own a pair) marketed this way as well. I shelled out good money for them because I have fallen arches and back problems, and they have definitely made a difference for me in those respects. They are also much better quality than the cheapo Payless shoes I used to knock around in. I certainly haven’t noticed any “toning” or “calorie-burning” effects, though…

posted on June 13th, 2008 at 11:33 pm

16 On June 14th, 2008, Criss said:

I think the flipflop aspect would sort of discourage the amount of walking needed to tone the legs–I have Keen flipflops that I LOVE, but if I’m going to be walking a lot, I still opt for sneakers with socks.

And yes, the “diet shoe” marketing is distasteful, though it isn’t new–those rocker-sole sneakers make basically the same claims and have been around for several years.

I probably couldn’t wear those shoes at all, though. Even my Keens don’t really have the arch support I need anymore. I went the opposite way from some of the posters here–I had pancake-flat feet that never, ever hurt even wearing dime-store plastic flipflops…and then I started wearing Danskos all the time, developed an arch, and now have terrible heel pain if I don’t get enough arch support! Which sucks, except then I get an excuse to buy more Danskos, so everything has an upside.

posted on June 14th, 2008 at 12:32 am

17 On June 14th, 2008, SZ said:

The “diet shoe” claim is all the rage: MBTs and other brands all claim to help you lose weight. Earth Shoes, which were even uglier and clunkier than Birkenstocks back in the day, have re-branded themselves as weight-loss shoes as well (though the design of the shoe hasn’t changed much). You allegedly burn calories because you wobble around in order to keep your balance (in the case of MBTs) or because the heel is actually lower than the foot bed and you’re walking at an incline (earth shoes). But I’m sure the difference is negligible when compared to the positive health effects of, oh, GOING FOR A WALK in any kind of shoe.

I have funky flat feet and walk like a duck, with my feet turned wayyy out. I bought a pair of Earth Shoes and at first I was happy that when I wore them, my feet pointed straight ahead, because of the way the low heel and super-high insole are shaped. But then after a week I discovered that I had LOST ALL FEELING in my baby right toe. I was clearly pinching a nerve the wrong way. It took another whole week of wearing sneakers for the feeling in my toe to return.

Extremely fit people (aka athletes) don’t wear purposely unstable, uncomfortable shoes in order to get fit. They wear the MOST comfortable and supportive sneakers possible. Maybe the rest of us should take a hint, eh?

posted on June 14th, 2008 at 6:28 am

18 On June 14th, 2008, Constance said:

I was born with flat feet so lack of arch support usually isn’t a problem. But I can’t wear flip flops anymore because of a bunion. Damn feet.

posted on June 14th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

19 On June 17th, 2008, Vicki said:

I had been watching the websites for some of the fit flops – but they were not within my price range. Avon & Curves released some at a less expensive price so I thought I would give them a try. I first ordered the blue/grey style with the Velcro straps – I thought I would try them since they did not have the thong between the toes. The first time I tried them on, they felt strange. (The heal is curved so not as much pressure on the heal when walking – encourages natural movement.) I liked how they worked my muscles. I wear them sometimes when I walk on the treadmill – also with an incline. I have been walking and doing exercise for awhile now – so my legs are somewhat used to getting a work out. But I felt it more after I walked in the Curves shoes. But you need to gradually work up to walking on them for a length of time.

I recently decided to purchase another Curves pair from Avon – the purple ones with the thong between the toes. I have only had them for a week – but the first time I put them on I felt like I was walking on firm pillows – they were so comfortable.

When I exercise, I work hard – so my heals sometimes take a beating. But when walking in either pair of the shoes, my heals do not hurt very bad. I would never use the shoes to take the place of my exercise – but I will say they complement it very well. Here is the website where I ordered my shoes – http://www.youravon.com/swilliams7051. The young lady who has this website is who originally pointed them out to me – I am so glad she did. They are cheaper than some of the other ones I have seen. I know the purple fit flops are on sale for this campaign but may be going to regular price in a future campaign.

They also have fit style tennis shoes – but I have not tried them. I do have a pair of the regular Curves tennis shoes and I do like them.

My kids say my fit flops are ugly – but I prefer comfort over looks – plus my legs benefit and will look better.

These shoes are not for everyone. But I like mine and have no intentions of giving either pair up. I normally do not comment on something – unless it makes a big impact on me. Good luck.

posted on June 17th, 2008 at 9:40 am

20 On June 26th, 2008, Janet said:

I have FitFlops. I don’t care if they exercise my legs or not- these are by far the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I don’t notice them making me work any harder when I walk. After a day of slight discomfort between my toes, these things broke in really well, and now they feel like I’m not wearing shoes at all, except that they cushion my feet when I walk and stand(which I do all day at work.)
I love them.

posted on June 26th, 2008 at 11:26 pm

21 On July 1st, 2008, PB said:

I am about to purchase my second pair of FitFlops. I LOVE THEM! They took a day to get used to but after that they were wonderful! I suffer from Leg and Knee pain ( constant ) but after just a few days of wearing these shoes the pain had subsided tremendously. I could give a rip about the weight loss or the leg workout – the shoes look and feel good – that is what matters!

posted on July 1st, 2008 at 10:48 am

22 On July 10th, 2008, Chris said:

I bought a pair. Convinced my mom, two of my sisters and two neighbors to buy them because I was so impressed by the Fitflop. I am fairly athletic (run, play soccer…) and I can feel a difference after wearing the Fitflops. My feeling is if you are a flipflop wearer wear fitflops for the added support. They are comfortable and can be worn all day long. Whether it is psychological or physiological Fitflops can provide motivation to get moving.

posted on July 10th, 2008 at 12:40 pm

23 On July 14th, 2008, Jill said:

My mom bought me these for my birthday, and they haven’t made my legs more toned at all (and I have worn them everywhere I can ever since). But you know what?

The severe back pain I was having is gone. Gone gone gone. I want a pair of MBTs for winter because I have never ever found a shoe that did that before. I’ve had severe pain between my shoulderblades from hauling books around ever since I was 14 (and as a grad student, I doubt that I will ever stop having to haul books around) and having tried a variety of bags and shoes, THIS works.

I wish they would change they way they are marketed though.

posted on July 14th, 2008 at 12:31 pm

24 On July 16th, 2008, Chris Gilfoy said:

Hi Everyone,

Chris here from FitFlop. I just wanted to drop by and say thanks for all your feedback as well as answer a couple of points that had been raised.

Firstly, the shoes were purposefully developed to destabalize your gait slightly, thus burning 15% more calories than normal walking. This also has the effect of providing correct alignment of the knees and spine. They are not just another flip-flop complete with cynical marketing campaign, they were made with this exact purpose in mind. As you can see from the comments above, they seem to work very well for the vast majority of people.

The ABC and 20/20 reviews cited above felt a little unfair as they only tested them on a couple of people – we suspect one of the reviewers were also wearing an incorrect size for their feet and instep.

Anyway, like I said, thank you all for your feedback. We love it – good, bad, glowing or growling – and always bear it in mind when developing new styles. If you check the ‘Why?’ section of our site (www.thefitflop.com) you’ll see loads of genuine, unedited user reviews (it only goes back to 12 pages at the moment, the web team are working on this though… we actually have thousands of reviews going back to February). We’re not a bunch of cynics, we genuinely love making people happy and inspiring them to get out and walk a bit more!

Regards,

Chris

posted on July 16th, 2008 at 10:51 am

25 On July 16th, 2008, Linda said:

I wear everything from Birkenstock to Fit Flops and I must say I like them all. I bought my first pair of Fit Flops this summer after first purchasing Orthotebb thongs and clogs — those were inconvenient because you can’t drive in them. Either way, my Fit Flops are very comfortable and I have recommended them to many people.

I haven’t seen any dramatic weight loss, but being that I wear boots all day long at work, I love slipping into my Fit Flops at the end of the day if I must go somewhere. They actually come in so many styles now and I do plan to buy another pair. In addition to that, I recently had a bunionectomy and have not been able to wear my Birkenstock as a result of it due to where the incision is located – once that is completely healed, I will go back to wearing my Birkenstock more because I have so many dressier styles to choose from. I only bought the black Fit Flops.

posted on July 16th, 2008 at 3:08 pm

26 On July 17th, 2008, Chris Gilfoy said:

Hello Again,

Just wanted to point you in the direction of the reviews left on the site since I left the office last night: http://www.thefitflop.com/ – all genuine, all unedited. It’s truly humbling to get such amazing feedback!

All the best,

Chris

posted on July 17th, 2008 at 5:53 am

27 On July 17th, 2008, libby kopo said:

The most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned….I can walk in them for miles and miles without my feet or legs getting tired, not something I can do in regular flipflops.

They are more comfortable than expensive running shoes and a hell of a lot better looking.

posted on July 17th, 2008 at 9:12 am

28 On July 25th, 2008, Sheryl said:

I bought mine the day before traveling to Nola and walked in them for three days straight! The first day my calves were sore but after that they felt great! I get compliments on them everywhere I go, and they have kept my feet very healthy. I have plantar faciitis and need a shoe with arch suppport and heel support. I also have tendonitis in my knees. I also run, spin, lift weights and stay fit…bought these because they looked cute and seemed sensible for my foot issues. The weight loss claims are silly, but the other aspects of the shoes are great. They look a bit more upscale than straight-up flipflops and they don’t wreck your feet. How great is that?

posted on July 25th, 2008 at 3:16 pm

29 On August 5th, 2008, JoAnn said:

I have two pair and LOVE them. I didn’t buy them to tone my legs, but because of the cushioned soles and also because the straps are back enough that there’s no “flop” in the flipflop. I have severe plantar fascitis (sp?), and these have been a miracle for me. I have the black patent leather that I actually wear to dress occasions; other woman always ask where they can get a pair. They are FANTASTIC. Don’t believe the silly naysayers. Try them for yourselves and buy the for comfort.

posted on August 5th, 2008 at 10:59 am

30 On August 5th, 2008, PB said:

What are we all going to do when Winter comes??? Any word on a full shoe?? Guess I will have to get used to the cold…. brrrr… because these shoes are all I wear! I have quit wearing all my other shoes.

posted on August 5th, 2008 at 11:50 am

31 On August 8th, 2008, Carolyn said:

I wanted a flip flop that would hold up to daily dog walks. I especially love my “fitflops” as incredibly comfortable shoes. You can feel the burn more than usual going up stairs in these shoes. If I can work my legs more while being comfortable, then bring it. I love them.

posted on August 8th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

32 On August 11th, 2008, Chris Gilfoy said:

Editor’s note: No spam, thanks.

posted on August 11th, 2008 at 9:47 am

33 On August 11th, 2008, jen said:

I have two pairs, I think they are fantastic! My legs feel more toned as I walk in them everyday. They are very comfortable.

posted on August 11th, 2008 at 11:07 am

34 On August 16th, 2008, Emily said:

I have a pair of these Fitflops, and I really like them. The price tag might be a bit high, but they feel great on my feet. I wear them all day, walking and standing around, and at the end of the day my feet don’t feel tired. I don’t notice any extra effort or energy required to wear them, but they’re really comfortable.

posted on August 16th, 2008 at 1:22 am

35 On September 5th, 2008, Diane said:

I never wear flip flops. I have horrible feet and knees…bunions, previous knee surgery, broken leg. And I hate anything between my toes. But a couple of teachers recommended FitFlops, so I thought I’d try them, not for any claims they made about “sculpting” my legs, but just to have comfortable sandals for the summer.
They are very comfortable, and I can walk farther in them without pain that I can with my sneakers. My knee pain has improved. I would buy a second pair, but would like a discounted price.

posted on September 5th, 2008 at 3:44 pm

36 On September 14th, 2008, dustbury.com » Diet shoes said:

[...] your muscles more while you’re wearing them.” A lot to ask of a shoe, I suspect, and not everyone is enthusiastic: A British invention, FitFlops are purported to help work and tone the muscles of the thighs and [...]

posted on September 14th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

37 On September 24th, 2008, Mary said:

The Fit Flops gave me a case of plantar faciitis. I am not the only one. worst mistake I ever made. Where are my Stegmann (sp?)clogs when i need them???

posted on September 24th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

38 On September 25th, 2008, Chris Gilfoy said:

Editor’s Note: Chris, my blog is not the place to conduct your public relations and customer service outreach. Thank you.

posted on September 25th, 2008 at 8:03 am

39 On November 22nd, 2008, shieler said:

I have a pair, i love them. Also…for all those of you who blame fallen arches on flip flops…I have LIVED in flips flops forever, my friends joke as flip flops really are my fav type of shoe, and I have very well defined arches and not flat footed at all. I run, play field hockey, squash etc (not in flip flops though tee hee). I remember watching a program about fallen arches and there are exercises you can do to get them back, one was holding a pencil between your toes and write your name over and over again on a peice of paper, or jsut in the air. The muscles you use redefine your arch.

posted on November 22nd, 2008 at 10:46 am

40 On November 28th, 2008, Cynthia said:

I was born with flat feet and falling arches. Finding comfortable shoes has always been a challenge. About 5 years ago, I broke my ankle and now have added a permanent plate and screws to my already ailing left foot.

In June, my pedicurist gave me a pair of her “new loves”. She swore I would never give them back. And I didn’t!! The constant swelling in my left ankle no longer exists and I haven’t had a fallen arch since I first put them on.

I now own 3 pair of fitflops, bought my mother 2 pair and just completed the order for 2 Billow Convertiboot (Chocolate and Black). I also preordered 2 pairs of the Gogh (Chocolate and Black).

I do still wear other brands of shoes but only on occasions that warrant ‘dressy shoes’.

I only wish they came in a 2 inch slingback.

posted on November 28th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

41 On November 29th, 2008, kismet said:

I can’t wear normal flip flops, or anything where there’s only a strap down over the toes, because I walk weird, apparently, and they just fly off my feet. The strap on the fit flops comes farther back toward the ankle so wearing them is a totally different experience. I wore them all summer and fall and, while I can’t say that I saw any specific health benefits in the sense of obviously burning more calories, they sure are squishy and comfortable to walk or stand in. I know they encouraged me to walk better (the way my physical therapist says I should walk) rolling evenly through my foot instead of just heel striking.

posted on November 29th, 2008 at 11:56 am

42 On January 13th, 2009, bluemarble said:

I started wearing FitFlops about 1 year ago. OMG are they comfortable! I have the black and pink Walkstar, both colors in Fringe, the black sequin ones, the Gogh and the Billow. The comfort and attractiveness of these shoes makes me so happy when I wear them. I see there are some new colors coming out for early Spring! I am a Birkenstock, Eurowellness, Ecco, Clark, Earth and New Balance shoe collector. I confess that my favorites are FitFlops. I have had hip, low back and leg pain for many years. Wearing FitFlops seems to have eliminated the low back pain. The leg and hip pain are greatly reduced after wearing them for a few minutes. It has not eliminated it but it sure has helped alot! Please keep making more styles. The Gogh and Billow are superbly comfortable for the winter weather. I just cannot say enough about these wonderful shoes.

posted on January 13th, 2009 at 12:51 am

43 On February 10th, 2009, Rosemarie Carlton-darby said:

i am a 63 year old woman and fitflops has improve my life beyond words. i suffer from fibromyalgia some arthritis and bone spurs. i was almost to the point that i couldn’t walk very well. i had constant pain through out my body. lots of pain in my joints and it was very difficult to walk. i was in marco island, fl. the first of january,2009 and went into the island trend shop and tried on fitflop-i walked around the store with the shoes on and could not believe the immediate relief. i was sold-i bought just one pair. i have since bought the electra in black so i can wear them when i dress up. i also purchased the shoes with the fur because i live in a cold climate. i plan to order more when i can afford them. that is the other thing-they are very affordable. i hope that some day soon you will be making them in the form of tennis shoes. i would love to be a spoke person for fitflops-i believe in them so much and that’s all i talk about to my friends and family. they are really amazing. there is no longer pain in my body and i feel great. people my age develop problems with their bodies and very few things work for them. but fitflops is one thing that really works. i am so enthused about the fitflops-i feel like i am walking on air. you have designed an excellent product and they are very attractive. most shoes that are comfortable look very ugly-not the fitflops. i vote them the number 1 shoe in the world. keep making them and please consider me for helping you promote them. thank you so much for making something that has improved my health and mobility. sincerely, Rosemarie Carlton-darby

posted on February 10th, 2009 at 5:58 pm

44 On March 30th, 2009, Diane said:

My left foot has a fallen arch, and these shoes support that arch so comfortably that I’ve ordered three more pairs. The cushioning provided by the shoe molds to my foot and feels like I’m walking with great support. I’m not able to wear them to work due to dress regulations, but I wish I could!

posted on March 30th, 2009 at 11:06 pm

45 On June 16th, 2009, Stephanie said:

Hello! I am interested in getting a pair of these, but cannot find any info on how wide/narrow they run. Anyone?

posted on June 16th, 2009 at 1:25 pm

46 On January 7th, 2010, kat said:

I can’t get enough of fitflops, I wore them all through the summer and now I don’t take off my winter ones, I definitely think they have made a difference in my butt, but even if they haven’t they are so comfortable and hard wearing I think it is worth it! I got some at http://www.shoe-envy.co.uk/FitFlops – for the best price I could find real ones online. I bought mine a size smaller, you really sink into them and they are quite tight to begin with.

posted on January 7th, 2010 at 7:34 am

47 On February 9th, 2010, masie said:

I really think they work i used them all summer and i have toned up alot what a better way to excercise i got mine from ( http://www.shoe-envy.co.uk/FitFlops ) and they had such a good range of colours and they came so quickly i have brought 2 pairs since and the customer service was great !

posted on February 9th, 2010 at 8:03 am