A Review Of FitFlops

By Daryl Wheely on Saturday, April 10, 2010 - 12:29

When I first read about the FitFlop brand of footwear, I was skeptical. Here was another working mother who claimed not to have a single moment to herself in which to exercise (cheap excuse, thought me) so she created these shoes that would give her a workout while she buzzed around her jam-packed day. And they provide some relief from numerous physical ailments (plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, restless leg syndrome, scoliosis and degenerative disc disease). And they mimic walking barefoot and improve muscle tone. And she made them look good. Okay, maybe I needed to look a little closer.

My first reaction was they look like normal shoes and are cute. They have a thick sole that is turned up slightly at the toe, but they don’t look like orthopedic shoes. There are 3 styles for women - flip flop, clog, and boots (both short and tall), two for men – flip flop and slide, and flip flops for girls. And they have done their homework with a 36 month study that reports the health benefits (listed above). They also received the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance (no small task).

And the reviews are nothing short of amazing:

“I am a triathlete. Because I suffer from plantar fasciitis, acute achilles tendinitis, neuromas and a couple of other foot challenges, the day after run trainings used to be beyond painful. The very first day I put on my FitFlop footwear was the day I was finally able to walk without pain!”
“After a ruptured Achilles in 2007 I needed something that gave me support and FitFlop are perfect. Highly recommend them.”
“FitFlop are the best thing that has ever happened to my feet!”
“I think I will throw my other shoes away because FitFlop feel like walking in heaven.”
“Wow! I love my fitflops!”
“My sciatic nerve no longer bothers me”
“I just bought my 8th pair of FitFlop footwear. I absolutely adore them, they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn.”
“Never again will I wear anything else.”
“I really love my FitFlop shoes they fit well and are sooo comfortable, i can’t stop wearing them!”
“I recommend them to everyone! I have problems with my feet and they just make my feet feel good!”

But the proof is in the walking. And some walking I did do. With the first step I could feel my calf muscles wake up and start complaining. By the time I was to the end of the block my thighs, glutes, and lower back had joined the chorus. But this wasn’t a painful stroll, it was invigorating. Like every step on flat ground was more like a rousing spin on an elliptical machine.

So maybe every step can be a mini-workout after all. And look good. Will wonders never cease.

Editors Note: Also see our articles on MBT Shoes.