FitFlops Review

Quick View: I don't know exactly how beneficial these FitFlops are but they are far less expensive than MBT shoes and seem to work the legs and even the butt muscles as I walk. For 40 bucks, I'm satisfied.

Full View: You mean you never heard of FitFlops? If you live in the UK, I bet you have at least a pair or two at home. These new to the US fitness sandals ( as of June, 2007) are already sold out and just came on the market a few weeks ago. They'll be back so don't fall for the huge marked up bidding frenzy on eBay. These sandals look like beach or walking flip-flops but are intended to exercise the calves, thighs, and glutes as well as work the core. They are comfortable but take a bit of getting used to as they purposely provide an unstable walking surface to work your core and strengthen your legs.

The FitFlop

These shoes come in white with red accents or black with white accents. They are sold out everywhere until at least mid-July, 2007 but you can order them from a UK site and pay the extra cost or preorder and wait it out. I got mine at Bath & Body Works the day they put them on their site. They sold out almost immediately.

This next passage is from the official FitFlop website (www.thefitflop.com): Every step you take in the FitFlop helps tone and trim your legs. The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes. In fact, FitFlops are biomechanically engineered to absorb shock, lessen joint strain, and recreate the gait of barefoot walking - but with a powerful new built-in micro-wobbleboard workout-enhancing effect.But

Is It All Just Hype?

The shoes are thick-soled rubber with a wide nylon strap and a comfortable toe separator. I generally don't like flip-flops but these don't hurt my toes. Having said that, it took me a few days to get used to the feeling of these shoes. First, I have balance issues so these throwing me slightly off balance was unnerving. I have worn MBT shoes (See my review of those here: http://tinyurl.com/yqa5v9) but they are closed and tied. These shoes take work just to keep them on my feet. However, after walking around in them for a few days, I didn't notice anything different than if they were regular thick-soled flip-flops. I do notice my legs working and my butt aching though! The popular (and proven) barefoot technology has come into play and has been recognized as a lazy person's way to workout. You can walk and get a mini leg workout without doing anything else wearing the FitFlop sandals.

Sound too good to be true? Well, I thought that before my MBTs (which employ similar but not the same techniques) but I do know that the "wet sand" idea of walking actually does fatigue the leg muscles and challenge the core, thighs, calves, and the booty. I know because I can see that my legs are more toned and I feel that butt aches a bit after wearing these for a few hours. However, they are not uncomfortable while wearing them. They look great so no one knows you are working out as you walk around. They absorb shock because the sole is so thick - which is good for the knees. My feet are flat and, if I wear bad shoes, I pay dearly. My feet do not hurt after wearing FitFlops. Once I got used to the way they felt, I have worn them since, even in the house. They will never replace real workouts, of course, but they do work those muscles and get my core (abs) involved to make walking more than just walking. I'm lazy so I think it's well worth 40 bucks to get a mini workout without sweating.

My Viewpoint

FitFlops are not miracle shoes although some people would swear otherwise. But they are a good looking sandal that engages the leg muscles and reminds the core to reposition and stay on alert. That helps to tighten the abs. Once you get used to the somewhat funky – but not uncomfortable - soft, thick soles, you'll love these. They will give you a bit of a workout and look good doing it. I figure why NOT wear them around the house, to the beach or the lake, or out for a stroll? They certainly are better than wearing traditional flat shoes with no muscle engaging qualities. The price is right too. These types of shoes don't come cheaply and $39.95 is a far cry from the $245.00 I paid for MBT MWalk Shoes! I give these 4 stars. They work but don't expect dancers' legs just from wearing FitFlops. Expect a little toning and a bit of strengthening in the leg and glute area. And expect to walk taller, stand more upright, and to look very trendy.

More info can be found at http://www.thefitflop.com.