Have You Heard Of FitFlops?

I have read several posts about Fit Flops, and lately I have become especially curious about them because I've been experiencing lower back pains more often than I'd like. A sign of aging? Golly, I hope not.

If you haven't heard of them, FitFlops are a type of sandals that have become popular in England and are now becoming more known in the US by the day. These sandals claim to tone and trim your legs, strengthen your muscles, increase circulation, improve your balance and posture, and burn calories as you walk in them. In short, these FitFlops give you a workout while you walk in them.

"Seven Reasons Why Everyone is Wearing FitFlops

FitFlop midsoles incorporate patent-pending micro-wobbleboard™ technology, to give you a workout while you walk. Developed by Darren James and Dr David Cook at LSBU, the FitFlop's unique safely-tapered midsole places varying densities of EVA under your feet each time you step, to challenge the support and balance muscles of the foot and leg. They challenge hard to reach muscles more. FitFlops are engineered with a multi-density midsole that stimulates your muscles more while you're wearing them. In independent University testing, FitFlops have been shown to trigger increase gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring response, increase rectus femoris (thigh) response and increased calf muscle response. Every step you take in your FitFlops helps tone and trim your legs. Studies at Salford University by Dr. Philip Graham-Smith and Richard Jones have shown that the FitFlop midsole extends the amount of time that the slow twitch* muscles are engaged during each step (by approximately 10-12%). So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops you'll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you're normally doing. *slow twitch muscles produce energy by converting fats into energy aerobically FitFlops work your bum muscles more. FitFlops have been proven to increase the amount of time that the gluteus maximus muscle is 'activated' during every single step. FitFlops have been shown to have a significant effect on the toning muscles of your thighs. The rectus femoris muscle (one of the large muscles in the group of muscles in your thigh) is activated for a longer period of time while walking in FitFlops than while normally shod or barefoot. Walking in FitFlops is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. According to a study done at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, the FitFlop wearer's gait is very similar to that of a barefoot walker, but the added cushion provided by the EVA midsole helps reduce joint strain and absorb shock. In fact, several FitFlop wearers have already reported relief from back pain after a few days of wearing them. FitFlops make it easier to stay in shape. Just throw them on while you're running errands, walking to work, or working around your house. Most first-time FitFlop wearers report feeling their muscles working more, while 'fitter' wearers feedback has been more toward great comfort and cushion. One woman reported feeling like she'd had a 'bum-blasting' workout after a half an hour of FitFlop-shod walking."

Sounds too good to be true, I know. I've read some good testimonies but I've also read bad reviews. Nonetheless, I was still very curious and I was happy when I found that Fit Flops were being sold at Shoe Salon.

So I tried them on, and I swear it really IS comfortable! I tried walking in them, and after the torture from the wedges I was wearing that day, my feet felt great!

In the end, I decided not to get a pair just yet and wait until later before buying one. Hopefully by then, they will have more designs to choose from and the newer ones will be more flattering on my feet. :)