FitFlops – Workout While You Walk?

I have seen many worthless fitness gadgets over the years, but I thought I had seen it all until I stumbled upon the British flip-flop craze called FitFlops.  Now available in the US, the makers of FitFlops tout their shoe as “The Flip-Flop, with the Gym Built In“.  A pretty bold claim I must admit. 

As I surfed their site, I found a slew of submitted testimonials, and an endorsement by Oprah Winfrey.  Hmmm, Oprah does not usually shill for dubious products; could this be legit?

The FitFlop uses a micro-wobbleboard (huh?) technology that supposedly gives you a workout while you walk.  Furthermore,  the makers of these $50 a pair flip-flops claim that their miracle shoes will help the wearer tone and trim their legs, work the ”bum” muscles, and make it easier to stay in shape.

The FitFlops themselves are not at all unattractive.  I confess, I am tempted to try a pair of these wonder shoes out for myself.  But I am still going to do my research before I fork over the 50 clams.  In the meantime, I found a pretty fair review of the FitFlops from a well-respected podiatrist and posted it below.  If anyone out there has any experience with the FitFlops, feel free to leave comments or feedback.        

              The Truth About Fit Flops By Dr. Marybeth Crane

Why do most teenagers own more flip flop sandals than any other shoes? Much has been published about the dangers of daily flip flop wearing, but this generation continues to don them on a daily basis.

Biomechanical engineers in the UK have touted (and backed up their claim with real science) the “Fit Flop” as a way to tone your butt, legs, calves and thighs while walking. Refreshingly, a side effect of wearing “Fit Flops” appears to be a decrease in stress on your feet, legs and back decreasing wear and tear as well as some common achy pains.

Why is this? The “Fit Flop” is engineered much like a “barefoot technology” shoe. It makes the muscles that stabilize the foot work harder and over a period of time can actually strengthen your feet. The common flip-flop actually accentuates pronation, the rolling in of your feet which causes fatigue and biomechanical stress in your feet and lower legs. This can lead to overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis which are commonly known as “arch fatigue” or “fallen arches”. Flip-flop sandals also increase the stress on the great toe joint and can accelerate Hallux abducto valgus also known as “bunion” formation. Different midsole densitities actually accelerate the propulsion phase of gait, decreasing the stress on the great toe joint and decreasing injuries. Those people suffering from bunions may make them their daily shoe gear!

The makers of “Fit Flops” have some good science behind their claim to increase muscle activation 10-12% and it was verified by an independent lab outside their company. Consumers should be cautioned to wear the “Fit Flops” gradually because of the delayed muscle soreness that occurs just like the beginning of a work out routine.

Is the “Fit Flop” the answer to your workout woes? Can your foot problems be a thing of the past? Not even close, no shoe can do that! They can help you burn a few more calories during your daily routine, but cardiac fitness can never be achieved in this manner. A new sandal, no matter how effecive, cannot replace your daily fitness routine. Do no skip your workout. Maybe a curvier calf muscle or thinner thigh, but just walking in a sandal cannot achieve real fitness.

Can anyone wear a “Fit Flop?” Caution should be taken in picking any shoe. Foot type is important to evaluate. The “Fit Flop” is not for you if you have a significantly flexible flat foot due to the destabilizing technology built in to the sandal which can actually accentuate stress injuries in this unstable foot type. If you require in-shoe foot orthotics, the “Fit Flop” is probably not for you.

Bottom line: “Fit Flops” are a good alternative to the common flip-flop sandal but should be worn gradually. Pay attention to any fatigue in your feet! If you have any foot pain or injury, visit your podiatrist and ask their advice on your ability to wear “Fit Flops.”