I heard about the FitFlops for the first time last summer, when my mother in law was visiting us (she lives in Paris). She told me that she had read an article about the "fit-flops" (she speaks a very good English for a 70-year-old French lady) but I thought that she had misread and that she meant "flip-flops" (I was like "are you sure? Because we normally call them flip-flops"). Because she isn't very up-to-date on the latest technologies and fashion styles, she was pretty confused and she dropped the conversation.
But one day I saw a big Fitflops ad and I had to apologize to her (on the phone, she had already left).
If you're familiar with the Fitflops you probably know that their slogan is "get a workout while you walk" and that they promise to tighten your leg muscles and your butt while you do whatever it is that you normally do in your life that implies walking.
I normally don't believe in the "miracle" solutions, but I must admit that I have been thinking of buying a pair lately as I walk A LOT in the summer, pushing around my daughter in the stroller all day long and I figured that it wouldn't harm if my shoes were more suited for the task (most of the times I'm wearing Havaianas, which aren't exactly "walking" shoes, let alone "workout" shoes, and I just can't constrict my feet in sneakers). I was a die-hard gym enthousiast when I was younger but I completely stopped before moving to the USA and even if I can't complain about my body, I wouldn't mind my legs and my butt being a little more tonic these days, especially if all I need is a new pair of shoes (or as the website puts it "just by wearing a pair of FitFlop sandals you’ll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you’re normally doing").
There are two problems though. First, they are ugly. I have settled for the "Walkstar III" in the silver color (pictured) as the least ugly and more "fashionable" of all (ie, that I could probably wear with most of my casual clothes), but still. Second, they are kind of expensive. When I walked in the closest shoes store that carry them to check them out, I was ready to spend $30. I wasn't expecting them to cost $59! That cooled me down a little bit and I decided to wait. But I can't wait too long as the summer is in full swing and you can't go around in flip (oups) fit-flops in the winter in NY.
The thing that bugs me is that even on the official website, they don't mention how long do you have to wear them/walk in them to see some results, which makes me think that it's all bull(...). I read some articles by journalists and experts who "tested" them and they say that the only sure thing is that they improve the posture. And they are very comfortable for the feet, which is not too bad (but again, for $59?)
So I would like to hear from you before making my choice. Do you have a pair of FitFlops and would you reccomend them? Are they really comfortable? And did your husband/boyfriend notice some effects on your butt? If you don't own them, is it a question of style or you just never gave them a thought?
I highly recommend these! I have a pair in the gold glitter and actually I think they're really cute. Love them with distressed jeans. And I definitely feel a difference when I walk, like a tightening in the back of my legs and butt. I haven't been using them long enough to SEE a difference, but they do FEEL great when I take long walks around the neighborhood.
ReplyDeletehmmm i may just buy some! keep me posted how they work out for you!
ReplyDeleteI wear my ugly lime green pair all the time...and I must say, like my Earth shoes, I do feel that I am at least getting a better walking stance or posture when walking in them. And I walk A LOT. I am "known" for walking everywhere. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have got a really nice pair...if the lime green pair hadn't been 20 dollars or whatever when I bought them, I would have spent the extra dough and gotten the silver...for sure!
I don't think they're ugly. I got them in 05, around when they first came out and were selling like crazy. I had to wait a month or two. I always get compliments. However, I am certain that I need to get a new pair. The benefits surely cannot continue as much as I have worn them. If I walk in them all day long I can definitely feel it in my thighs the next day. Sometimes I have walked w/them on the treadmill and that's a good workout. As far as cellulite improvement or lost inches, I haven't paid enough attention or done it for long enough while paying attention to comment on that. I know they offer more support than a regular flip flop and that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI have these in the brown/pink coloring and really like them! I wear them to walk to the pool with the stroller, or take walks in the evening with the fam! I don't think they are the 'coolest' sandals I own, but they are OK.
ReplyDeleteI wore my heart rate monitor/ calorie counter the last 2 times I walked around the block ... once with the fit flops and once with tennis shoes, and I did burn a few more calories with the fit flops. I feel like I might as well be wearing them over any other regular flip flops... it can't hurt!
I have these sandals in the gold glitter and enjoy wearing them with my boyfriend jeans. They do feel like you are wearing slippers.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday. Ingrid
I tried these on but I think it's a whole lot of crap. I also live in NYC, and with all the walking I do with work, I began to get severe hip, ankle, and foot pain. I freaked out about my constant hip pain, and went to see a doctor. The problem was my stupid (yet adorable) shoes. The doctor made me put orthodics in all of my shoes and buy birkenstocks. I asked her about these fit flops, and she said it was a whole lot of crap, especially since they don't have a back strap. As a result, I ended up spending $125 on Birkenstocks, http://tiny.cc/yo1Pu but they are soooo comfortable. I actually use these to walk around the park. And the pains in my legs? Totally gone.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the long post, but I just really think the fit flops are kind of a waste of money... money that could go into J Crew!!
tee hee..if it is just the price that is disturbing you, go to the Bliss Spa web site and check out the corresponding sneaks that cost $200-$300 depending on the style....not sure if they work, but it is a little like a wobble board work out each time you walk.
ReplyDeleteStylestance, thank you for letting me know that you like them. Gold glitter seems nice!
ReplyDeleteAshley, I surely will!
Dinagideaon, I saw the lime green online (good deal) but the only size left was a 11! Otherwise I think I would have probably bought them. But between the $49 of the "regular" ones and the $59 of the silver ones, I think that those extra $10 is money well spent!
Gigi, thank you for sharing!
Lindsey B., that's really interesting. I wish they had more data like this one on their website.
inge, you and Stylestance have something in common! Thank you for the bday wishes!
Dominique, I hear you about the fiflops, thanks for sharing your doctor's opinion. I have a pair of Birkenstork but I don't like to walk in them that much, they kind of stress a nerve under my feet and the result it's like a tickling. I'm sure that it's just me...
C, now I feel better about spending $59 on the Fitflops!
After all, I think I will give them a chance. I will let you know if I like them or are disappointed (I hope not). I have to say that I saw a young mom in the park yesterday with a pair of white ones and they looked kind of cute on her.
I have been wondering about these, too!! If they are truly comfortable I'd be willing to give them a try.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete