By Karen Vazquez
Riding the A train to work one day, I saw a poster advertising flip-flops that would give a workout as you walk. Since I never get to the gym, I figured it would be a perfect way for me to assuage my guilt while retaining my relatively low-stress fitness life. I decided to get my paws on a pair and try them out.
The Product: The kind of FitFlops I got are the black WalkStar. .. they look like regular flip-flops, although perhaps a bit more sturdy. The sole is thick, about 1 inch or so, and flat – there isn't a heel to speak of.
The Fit: On the website, it is recommended that you buy the ½ size up, since they run small. The first pair I tried was an 8 and really felt too small. . . not really too long, but a bit too short (height-wise). However, the 9s were definitely too big – they had way too much extra sole visible beyond my toes. Vanity got the best of me and I stuck with the 8s, which as it turns out was the right choice – the strap stretched so the height didn't feel tight after a few wearings.
The Test: I had read on a review site that one person wore them a lot the first day, and was actually sore the next day (and was quite angry about it; seemed weird to me, because didn't you buy them to give your muscles more of a workout?). Although I didn't feel bad for that person since the "warnings" on the packaging are quite explicit about possible muscle soreness and includes recommendations to break your muscles in slowly, I did decide to only wear them for short trips. In Manhattan, that isn't hard to do – we walk everywhere. I used them for the .1 mile walk to the local Duane Reade, but not for the 1 mile round trip to my son's preschool that I usually have to walk extra-fast for since I'm always running late.
Riding the A train to work one day, I saw a poster advertising flip-flops that would give a workout as you walk. Since I never get to the gym, I figured it would be a perfect way for me to assuage my guilt while retaining my relatively low-stress fitness life. I decided to get my paws on a pair and try them out.
The Product: The kind of FitFlops I got are the black WalkStar. .. they look like regular flip-flops, although perhaps a bit more sturdy. The sole is thick, about 1 inch or so, and flat – there isn't a heel to speak of.
The Fit: On the website, it is recommended that you buy the ½ size up, since they run small. The first pair I tried was an 8 and really felt too small. . . not really too long, but a bit too short (height-wise). However, the 9s were definitely too big – they had way too much extra sole visible beyond my toes. Vanity got the best of me and I stuck with the 8s, which as it turns out was the right choice – the strap stretched so the height didn't feel tight after a few wearings.
The Test: I had read on a review site that one person wore them a lot the first day, and was actually sore the next day (and was quite angry about it; seemed weird to me, because didn't you buy them to give your muscles more of a workout?). Although I didn't feel bad for that person since the "warnings" on the packaging are quite explicit about possible muscle soreness and includes recommendations to break your muscles in slowly, I did decide to only wear them for short trips. In Manhattan, that isn't hard to do – we walk everywhere. I used them for the .1 mile walk to the local Duane Reade, but not for the 1 mile round trip to my son's preschool that I usually have to walk extra-fast for since I'm always running late.
The Feel: Fitflops don't feel quite like regular flip-flops – the "Y" strap on the top part of the foot comes back farther (closer to the ankle) than other flip-flops I've tried, so they don't have quite as strong a rebound "flop". I definitely prefer their fit to the classic loud flip-flops – they feel more secure and are definitely less noisy. They feel quite padded, which I guess isn't surprising since the padding is the engineered material.
The Results: Well, you won't confuse me for the model in that first advertisement I saw – her butt is definitely more toned and significantly more shapely than mine. But, I do think that my legs look a bit more toned than they were before I started using them regularly. The FitFlop has definitely become my go-to "all around" shoe to wear around the house, on errands, and short walking trips. They have replaced my mary jane Crocs as my default shoe, which is saying a lot since I have been shouting from the rooftops about how comfortable my Crocs were since I first got them. I have never regularly used flip-flops before – the space between my big toe and second toe has always been irritated by them . . . but I find the FitFlops are actually quite comfortable. The "core board" the sole is made off makes them feel cushiony.
The Verdict: I love my FitFlops. For flip-flops, they are a bit pricey for me (they retail for $40, which some people wouldn't bat an eye at. .. but I do most of my clothes/footwear shopping at Old Navy and Target, where you just won't find a $40 flip-flop). However, I wear them all the time and they seem to be well made as they are holding up extremely well with heavy use. The possibility that their claims might be true and that I'm burning extra calories just by wearing them is worth a premium as well – a small price to pay to feel like I may be making a difference in my health.
Where to Get Them: Go to http://thefitflop.com/ and click "Where to Buy" to find the closest retailer.
Karen is a freelance writer and stay at home mom who tries to get out of the house with 3 boys (ages 4, 2, and newborn). When not breaking up fights over cars and trains, she blogs at NYC Moms Blog (www.nycmomsblog.com). With career experience in marketing, fashion, and publishing, she enjoys product review assignments that enable her to voice her often strong opinions in a socially acceptable manner.
7 comments:
I prefer my Exer-Fit sandals. I have a high instep and the velcro strap allows me to adjust the fit. And, I can definitely feel my legs working hard!
Yeah, I saw this fit-flops advertised some time last year and wondered if they, you know, actually work.
I love wearing flip flops that has a little height, for running errands and just walking around the house. And and it is hard for me to find the ones that don't hurt the space between my big toe and second toe. This Walkstar seems interesting..
Ooh I like My mum has got me fitflop billows for Xmas and I was going to wear them round the house/school run/soft play etc- comfort not fashion and with an added bonus of toned bum!!! I really like them though...
I love the fitflop. I have had three pair and think they are very comfy to wear and I find I can walk a lot more with less back pain.
Hi Karen, my company does a lot of work to promote FitFlops in the UK, so I'm interested to know how they've worked for you a few months after the initial health and fitness benefits.
Do they continue to work and tone the legs and bum (butt), or do they get you up to a certain level of fitness, but no further?
Kind regards
Adam
I purchased the fitflop prior to a caribbean cruise a few weeks ago and wore them all week...the results are that a pain in my left foot ~that I had had trouble with for months~ disappeared and they were oh so comfortable!!!! I highly recommend these....I also have a high instep. These are great to wear....thanks!
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