Help a reader out: Are FitFlops worth the investment?
Go on, readers! You really came through for November Girls who needed advice about putting an end to painful Plantar Fasciitis.
Now another reader is asking for input in what I guess we will consider Matters of De-Feet, Part 2.
MissUnderstanding wants to add walks into her schedule and is interested in pounding the pavement in Fit Flops. She wants to know your experiences and if you think they are worth the $50 price tag, which might sound spendy for a pair of sporty sandals but, as MissUnderstanding says, is less than a gym membership costs these days.
I did a little reading on FitFlops and was curious about their claims that wearing the shoes helps tone and trim the legs and bum, working the muscles more and making "it easier to stay in shape." While I'd certainly give them points for being comfortable and whatever this "micro-wobbleboard technology" is that they've come up with and shoved into a shoe, I am not handing out any gold stars for their excitement over Fit Flops "giving you a workout while you walk."
Ummmm, the last time I checked, walking is working out. Sure, it all depends on your speed and heart rate and all those formulas your personal trainer can explain in depth. But for the most part, just putting one foot in front of the other a bunch of times (especially in appropriate shoes that fit well) gets that booty- and leg-toning geared up. Right?
That part of the FitFlop fanfare sort of feels to me like a sandwich vendor is all excited because the hot dogs he's selling ARE FOOD! Yeah!
At the recommendation of commenter Brenda, I checked out this article on The Truth About Fit Flops, written by a sports medicine podiatrist who has developed a specialty in (eeek) Fit Flop injuries. This doctor says that, if you choose to Fit Flop through your workout, you need to pay close attention to how your feet feel, get medical attention for any ongoing pain or injury and mostly, don't believe the hype!
And on another note, the aesthetics are not that favorable for lots of people reviewing the FitFlop. I personally don't think the styley-ness of a sport shoe is the first thing to consider when buying a new pair, but I did laugh out loud when I read one review that basically asked why you'd want to work so hard to develop great legs only to wear such fugly shoes. Hmmm, something else for MissUnderstanding to consider!
Now it's your turn to talk Fit Flops! Love 'em or leave 'em or save them for the beach? Help MissUnderstanding make a wise -- and healthy -- choice for her tootsies.
Want to read more on shoe-type stuff?
