I Love Fitflops

FitFlop sandals were first created in 2007, after Dr David Cook and Darren James, biomechanists at the London South Bank University., collaborated with former Bliss spa-entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore to create the world's first muscle-activating flip flop.

FitFlops were initially designed to help modern women squeeze a little more exercise into their increasingly hectic schedules."I thought, how amazing if I could invent something that would help fight the onset of cellulite while I'm walking to the office," says Kilgore. "I work. I have kids. I have a husband. And the likelihood of me seeing the inside of a gym in the next ten years is slim to none. That said, I'd obviously prefer to go with slim."

Kilgore found Dr. Cook at The Centre for Human Performance at London's LSBU, where he envisioned injecting the patent-pending 'microwobbleboard' technology into the mid-sole of the function-forward flip flop. Slightly destabilizing, FitFlops feature three distinct densities of EVA foam in a single-fused underfoot piece, to challenge your muscles more every time you step - to deliver a workout while you walk.

London South Bank University
Case studies conducted by biomechanists at the Human Performance Centre, London South Bank University, show that wearing FitFlop footwear can:

• Increase bottom muscle activation (up to 30% longer)


• Increase hamstring muscle activation (up to 16% longer)


• Reduce knee joint stress (up to 20%)


• Reduce hip joint stress (up to 8%)


• Reduce ankle joint force (up to 11%)

Salford University, Manchester, United Kingdom
Microwobbleboard technology was also tested independently in studies at Salford University by Dr Philip Graham Smith and Richard Jones, which showed that wearing FitFlop footwear reduces foot pressure concentration. Research is continuing with the university's research team as part of an ongoing UK government-funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership to understand the biomechanical benefits of FitFlop footwear.

Foot Pressure Studies, Salford University
Results of a study conducted by Salford University - comparing a foot in a FitFlop sandal to a foot wearing a control shoe - showed average reductions in the overall pressure-loading rate (-25%), pressure in the toes (-30%) and pressure in the heels (-15%). An average 8% increase in contact area between the foot and the midsole was observed in FitFlop wearers with the increase manifesting mainly under the arch area.

The research so far is very encouraging and shows that wearing this type of footwear is beneficial not only for your feet but overall. All I can say from my experience of wearing FitFlops is that I feel less pressure on my knees, hips and ankles. To me it's like walking on air.

Just as an aside, I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture) at Salford University from 2003-2006. Good work Salford.

These FitFlop sneakers were a birthday present from my other half. They come in a range of great colors, but I chose the pewter.

I'm not really a sneaker wearer, but I really liked these as they are not only stylish, but versatile, look both smart and casual. When you put them on they are incredibly comfortable and wonderful to walk in. The reason I don't like wearing a closed in shoe is that they nearly always rub the back of my heal and these were no exception. They are great now, although I do need to wear socks to prevent any rubbing.

These are a great walking shoe and I find them more comfortable to wear when walking longer distances than the thong sandals which have the tendency to rub between the toes sometimes.

These FitFlop Walkstar 3 sandals in this lovely bronze color are my latest investment, bought in Penang. I love the bronze color as it goes with most of my clothes. I wear these Fitflop sandals constantly, as they look great during the day and for going out.

They are incredibly comfortable, although now and again I can feel the toe posts rub between my toes. I tend not to wear these if I'm walking any distance for that reason.

What girl doesn't love a bit of bling? The FitFlop Electra sandals are covered in layers of shimmering sequins, ideal for going out in the evenings.

I have two pairs, in silver and bronze,which instantly glam up any outfit, so not only do you look fabulous, but fit. I love them. Who needs to wear 10ft high heeled shoes to feel sophisticated?