Feast your eyes on the FitFlop Rock Chic sandal. Strictly limited supply – but at $250, it might be a while before they sell out.

The big deal seems to be the Swarovski crystal design – and the fact that there aren’t very many of these around.

So, if you want to be the only one in the neighborhood with this style of sandal, and if you don’t have anything else that you’d rather spend $250 on, these might be the very thing for you. Or, you could just tough it out and see if the price gets reduced later.

FitFlop Rock Chic sandals at Amazon.

On the other hand, or maybe that should be on the other foot, if bling’s your thing, but $250 for a pair of flip flops is stretching credulity a little too far, then how about the equally gorgeous and shiny FitFlop Rokkit sandals?

These have sparkly rhinestones instead of Swarovski crystals – but they’re still pretty shiny – and they cost less than half the price. Somewhere between $85 and $100 depending upon size and color, They come in Black Diamond (as shown above), Bronze Ore and Silver Nova.

FitFlop Rokkit Sandals at Amazon.

FitFlop Hooper sandals are the first fully adjustable toe-post style sandals from FitFlop. They feature a very soft leather upper with a big, bold buckle. But you won’t have to struggle with it in order to adjust your FitFlops for the perfect fit, the adjustment is actually carried out using a concealed Velcro fastening strap which is hidden out of sight behind the strap.

They have the same patented “Microwobbleboard” sole as the other sandals, clogs, boots and sneakers in the FitFlop range. This means that when you walk in them, you’ll be getting a lower body toning workout with every step as the sole introduces a small element of imbalance into the walking process. The muscles in your legs and bottom respond to this by trying to re-establish the body’s natural equilibrium – which means that they do a little bit extra work as you walk around throughout the course of your day.

Another benefit of the specially designed sole is the fact that it provides extra support to the foot and increases the contact area between the sole of the foot and the sole of the shoe. This means that the pressure exerted by your body weight is distributed more evenly across the soles of your feet – which makes FitFlops very comfortable to wear.

FitFlops have been awarded a seal of acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). That means that you can be sure that your new sandals are “foot friendly” and 100% good for your foot health. You can check out the various products in the FitFlop range which have been recognized by the APMA here …

These Hooper sandals are available in Black, Buff and Toffee Tan.

FitFlop toning sandals have a special design of sole to make your leg and bottom muscles work a little harder when you walk in them. They power up your walking, and in the case of these gorgeous Fiorella sandals, new for spring 2011, it’s very much a case of flower power!

They are designed by Ana Sui and feature laser etched floral patterns with edgy, pointed studs at the center of each flower. The upper is made from super soft glove leather and has a soft microfiber lining. The exact same design of toning sole as the rest of the sandals in the FitFlop range, helps you to get in better shape with every single step that you take.

Choose from antique white and bronze.

One word of caution: The Fiorella sandals are specifically designed to be a slimmer fit sandal. So, if you prefer a wide fitting shoe, then these may not be the best choice for you. The FitFlop Electra, or the new, adjustable FitFlop Hooper might be better options if you like a nice wide fit.

Now that summer is almost upon us and the good weather will soon be here (hopefully), it’s time to start thinking about getting yourself a pair of flip flop sandals for the beach, poolside, or just for general use.

FitFlop Pietra sandals look amazing with their jeweled detailing on the top strap. They come in black (as shown above), bronze, pewter, silver and toffee tan. You would look great strutting your stuff in a pair of these this summer.

However, Pietra flip flops – like all of the FitFlops sandals range – offer more than just good looks. They feature the famous FitFlop “microwobbleboard” triple density sole which introduces a tiny amount of imbalance as you walk in them.

This makes the muscles in your legs and bottom react and they try to regain the body’s natural balance. As a result of this, they do a little extra work – and that has the effect of giving you a lower body workout as you walk.

And that’s not all! The specially designed sole – designed by specialists in biomechanics at the London South Bank University (LSBU) also provides additional support, especially in the area of the arch of the foot. The contact area between the sole of the foot and the sole of the FitFlop shoe is increased, and this has the effect of distributing the body’s weight more evenly across the foot. The end result of this is that FitFlops are astonishingly comfortable to wear.

Here are just a few benefits of FitFlop toning shoes:

• Increased leg and bottom muscle activity – by up to 30% – gives you a lower body workout while you walk.
• The special sole absorbs up to 22% more shock than a normal shoe – less stress and strain on joints and limbs.
• A more even distribution of body weight across the sole of the foot makes FitFlops astonishingly comfortable to wear and to walk in.
• FitFlops don’t look anything like exercise shoes – in fact they look great. Nobody will have a clue that you’re getting a lower body workout just by walking around as normal.
• FitFlops are available in a wide choice of different colors and styles – so you can wear them anywhere, anytime.

Check out the FitFlop Pietra sandals in bronze below (prepare to be dazzled):

Back To FitFlops home…

Check out the FitFlop Supertone sneaker. It comes in Blaze (red), Café Latte, Tuxe (black), Bronze, Platinum and Warm White.

It’s a great looking sneaker which would be suitable for wear in all sorts of settings. With looks like these, nobody will think that you’re wearing an exercise shoe – or suspect that you’re toning and trimming your lower body with each and every step that you take.

Here are some of the features of the FitFlop Supertone range

• Soft and supple leather upper with a traditional lacing system for comfort and fit.
• Odor control microfiber lining, treated with anti-bacterial AEGIS™.
• Microwobbleboard™ technology, triple EVA mid-sole helps you to get in shape with every step that you take.
• Specially designed high density heel absorbs up to 22% more shock and helps to reduce joint stress.
• Increase leg and bottom muscle activity by up to 30% – tone and trim as you walk.
• Cleverly disguised toning sole (nobody will know that you’re getting a workout while you walk).
• Amazingly comfortable to wear and to walk in thanks to a pressure relieving sole designed by bio-mechanical specialists.

See how they look on below:

You might have heard the news that a 38 year old Ohio waitress is suing footwear manufacturer Skechers. She claims that, after using Skechers Shape Ups extensively over a five month period, she suffered two hip fractures as a direct result of wearing them. There’s been a good deal of publicity over this – and there’s even a website (no doubt the first of many) which has been set up for Shape Up wearers to leave details of their injuries, real or imagined, so that lawyers can evaluate their claims and determine whether or not they have a potential claim.

If you’ve been thinking about treating yourself to a pair of toning shoes, or even if you’ve already got one or more pairs, then you might, quite naturally, be a little concerned about the prospect of damage or injury. However, you can put your mind at ease, at least as far as FitFlops are concerned. They have been extensively tested and, if used correctly and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the risk of injury or damage should be absolutely minimal – no more than that associated with normal walking activity (which is a low impact, low injury risk way to take exercise in any event).

FitFlops Are Safe  - And They’ve Got the Certification To Prove It!

You should be aware, and take comfort from the fact that, all of the shoes in the FitFlop range have received the American Podiatric Medical Society (APMA) seal of acceptance. If you don’t quite know what that means then here is the definition, according to the APMA’s website:

The APMA Seal of Acceptance is granted to footwear, insoles, hosiery, materials, and equipment that allow for normal foot function and promote quality foot health.

Just for clarity – receipt of the APMA seal does not constitute an endorsement of the toning benefits of FitFlops. That’s not actually something that is especially interesting to the APMA. However, it can be taken as a clear indication that FitFlops are “foot friendly” and good for foot health. That’s something that’s very comforting to know.

Not all toning shoes have received an APMA seal – but there are some others in addition to FitFlops. You can see a full list of APMA approved toning footwear here.

FitFlops Are Comfortable To Wear And To Walk In

If you talk to someone who owns FitFlops, you may be a little surprised by the fact that they are much more likely to tell you about how comfortable their FitFlops are than to mention the toning benefits. It’s due to the fact that the specially designed sole provides more support than a normal shoe and helps to reduce the average pressure exerted by the weight of the body on the soles of your feet.

You will be genuinely surprised at just how comfortable FitFlops are. Many shift workers who spend extended periods of time on their feet throughout the course of their working day, have started wearing FitFlops because of their extreme comfort. As a matter of fact, the most recent addition to the FitFlop clogs range – the Gogh Pro clog – is specifically aimed at hospital workers who spend long hours on their feet as a result of the nature of their work.

FitFlops Are Tried And Tested

FitFlops have undergone extensive testing at the London South Bank University (LSBU) and Salford University – both in the UK. The FitFlop “microwobbleboard” sole has been specially designed by experts in bio-mechanics, not just to tone and trim your lower body, but also to help reduce stress on joints and to minimize  impacts due to jarring when your foot contacts the ground. The end result is a range of footwear that helps you to get in shape, is incredibly comfortable to walk in and which can help to reduce joint and foot pain.

Choosing Toning Shoes And Using Them Safely

1. Be sure to choose toning shoes which have been awarded the APMA seal of acceptance.
2. Be certain that your new toning shoes are a good fit.
3. Take time to break in your toning shoes when you first get them – in exactly the same way that you would do with any normal pair of shoes.
4. Use your toning shoes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Never use toning shoes designed for walking for running, jogging or any sporting activity which involves sudden changes in either pace or direction unless they are specifically designed for this.
5. Prior to exercising, warm up and stretch your muscles. Start slowly in order to allow your muscles to warm up and have a similar cool down period at the end of your workout.
6. If you have any medical problems, seek the advice of your doctor prior to starting any new exercise program (whether you wear toning shoes or not).

In summary: FitFlops are not only safe to wear, but they are astonishingly comfortable to walk and, in addition to the well known toning benefits, can even help to relieve foot and joint pains.

Spring 2011 will see an additional two colors of the FitFlop Supertone Sneakers added to the range. Cafe latté above and metallic bronze, below.

They are already on sale in the UK and should be in the States for spring.

It’s perfectly understandable – after all, a shoe that helps you to tone and trim your lower body as you walk around is a pretty big deal.

However, if you actually talk to someone who is a FitFlops wearer then you might be surprised to find that they may well be more likely to tell you about how amazingly comfortable their FitFlops are and what a great fit they are. For many people, the comfort and, in some cases, relief from foot and/or joint pain seems to be the main benefit – with all of that lovely toning and trimming being a (very nice) bonus.

It’s all thanks to the sole again. It reduces jarring impact whilst you walk, improves your posture and also helps to spread the weight of your body more evenly across the sole of your feet. Take a look at the pressure map below; the red areas represent high pressure and the blue areas represent low pressure.

A study conducted at Salford University in the UK looked at the pressure distribution for 20 different people when they wore a control shoe (a standard high street flat shoe) and FitFlops. The study found that the pressure loading rate of the foot was reduced by an average of 25%. It also found that there was an increase (8%) in the contact area between the sole of the foot and the shoe – mainly in the area of the arch, as you can see from the above figure – when wearing FitFlops.

All very nice and all very scientific. But if all you’re interested is in knowing how comfortable FitFlops are then talking to some FitFlops owners is a good idea. You’ll be surprised at how many people own more than one, and sometimes multiple, pairs of FitFlops. If you don’t have the chance to speak to someone who already has a pair then there is some useful user feedback in the video below:

The latest release in the FitFlop range – FitFlop Gogh Pro Clogs (currently launched in the UK, hopefully soon to be in the States) – are specifically aimed at hospital workers and other shift workers who spend a long time on their feet during the course of their working day. Apparently, this comes about as a result of customer demand.

Anyway, there are any number of reasons to choose FitFlops. They give you a workout while you walk, they look great, they are great value for money and they are extremely comfortable. Check them out today on Amazon.

The FitFlop Gogh Pro clog has been released in the UK. It is specifically targeted at hospital staff and other shift workers who spend a long time on their feet during the course of their working day/night. According to the company website, they are biomechanically engineered for doctors, nurses and long-shift workers.

They use the same “microwobbleboard” midsole as FitFlop sandals and provide hot-spot diffusion and a pressure relieving FOOTFLOAT™ effect underfoot. The sole is also non-slip and non-marking and the adjustable, pivoting backstrap lets you have the comfort and ease of use of a slip-on with a secure hold.

And of course, since they feature the same microwobbleboard sole, you will get exactly the same toning benefits as you would with any of the other shoes in the FitFlop range. Workout while you walk – workout while you work.

They are ultra-lightweight and the footbed has an anti-bacterial lining to prevent odor.

At the moment they are selling the UK for £50 – that’s about $78. However, products often cost more in the UK in real terms so, when these are launched in the USA, the price may well be a little lower than $78.

• Non-slip
• Fully adjustable, pivoting backstrap
• Certified to ISO20347
• Airflow eyelets for improved breathability
• Anti-bacterial AEGIS™ treated footbed lining helps to avoid foot odor
• Ultra lightweight

At the moment, they are available in black and white. The black is shown below:

How Do Fitflops Work?

The secret to getting a free workout while you walk in your Fitflops is the specially designed sole. The sole is specially shaped and uses different materials in different area to maximise muscle activity.

The cushioned heel absorbs 20% more shock than regular footwear.

The soft midsection exercises core muscle groups and requires 15% more energy during normal walking activity.

The firm toe area helps you to maintain your walking speed.

Taken altogether, Fitflops help you to tone your legs and trim your bottom just by walking around normally.

Alternatively, if you already take exercise by walking, Fitflops will help to increase the effectiveness of you walking workout.

The video below gives a little background to the development of FitFlops and how they work. It includes commentary from Marcia Kilgore – the founder of FitFlops – and the research team at London South Bank University (LSBU), where FitFlops were developed. There’s not too much science – it actually makes sense – and you can also see some actual user feedback.

It would be easy to get carried away with the mechanics of how FitFlops work. After all, a free lower body workout just by walking around is absolutely not something to be sniffed at. In fact, it’s pretty much a dream come true!

However, it would be wrong to lose sight of the fact that FitFlops are great looking shoes, which come in a wide range of styles and colors, are extremely comfortable to wear and to walk about in and which represent great value for money.

Some High Praise For FitFlops:

1. Newsweek called them the “must have item for summer” in 2007.
2. The Independent Newspaper in the UK called them “miraculous”.
3. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) granted them a seal of acceptance.

For most busy women, FitFlops will be a godsend. However, as previously mentioned, they achieve their magic toning effect by the introduction of imbalance during walking. That won’t be any problem at all for the vast majority of people. However, anyone who has inherent problems with maintaining balance should think carefully before using these, or any other toning shoe for that matter.

FitFlops are specially designed to give you a free walking workout. They should really be used only for walking. Any sporting activity which involves sudden changes in pace or direction should not be undertaken whilst wearing FitFlops – again due to possible balance problems.

However, if you wear your FitFlops for walking, you should get the benefit of a free lower body workout – just by walking about like you would be doing anyway! How cool is that???