I Hate Flip-Flops
Flip-Flopping Isn't Walking: As a walker, you strike the ground with your heel and roll through the step, finally pushing off with the toe. If you attempt to do that properly in flip-flops, you....can't. They would flip off your feet. Flip-flopping isn't proper walking. Instead, you are basically sliding, stomping, or shuffling. This is a problem of any shoe that lacks a heel cup or strap to keep the shoe on your foot when you are striking with your heel.
I've also received info on the FitFlop, a flip-flop specially designed to be unstable and therefore "work your gluteus" much like the MBT Swiss Masai shoes. As with other flip-flops, I don't see this as a good platform for exercise walking. But if you are itching to give them a try, Compare Prices. Maybe those who have popped to buy a pair will give us a mini-review in the Comments.
What's a Good Walking Sandal? A good walking sandal provides proper support for the foot throughout the heel strike, roll through, and toe off. This means it must keep the heel in the sandal and not allow the foot to slide too far forward as it rolls through, and must protect the toes during the toe-off. That's a big design challenge. Several companies produce trail sandals that aim to satisfy those who want a good walking sandal. As with any walking shoes, it will come down to personal choice and comfort. But if you think you can walk a 10K in your flip flops, I'll point you to our foot health site for help afterwards.
Do you have an opinion of FitFlops? They look like they would be better (for casual walking, not 10k) although they are open in the back.
About FitFlops: even the FitFlops web site says they are meant to be used only for short duration, to tone muscles. They are designed to be UNSTABLE, which, again, tells me you should probably use them for crosstraining of shorter duration rather than as a fitness walking shoe. As with the MBT Swiss Masai shoes, they may indeed work different muscles in different ways than your usual walking shoes. But so would cycling
Walkin’ Wendy writes:
“As a walker, you strike the ground with your heel and roll through the step, finally pushing off with the toe. If you attempt to do that properly in flip-flops, you….can’t. They would flip off your feet.”
Which is why I hate to wear flip flops, even for informal walking. If it’s informal enough for flip flops, I prefer to just go barefoot. (Foot nudity! Soles gone wild, woo! Sorry; it’s late.)
I recently had ordered a pair of “FitFlops” and once I held them in my hands and had taken a good look at them, I was already tempted to shove them back into their shipping box. But I did give them 24 hours around my house and here is my comment: Typical made in China cheap, mass-manufactured item. I could feel no “working muscles”, even after hours of walking around the house in them in one stretch. Since I walk/run about 15-20 miles a week, and do not even own flip-flops, I might not be a good candidate for them. But I believe you would have to be a complete noodle to feel any impact.
For casual I stick to my Birkenstocks.
I have fit flops and I love them as flip flops, not as walking shoes. As a pair of flip flops, they’re very comfy and have more support than cheap pairs. But, they’re still just flip flops and I wouldn’t do any serious distance walking in them.
I have Fit-Flops!! I love them!!! I used to wear Teva flip flops because they had a bit of an arch, but the fit-flops are way better!! I am an unfortunate soul who over-pronates and must wear orthodicts in my shoes (sneakers and hiking boots mostly) I wore the Fit Flops recently and did mucho errands, wore them all day and my feet and knees felt fine (even the next day when I first got up from bed) The fit-flops really do hug my heel, my arch is supported, the thong part is comfortable and I’m really glad I bought them. As far as giving my legs a work-out while I wear??? I doubt it, but who knows. I wouldn’t depend on it…I’ll just keep teaching Spinning and Zumba and get my leg work-out that way!
i just hate flip flops. ugliest shoe-type item ever. people who wear them suck.
I have a pair of fit flops that I love, love, love. But, lately, I have been noticing a lot of heel pain, so I think I have loved them too much.
I LOVE my fitflops & plan on buying another pr. & prob. a new winter pr. Much better and any other flip flop I have ever owned. I wore them walking all over DC & NYC and they were great!!! My legs & feet felt great after a long day of walking. I don’t believe all the claims, but find them to be well worth it & two friends purchased also, & love them as well…
I have 2 pairs of fitflops which I thought were fantastic when I bought them – so much so I bought another pair. I have worn them all summer in all of my soare time. I now find that I am in constant pain in my heels, even when in bed.
I am a nurse of over 30 years and walk all through my working day and have never ever had painful feet of any kind. No more fitflops for me.
If you like the feel of flip-flops, but not the toe gripping thong issues you should try a pair of enclosed Sanuks. I have very flat feet and always have issues with shoes that have “support” and have no issues with these.
And if you like to go barefoot, but don’t like glass, rocks, sticks in your feet you should also try Vibram Five Finger shoes. A little weird looking, but great for body mechanics!