Fit Flops: The Mini Workout You Won’t Mind Doing

I work out regularly, but because I spend most of my working hours on a computer, I worry that I still don’t get as much of a workout as I should. And that is why I love my FitFlops so. I’ve had my Walkstars for years and absolutely adore them.

FitFlops are flip flops that give your legs a bit of a workout as you walk around doing your thing. They have a patented wobbleboard inside that forces your legs to work to maintain your balance. What’s amazing about it is that all you feel is a really comfortable shoe. Really comfortable. As in, I’d actually wear these for a day walking around a theme park. That comfortable. You can tone your legs as you go about your daily routine and never even know it.

I have flat feet and generally need to add arch support to my cute little thong sandals. I need to add nothing to the FitFlops. They are supportive, cushiony and comfortable. And they are durable. As I said, I’ve had the same pair of original FitFlops for years and they look as good as the day I bought them. A very good thing considering they are a lot more expensive than your average flip flop. They run $40-50 a pair on average, but I promise they are more than worth it. And now they come in a bunch of colors and styles so you can wear them with almost any outfit.

Also available are sneakers, clogs and boots with the same technology. I have my eye on a pair of sneakers. You can find the whole range on FitFlop’s website, but you’ll have to find somewhere else to buy unless you are in the UK. They offer a list of retailers, which include Amazon and Zappos, so you should be able to find a pair for you. They come in whole sizes; size up if you wear a half size normally.

Invest in these. You will not be sorry. And if you are you can send yours to me.

About The Author: Megan is a professional writer, amateur photographer and an accomplished beauty product crash test dummy. She'll try anything once, especially if it's a free sample. She's still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up, but it will probably involve travel and Colin Farrell. And maybe some writing and photography. You can visit her at onethousandwordsormore.com or follow her on Twitter: msmegan.

No You Don’t Get A Five Finger Discount

Hi, I’m Lisa.  I write at my personal blog, my photo blog, and I also contribute over at No More Muffintop.  You can also follow me on Twitter.

Everybody stares at my new shoes.  I guess that’s to be expected when they’re hot pink and look like feet.

They’re called Five Finger Shoes and they’re made by Vibram, the same people who have made awesome hiking boot soles forever.

Why do I want shoes that look like gloves for my feet?

Well, first because they are awesome.  They feel like gloves on my feet.

But also because they’re great for strengthening your feet.  You have over a hundred muscles in your feet and they hardly ever get used because the shoes we wear today are so great at cushioning your feet.

There’s a huge barefoot running movement going on right now because the theory is that you run more naturally with less injury than when you wear shoes.  I’m not here to debate the pros and cons of barefoot running because people feel very strongly either for or against, and we’re all friends here.  I don’t run barefoot.  I’d like to try it someday, but I’ve had two foot surgeries and it’s not likely barefoot running is in the cards for me.   I’m more than happy with the running shoes that I have.

I use the Vibram Five Finger Shoes for kettlebell and weight lifting workouts and because they are awesome. Every kettlebell teacher I’ve ever heard of has recommended either totally flat shoes or working out barefoot because your balance is better than in standard athletic shoes, and I’ve found this to be the case for me.  I feel like my balance has improved a lot, and I feel more connected with the floor when I’m barefoot.  Each of my toes can move independently, contributing to an overall balance and agility improvement.

But who wants to be barefoot in a gym?  That’s rather gross.  Plus I’m sure other people would appreciate something between your stinky feet and the gym floor they may be putting their hands on.

The Five Finger Shoes are also great for yoga and plyometrics.  It’s the same idea, you get the effect of being barefoot for balance and agility without having to put your bare feet on the floor.  The sole of the shoes gives you a little added traction as well, which is helpful in those poses where you might experience slippage (I’m looking at you, downward facing dog).

Putting these shoes on for the first time is a bit tricksy.  It took me almost five full minutes the first time, but as you wear the shoes and they break in and mold to your feet more, they slip right on.

There is a break-in period for your feet.  It’s not recommended that you wear them for very long periods of time when you first get them.  If you are going to run in them you need to start slowly, with very short distances (like a half mile, no more), or you can risk soreness in your legs and feet.  These shoes work muscles in your legs and feet that you didn’t know you had, so expect both to be a little tired at first.

Finding a retailer can be tricky if you’re in a smaller metropolitan area.  Vibram recommends looking for the authorized retailers on their site since, because the shoes have exploded in popularity, they have been having problems with counterfeiters.  I found my shoes at Scheel’s.  REI also sells them in my area.  Amazon has a few, but they aren’t carrying the Bikila model for women, which is what I’m wearing, as of yet.

Like any athletic shoe, they aren’t cheap.  The Bikila model is $100, and the other pair I have, the KSO Treks, which have a more rugged sole for hiking and kangaroo leather uppers, are $125.

I have read unfavorable reviews on Amazon about the shoes falling apart the first time they were worn, but my husband has had a pair for over a year and they are still in excellent shape.  We are both rather hard on shoes and our Five Finger Shoes have held up very well.  Plus they’re washable, so there are no worries about them getting stinky shoe syndrome after being worn without socks.  You can just toss them in the washing machine and air-dry them.

Go try a pair on.  It’s going to feel weird at first because you’re not used to having something between each toe, but once you get used to it I bet you’ll like them.  I know I was skeptical, and may even have made fun of my husband’s shoes, but now I love them.

Disclaimer: I did not receive free product, nor have I been paid, to write this review.  But if Vibram would like to send me some green and white Bikilas it wouldn’t hurt my feelings. Size 38. Ahem.

The review I never thought I’d write: Crocs. In public.

Some people love Crocs.

Some people do not love Crocs.

And then there is me.

I have been on a personal crusade against Crocs since the first time I saw a grown woman step out into public with neon styrofoam on her feet.  I have said, repeatedly, that you we should be careful not to confuse packing material with shoes.  I have said, to anyone that will listen (and a few who would not), that we should stand up and demand more from our shoes.  Nay, from ourselves!

On my most recent visit to New York City, the only pair of shoes I came home with came from a Crocs store.

How does this happen?

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