Sandals tone your butt while you walk

by Jonathon Morgan (Subscribe to Jonathon Morgan's posts)
Jun 1st 2007 4:03PM

They may not be the most attractive footwear on the planet, but FitFlop sandals offer a potentially unique benefit: a workout while you walk.

Of course, you always get a workout from walking, but the company claims that "The FitFlop's uniquely built multi-density midsole activates muscles midstep to help tone your thighs, your calves and your glutes. In fact, FitFlops are biomechanically engineered to absorb shock, lessen joint strain, and recreate the gait of barefoot walking - but with a powerful new built-in micro-wobbleboard workout-enhancing effect."

All that aside, if you really want to tone your legs and backside, there's plenty of exercises that'll get the job done more quickly than a pair of fancy sandals.

But, if you really don't want to work out, and don't mind having a pair of ugly shoes, maybe the FitFlop is for you.

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Comments (43)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

susan 6-07-2007 @ 6:10AM

They are better looking than those Crocs that everyone seems to be wearing. If I can get a mini work out while doing regular walking all the more better. But the real test is that they would have to feel natural and be comfortable otherwise they would just sit in the closet.

Barbara 6-07-2007 @ 7:13AM

As far as being ugly, they don't look much different than any other thong type shoe. I have a feeling they feel weird to walk in though. If not, then how are they working a different muscle set? I'll take a pass on these - sounds like BS as far as the workout benefits are concerned.

adria 6-09-2007 @ 4:25PM

are we that lazy, that we need special flip-flops to do the work for us? just get your ass up and run!

vicki 6-07-2007 @ 8:14AM

Nice article but you're a few days late. Other than inflated prices on ebay, you virtually cannot find these in the U.S. right now. The NY Times did an article on them last week which created a run on them. They're sold out. They retail for about $30 and are currently selling on ebay for over $50. No flipflop is worth that much!

b h 6-07-2007 @ 10:23PM

I bought a pr. of them at bath and body and they are wonderful...they feel so good on the feet and do absorb the shock of walking...the workout, well dont know if its my four yr old or the shoes giving me the workour from having to chase him around in the shoes but either way i do recommend them...

Geri 6-07-2007 @ 8:39AM

BLISS is selling these online but they are on backorder til late July or early August.

Jen 6-07-2007 @ 8:43AM

This is the first I've heard of them other than when I bought them last week ($40 and they had a ton of them). I was just looking for a comfy shoe and figured if lean legs was a side effect....cool. I've had numerous compliments on their cuteness, they're comfortable and they seem to actually work. They're a little different at first but it's a good different.

BECKY 6-07-2007 @ 11:21AM

ABOUT 5-6 YEARS AGO THEY HAD A TENNIS SHOE OUT KINDA LIKE THIS THAT MODELS WOULD WEAR TO HELP TONE THEIR LEGS. IT WAS LIKE WALKING ON SAND. DOES ANYONE REMEMBER THOSE? WHAT WERE THEY CALLED?
I COULD USE A PAIR AFTER HAVIN TWO KIDS. EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS.

twcwifeb 6-07-2007 @ 9:43AM

If I am incorrect I apologize. I beleive Curves already has something like this out, my girlfriend bought a pair through Avon, but she didn't really go into detail of the benefits of them, but considering that they are from Curves they are probably the same concept.

jill 6-07-2007 @ 9:41AM

Avon has a similar "sandal", not a flip flop, manufactured by "Curves"...I LOVE them! They are very comfortable and give the calves/butt a nice workout! I don't know how much the flip flops in this article costs', but the Curves ones that I own are reasonably priced!
Need an Avon rep? Let me know and I can hook you up with one!

TRACY 6-07-2007 @ 10:17AM

Is was looking at a AVON catalog the other day and they are selling something similar to this only it is more like a sandal then a flip-flop, it is a Curves brand product that AVON sells.

Trisha 6-07-2007 @ 9:47AM

I personally dont think these shoes look bad, and they look like they would have alot of support, compared tojust a reg. pair of walmart flat flip flops, that are a 1/2 in. thick.I use to wear them all the time, but since I put on weight, they kill my feet, and back, I havent tried these new ones yet, but they look nice.I will have to try them out.

Amy 6-07-2007 @ 9:55AM

Where are people buying these? I'd like to try out a pair.
Having arthritis I could really use a comfortable yet active flipflop that will be supportive and cushiony too.

I saw the Curves type in Avon catalog. I will not run around with a Curves name on my clothing. (don't do little alligator logos either)

Thanks for any info on locating these
Amy

cduke10 6-07-2007 @ 10:24AM

Bath and Body is selling these too. I've been wearing mine about a week, and I really like them. I can feel it working my legs, and they are really comfortable.

jess 6-07-2007 @ 11:38AM

How perfect for someone like me! I can only work one leg (thanks to a "surgeon") and my other leg flops around like a flag in the wind! I wear a size 3 but WILL NOT put on shorts because of this, I hope these shoes deliver what they promise! Crocs ARE ugly as a monkeys but!

Michelle 6-07-2007 @ 10:57AM

They were showcased in last week's Bath & Body Works weekly e-mail. If I'm not mistaken, they sell them in the red shown, and black for $40. You can see them in detail on their web site, www.bathandbodyworks.com.

linda 6-07-2007 @ 11:51AM

Becky......the shoes are talking about are called MBT by Swiss Masai. I have a pair of them and LOVE them!! I wear them everywhere, and I love how they help my bad back AND tone my legs. They are pricey...but you can find them on Ebay for a bit less!!!