By Melina Byrne
Like Oprah, Heidi Klum and Julianne Moore, I have been a big fan of FitFlops for years. How could I resist these thongs that tone my body and improve my posture as I walk? In fact, I love them so much that I imported a limited edition pair from the U.S. Yes, I’m a FitFlop fanatic, and I predict you’ll be one soon too.
What’s so good about FitFlops?
Studies have shown that ordinary flip flops (also known as thongs) can be very damaging to your health as they do not provide proper support for your feet and body.
FitFlops, on the other hand, have been engineered to mimic the gait of barefoot walking. Their patent-pending microwobbleboard™ technology midsole increases leg muscle activity by around 10 to 12 percent every time you take a step. So you’re working out without a gym in sight!
There are so many benefits of FitFlops. They help improve your posture and tone your calves, thighs and butt muscles. They also reduce the stress on your back, knees and ankles.
They have been reported to provide relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, lower limb oedema, neuropathy and scoliosis.
My journey in FitFlops
I made a beeline to buy FitFlops around two years ago when I heard their remarkable body-toning claims. Truthfully, I wasn’t sure that footwear could improve my fitness, but once I road-tested a pair of black FitFlops (the original Walkstart design, RRP $99.95) up a hill, I was convinced. I could feel my muscles tightening as I huffed and puffed.
When FitFlops launched their limited edition Gladiator version, the Aurelia, exclusively to an American website (RRP: $165), I was desperate to own a pair, despite the importing cost and mixed reactions from other FitFlop fans. Unfortunately, in the end, these shoes were too eye-catching for me (think whispering and pointing) so I sadly relegated them to around the house wear.
Fortunately for fashionistas, FitFlop has expanded their collection of Italian-designed sandal shapes in stylish colours, with sporty and feminine finishing touches. I have my eye on the Black sequinned Electra (RRP: $119.95) and the Walkstar Jelly design in Strawberry, Electric Blue, Pistachio and Blueberry (also $119.95). A girl can never have too many FitFlops!
Winter FitFlops
FitFlops are not just for summer. They have a winter range too. Anna Sui has recently collaborated with FitFlop to make these gorgeous suede Ugg boots (RRP: US $195). But sadly, they are not available in Australia and are currently sold out on Net-A-Porter. Damn!
Rescu. Editor’s Road-test
Since I’m more than a little biased, we organised my editor, Bahar Etminan, to road-test a stylish Bronze pair.
She said, “The FitFlop was the perfect choice at the Six Senses Destination Spa. Easy on, easy off and perfect for a 10 day health and fitness focus. You sure can feel every muscle in your body after a work out when you wear the FitFlop, but I like that as you know it’s working.”
For more info and stockists, go to www.fitflop.com.au
