FitFlops: The Flip Flops that Give You Great Gams

Have you ever wished you could get in an exercise session while you run errands? Imagine getting toned by waiting in line at the bank, doing your grocery shopping, or picking up your kids from school? FitFlops tones your body with every step.

FitFlops are sporty looking flip flops that tone your muscles and help you burn calories when you are just walking around. Certainly you can use them when you are exercising for a better workout, but flip flops might not be the safest of workout shoes.

FitFlops work on the same technology as the popular MBT shoes. It is called Negative Heel Technology - simply put, the shape of the sole of the shoe (as well as the build of the base of the shoe) is constructed in a way that forces you to roll your foot heel to toe when you take a step. This is ideally how we should walk all the time, in any shoe, and it is probably how you walk barefoot (or at least should). Try it. Take a step barefoot, and see how your foot lands. Does your heel hit the ground first, followed by your arch, then your toes? Now notice how your calf and thigh feels - do you feel the stretch on the back of your calf? FitFlops insure that your foot follows that pattern each time you step. This will work your ankles, calf, the back of the thigh, your glutes (a lot, actually - you'll have one first posterior with these shoes), your lower back, and your core. FitFlops take it a step further by adding a balance workout - the shoes act like a mini-balance board (aka a wobble board), so while you won't fall over while wearing them, they do strengthen your core - giving you a flat tummy!

During all this, the flip flops reduce shock to your joints - so your muscles might be a little sore by the end of a good "workout", but your joints won't hurt. If you have arthritis, this kind of shoe would be good for you.

FitFlops are pretty hard to find right now - at bothBath and Body Works and Bliss World, there is either a waiting list or they are sold out. Bath and Body Works has a listing of a few stores that may still have some in stock, otherwise you'll have to wait for them to be in stock online or in a store near you. If you can't wait for FitFlops to be available, you might want to consider Earth Shoes - they utilize the same negative heel technology, and come in a wide range of styles and colors. For work or during other seasons, you may want to consider picking up a pair or two of these shoes. They are also vegan, so if that's a plus for you, Earth Shoes are worth checking out.

FitFlops are generating a lot of buzz - we all have a lot of time we spend just walking here and there and it would be great to get a workout at the same time. FitFlops do not replace a regular exercise program, but if you can multi-task regular walking and getting a workout, it's a worthwhile addition to your diet and exercise plan!