Health and Medical

I normally wear orthotics. Can I wear FitFlops?

The FitFlop has been designed with a regularly shaped footed, however, the multi-density midsole create a micro-wobble board action that challenges the muscles of the foot and arch, and therefore might not be suitable for everyone who needs orthotics. We recommend that you err on the side of caution and consult your podiatrist prior to wearing FitFlops if you currently rely on orthotic support.

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Can I wear FitFlops if I am pregnant?

As with any medical condition, we recommend that any prospective FitFlop wearer consult their doctor before putting a pair of FitFlops into regular rotation. While Dr David Cook (who helped engineer the FitFlop's multi-density microwobbleboard midsole) originally recommended that - due to the inherent increased muscle load - FitFlops not be worn during pregnancy, we've had several women report that wearing FitFlops during pregnancy has provided fantastic relief from lower leg swelling, varicose vein pain, and even Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction. We'd suggest you search the word 'pregnant' in our wearer reviews depository to see what other women have experienced, then consult your obstetrician to ensure you have his/her OK before wearing a pair.

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I have bunions will they be aggravated?

No. In fact, if you suffer from bunions, we'd suggest ordering a few pairs of FitFlops for yourself, as we're going to guess that you may never want to put normal shoes (that rub on your bunions) on your feet again.

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Are they as suitable for hill walking as velcro trekking sandals?

Unfortunately not. FitFlops are not suitable for hill walking or mountain hiking. They are quite open and airy on the foot, and will not protect it from rough terrain or weather. FitFlops are designed for everyday use and everyday walking, to be worn by time-short individuals who may not be able to get to the gym, but want to make sure they get a 'workout while they walk'.

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How many people were involved in your testing and studies?

Our original testing was done using 15 women, across two different University research departments. While it wasn’t a massive amount, both groups of women showed similar and significant results: not only did FitFlops activate their leg muscles more than walking in regular shoes, but FitFlops created a very healthy gait pattern, similar to that of barefoot walking. Knowing that FitFlops were safe, functional, and fun, we decided to test launch them last year (2007) to see if women in the US and UK were interested in the FitFlop concept. The results were an overwhelming yes, and on top of that, women from all walks (no exercise pun intended) started emailing us with stories about relief from back pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, heel spurs, and more.

Armed (and delighted) with that feedback, we have developed a more extensive and detailed testing program, and have appointed a full-time researcher to work in conjunction with Salford University, and appointed a team at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU to work on new applications, further tests and trials, to find out more about the magic that is the FitFlop midsole.

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Can I jog/work out/cycle in FitFlops?

FitFlops were originally biomechanically engineered to load your leg muscle more when you WALK in them (not while you jog, hike, or cycle in them). Which is why we recommend getting 'a workout while you walk'. At present, we can't officially suggest you make any other use of them but just that. A FitFlop sandal doesn't have a heel counter to keep it from falling off during any form of running or sprinting, nor is it covered enough to protect your feet from brush or falling rocks if you might be hiking. You should be safe in them for leisurely cycling, but we think it's safe to say that Lance Armstrong most likely puts on proper cleated cycling shoes if he's covering long distances on wheels. In short? These shoes were made for walking.

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I have plantar fasciitis. Can I wear FitFlops?

We always suggest that anyone with a medical condition consults with their doctor prior to buying themselves a pair of FitFlops. And while we've had testimonials from hundreds of fans who swear that just wearing theirs has lessened discomfort from not only plantar fasciitis, but heel spurs, Morton's Neuroma, RLS, swollen lower legs, sciatica, knee pain and lower back pain (to name a few of the most common) we realize that people are biomechanically diverse, and what works for one wearer may not work for another. Originally, FitFlops were engineered with the added function of loading the leg muscles more while one walked. What they've been reported – all by FitFLop wearers- to do on top of that has been a surprise, but in some ways, a 'side-effect'. We would suggest that you consult the wearer reviews section of our website to read what other people are saying about their experiences with FitFlops, and make your decision after reading them and consulting your doctor.

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FitFeedback #3

What wearers are reporting about FitFlops:
If you’ve got narrow/flat feet and you’re between FitFlop sizes, you’ll have more success ordering a size down than a size up. Because the FitFlop midsole is generous in length, the most important thing to fit is the upper strap size. If your feet are narrow or flat (or both) err on the side of SMALLER.