FitFlop

FitFlop Women's Walkstar Classic Thong Sandal

• Leather and fabric
• Manmade sole
• Heel measures approximately 1 1/2"

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Seven Reasons Why Everyone is Wearing FitFlops

FitFlop midsoles incorporate patent-pending micro-wobbleboard™ technology, to give you a workout while you walk. Developed by Darren James and Dr David Cook at LSBU, the FitFlop's unique safely-tapered midsole places varying densities of EVA under your feet each time you step, to challenge the support and balance muscles of the foot and leg. They challenge hard to reach muscles more. FitFlops are engineered with a multi-density midsole that stimulates your muscles more while you're wearing them. In independent University testing, FitFlops have been shown to trigger increase gluteal muscle response, increased hamstring response, increase rectus femoris (thigh) response and increased calf muscle response. Every step you take in your FitFlops helps tone and trim your legs. Studies at Salford University by Dr. Philip Graham-Smith and Richard Jones have shown that the FitFlop midsole extends the amount of time that the slow twitch* muscles are engaged during each step (by approximately 10-12%). So just by wearing a pair of FitFlops you'll get more exercise while doing just exactly what you're normally doing. *slow twitch muscles produce energy by converting fats into energy aerobically FitFlops work your bum muscles more. FitFlops have been proven to increase the amount of time that the gluteus maximus muscle is 'activated' during every single step. FitFlops have been shown to have a significant effect on the toning muscles of your thighs. The rectus femoris muscle (one of the large muscles in the group of muscles in your thigh) is activated for a longer period of time while walking in FitFlops than while normally shod or barefoot. Walking in FitFlops is like walking barefoot, but a little bit better. According to a study done at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, the FitFlop wearer's gait is very similar to that of a barefoot walker, but the added cushion provided by the EVA midsole helps reduce joint strain and absorb shock. In fact, several FitFlop wearers have already reported relief from back pain after a few days of wearing them. FitFlops make it easier to stay in shape. Just throw them on while you're running errands, walking to work, or working around your house. Most first-time FitFlop wearers report feeling their muscles working more, while 'fitter' wearers feedback has been more toward great comfort and cushion. One woman reported feeling like she'd had a 'bum-blasting' workout after a half an hour of FitFlop-shod walking.

Microwobbleboard™ tecnology in the FitFlop midsole activates your leg muscles more while you walk in them.

Microwobbleboard™ tecnology in the FitFlop midsole activates your leg muscles more while you walk in them. Foot hugging upper keeps the sole of the foot in contact with the patent pending FitFlop midsole. Firm toe area promotes active push-off to maintain walking speed. Multi-density midsole extends the time the leg muscles are engaged during each step. Dense EVA heel strike point provides heel cushioning. Non-slip outsole creates grip to maintain stability.

Product Description

Fit Flops are designed to make it easier for people to stay in shape, while also staying in style! Fit Flop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Studies at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU show that normal walking in Fit Flop sandals can help increase leg, calf, and gluteal muscle activity, improve posture, mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more muscle load, and improve muscle tone. Fit Flop sandals wearers have also reported relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, RLS (restless leg syndrome), scoliosis and degenerative disc disease. Get these shoes and get a workout while you walk!

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001LNN1WE
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (279 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,490 in Shoes (See Top 100 in Shoes)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Kudos to the ad campaign, but sadly these do not fit all feet!, June 14, 2008

By 

M. Hardee "MHardee" (South Carolina) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: FitFlop Women's Walkstar Classic Thong Sandal (Apparel)

The advertising department for these shoes should be given kudos - these FitFlops sound miraculous! But reality says otherwise...these shoes have numerous design flaws. First, if you have slightly higher than normal arches, these flops will not fit your foot correctly. The reason for this is that the T-strap across the arch is made of a non-stretchy, almost grosgrain ribbon-type of heavy, woven material, and does NOT stretch to conform to higher-arched feet. Because of this, my feet kept shifting backwards in the shoe and I had trouble keeping the shoe on my foot, much less able to walk normally in them. Plus, if your feet even slightly over- or under-pronate, your feet will shift to the inside (or outside) of the shoe and you will find yourself walking on the edge of the shoe - I was constantly trying to shift my foot back to center. The strap does nothing to hold the foot in correctly - the shoe needs more support to hold to and conform with the foot. Further, the leather strap between the toes is either shoddily made or poorly designed - the edge of the leather is rough and rubbed blisters on my second toes within the first five minutes. While the shoes are very cushiony and I can see where they would help in burning calories, I spent the entire 1-mile walk stopping to shift my foot back into the shoe in its correct position, tugging on the T-strap to the correct position on the top of my arch, or putting bandaids on my new blisters. It's my opinion that exercise shoes and shoes touted as "comfortable" should not require a breaking-in period of any sort. I recommend making sure the company you buy from has a good return policy.

55 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very comfy shoe, don't know about the toning claims, June 12, 2008

By 

C. Borisuk - See all my reviews
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This review is from: FitFlop Women's Walkstar Classic Thong Sandal (Apparel)

These are extremely comfortable flip flops. I normally wear MBT sneakers, but with the warmer weather I wanted a pair of sandals that would give me a workout while I walked. I have not felt any difference since wearing these. When I first wore my MBT trainers, I couldn't sit down at the end of an 8 hour work day, my backside was so sore. I guess I expected the same result from these. I also have a knock off version of the MBT trainers that I bought from AVON of all places. I now sell these because people kept asking me about them. They are only $39.00 and are by Curves. Both of those shoes did way more than the fit flops. If you are looking for toning, I would put your money towards MBT's or Curves. They both offer sandal versions. If you are looking for a really comfortable pair of flip flops that improve your posture a little, then these are the shoes for you. PS - If you are a half size, order a size down.

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pricey but Well Worth It, August 7, 2009

By 

Terry Sunday (El Paso, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: FitFlop Women's Walkstar Toning Sandal (Apparel)

They're definitely expensive for a rubber sandal. They have a slick marketing campaign that claims they'll tone your muscles as you walk, and a few wearers say they even reduce lower back pain. While some benefits apparently have been proven by laboratory tests, the prudent consumer will take these claims with a healthy dose of skepticism--"Your mileage may vary." They may not be styled to everyone's liking. Most women can probably find a style and color to please them, but men are limited to just one style in two colors. But other considerations aside, Fitflops are worth buying for one simple reason--they are unbelievably comfortable. You can wear them for hours and not even be aware that you have them on.

If you read the other reviews, you'll find a lot of conflicting information about sizing, fit, quality, durability, etc. Some reviewers say to size up; others say to size down. Some say they notice a muscle toning effect; others say they don't. Some say Fitflops are well made and durable; others say they're junk and started falling apart immediately. I offer the following personal observations: 1) Fitflops run slightly large, but not exceptionally so. If you're a half-size, I recommend sizing down. My wife normally wears a 6.5, but her size 6 Walkstar fits her perfectly. 2) They are very well made, although I do wonder about the long-term durability of the very thin toe thong. The straps, sole and footbed all are made of high-quality materials, and are very well put together. 3) Based on a his-and-hers sample of two pairs, they have no manufacturing defects. All in all, they seem to be of extremely high quality.

If you're looking for a distinctive, lightweight, comfortable and (possibly) beneficial sandal, and don't mind paying a fairly steep price, I highly recommend that you give a pair of Fitflops a try.

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