Shoes: Flip-Flops? Try FitFlops!
 

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/l...cle1728312.ece

Check this out. They look gorgeous and are good for your legs. I have two pairs of MBT's mentioned (trainers and sandals) and while they are heaven, then are UGLY and can only be worn with pants. These would be great for skirts.

Regards Ger

Thanks Ger! Tried to order online at bliss but have to wait until July 13th. These look stylish (reminded me a bit of gucci thongs) and comfy too-can't wait to get some.
JenV

Just bookmarking, cause they look like I may want a pair!

Jen & zwho:

I was immediately interested, as I am an MBT owner!

I'm a "must have it NOW" shopper, so I tried the Bliss web-site, but they only had the large sizes left. I got onto e-Bay and there were several in my size, all selling at a premium (Bliss has them listed at $45; last bid on e-Bay was $70!!!). Problem is that they are in short supply and I want then NOW.

I put a bid in and have just won a red pair for $72. Seller has a good reputation: I pray that I don't receive a cheap knock-off from China (but if I do, I have recourse on e-Bay).

If they are anywhere near as good as the MBT's (retail at about US$250) then I will be happy. I have worn MBT's for over a year now and they are SO good for exercising the legs and gluts that I have been able to give up my lower-body weight training. I have lost weight, improved my posture and my leg muscles are like steel. Problem is that they are truly the ugliest shoes ever made, so one cannot wear them with a skirt or dress. The FitFlops look like a more attractive alternative for the summer.

I’ll keep you posted :)

Regards Ger

JenV - Yes, they certainly look similar.

Advice please: I have only rarely worn thong sandals, as the few times I have, I ended up with serious chaffing and bleeding between the toes ƒ¼ Any advice from the Flip-Flop experts on how to reduce the pain as I get used to them?

Regards Ger

I see that the sizes are whole sizes only....I am a 7.5...anyone try any on in person yet and know whether they might run big or small? They look great!

My sister says the Okabashi Madison is the most comfortable she's ever worn.
http://www.shoesthatloveyou.com/

I like the look of this last one but the first?! No Way!!!!

Ouch! These look so unelegant. Good for the beach, but not for the city as far as I'm concerned.

Ger, keep wearing your thongs. Your toes will become less sensible the more they get used to the strap between them. I have all kinds (only leather, though), with wide straps, with narrow straps and they're just perfect. I also wear them on cobblestones in my city, and I'm more comfy in them than in a closed shoe. Don't give up!

I think the colours make them look rather unattractive. They might look a lot nicer in brown/earth tones.

Bloom

I've seen some flip flops made by Crocs, too. They look sturdy and comfortable. Anyone tried them?
:)>-

Flip-flops are one of the most reliable indicators of American tourists, at least in France.

Maureen B

I've had Crocs flip flops since last summer--they're heaven. I'd previously given up wearing flip flops because they don't have any support--these have the famous crocs footbed and support your foot while cushioning your heel. I know people who swore they wouldn't be caught dead in Crocs who are in love with the crocs flip flops

Maureen - my DD tried on the croc ff's
for fun - became an instant addict and
has had difficulty not wearing them
everyday everywhere - she says they
are the most comfortable shoes she
has ever had. They don't look dorky
either, kinda cute....

I don't find them very attractive myself -- very casual, I wouldn't wear them anywhere except the beach or something.

However, I really would not wear them myself, as I think they are dangerous for your feet/legs for exactly the reasons they are touting them. A big cause of damage to the feet is the wearing of flipflops etc that create unnatural strain on your foot and muscles because your foot has to "work" to keep them on in an unnatural manner. I read an article with a lot of specific information on various types of casual shoes/sandals and how they affect a woman's feet and ankles or legs in various ways, from flipflops to heels, and these look like bad ideas. I wouldn't believe the hype at all.

I wear thongs (the kind with something through your toes) and have a couple that are fairly comfortable I wear around the house or to the beach. And a sturdier pair I might wear for longer periods, but there is always the potential for them to rub your toe and there isn't anything you can do about it except buy a pair that doesn't do that as much to begin with, and just not wear them for long periods. Any kind with the toe-part that is more fabric than a plastic or harder material is the best and what I buy, the only kind I'll buy. You can find lots of other kinds that are often cheaper, but they do hurt and there's nothing you can do but not wear them.

I don't know where you live, but I've bought a couple pair of thong sandals with the toe strap at K-mart that are fairly comfortable and only aroudn $8 on sale (regular around $12-13). They are the Route 66 brand and these sandals have a rubber sole, fake suede-ish inner sole and top and come in beige, navy, red, black or lt. blue. They only have the thong style in a couple colors, though. They are pretty comfortable and my niece thought they were Merrells as they do look pretty good, and are sturdy enough to wear for some minor walking. Those have a suedish-fabric part for the toes. These are not real cheap plastic flipflops, I won't wear those.

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY FITFLOPS!!! I don't know if it is my imagination, but I've been wearing them for a week and I think they are helping tighten my legs. I'll let you now about the bum in a few weeks! It feels like wearing an athletic shoe without all the fabric. FYI - if you are a 1/2 size, definitely go down a size. I wear a 9 1/2 in regular shoes and a size 9 in FitFlops. You want them to fit snuggly - that is how you get the shoe to engage your muscles.

Get them ladies ... they are so incredibly comfortable and I think they are cute as well. You won't regret it.

Just pre-ordered mine from Bath & Bodyworks, though they will not be available until August 10! :( Luckily I live in California where August is not near the end of the summer! Hopefully they will arrive in time for my trip so that I can bring them along.

Are they available anywhere in London? they look ok for the beach, and I find flipflops uncomfortable normally.

I just got an email from Bath & Body Works that mine were shipped out today. Now, I just hope that they fit properly since I took everyone's advice, including their website and took a size smaller. I can't wait to get them and start wearing them.

I'll report to everyone who was thinking about buying them.

Hi, OReilly -- thanks for the tip! I believe I'll try a pair as well. As for the "serious chaffing and bleeding between the toes" problem, Foot Smart sells an insert for flip flops that addresses that problem. Just type in Foot Smart in Google.

If you like Crocs, go for their newest style flops, the Capri. They look nothing like Crocs as only the footbed is rubber. I have 4 colors and have worn them all over Italy and France this summer. Other big benefit - they weigh nothing so no added pounds to the suitcase!

You don;t have to wait - they're available now on ebay (some people must have bought up a bunch in advance).

Sorry but I think that huge white sole is extremely unattractive

As far as the part between the toes, I think it's more about your feet than the particular flip flop. Some people can wear them, some people can't.