Unless you've been stuck in a cave recently, you'll no doubt have seen the passing trend in shoes. First of all the Croc (practical, virtually indestructable, colourful but not the sleekest shoe around*), then MBTs (Massai Barefoot Technology, these shoes were the first "physiological footwear" and retail at around £130) and now we have the FitFlop.

The FitFlop certainly looks the nicest when compared with MBTs and crocs, but is a summer sandal rather than suitable winter footwear. A range of colours is available along with limited edition variants, and they cost only a little bit more than Crocs (between £35-45 depending on which particular shoe you go for).

Manufacturers of the FitFlop state on their website "It's like the flip flop with the gym built in" which is quite a big claim. The curve in the sole is supposed to force a different walking position - a front to back rolling motion, and it is this that helps tone thighs, calves and gluts and activate the slow-twitch muscle fibres which lead to leaner-looking legs.

The inners are made of EVA, which is a type of odour-free (and non-absorbent) foam and the shoes should last for more than a million flexes, so even wearing them everyday won't wear them out too quickly.

Several people I know have bought them, and all claim they feel it in the backs of their thighs and calves for the first few days, but then don't notice after that. The manufacturers do warn on their website thought that the FitFlop be used progressively more to avoid excess muscle soreness.

Different people do find different shoes more beneficial - some people find high heels comfortable to wear whilst others shun the mere thought. Shoes such as the FitFlop may help people with flatter arches, but then again, may be uncomfortable for those with higher arches - best to try a pair on and see how they feel.

Sally, our foot health specialist, also suggests that wearing the same pair of shoes too regularly (more than one day in a row) is bad for your feet and legs, as they will get used to walking in that particular way and not all muscles are exercised fully.

Conclusion?

Hype or not, any shoe that promises to improve an aspect of your health whilst being fashionable is bound to be popular.

Buy Crocs | Buy FitFlops | FitFlop website | Buy MBTs | MBT website


* New styles coming over from the US and available in the UK include the very nice looking Sassari model, so all hope is not lost!