FitSugar

How to Choose the Fittest Flops

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 14:00:12 PDT

If you're a fan of flip-flops, choose your Summer shoes carefully. I've already gone over the many reasons why flip-flops are bad for your feet: they strain your arches, make your tendons work overtime, and lack ankle support, leading to possible injury.

But that doesn't mean you have to ditch the flips entirely. Just look for a more structured sandal with heel cups and sculpted arches that will keep your feet stable. Simply put, "The less flip in your flop, the better it is for your feet and legs," said Justin Shroyer, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette who studied more than 100 flip-flop wearers.

Sandals with heel indentations and arch support will allow you to walk more naturally, rather than straining your toes to keep the sandals from falling off. I was impressed with FitFlops, which may or may not tone your backside but offer far more support than regular flip-flops.

Still, Shroyer warns that flip-flops shouldn't be worn on long walks. Think of the Summer shoe as more of a transitional accessory that you wear from house to pool or car to beach. Do you have any supportive flip-flops to recommend?

Anna Sui for FitFlop: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:25:22 PST

I admit, I was never a fan of FitFlops, but now that the brand has enlisted Anna Sui to design a line of cozy boots, I might reconsider. FitFlop - known for designing footwear that's biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them - has collaborated with the bohemian designer to create these Shakoha Shearling Boots ($290). The line will be exclusively available at Net-A-Porter.com on Nov.11 and ShopIntuition.com starting Nov. 20. Are you loving them?

FitFlops Mukluks: Cool or Not?

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:02 PDT

From MBTs to Skechers Shape Ups, there are plenty of toning shoes shaped like sneakers. A few years ago FitFlops, the exercise flip-flop, debuted and the company has been rolling out all sorts of fitness-y shoes ever since. For Fall, you can cover your tootsies and tone your backside, according to FitFlips marketing copy, with the Mukluk ($140).

You can walk about on the "muscle-loading FitFlop Micro-wobbleboard midsole" wearing breathable shearling booties. Would you drop that kind of dough for a pair of toning shoes? Or would you rather spend the $140 on series of yoga classes or a couple of sessions with a personal trainer?

Get in Gear: FitFlops Booties

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:30:00 PST

FitFlops have been all the rage since they made their debut stateside, but what's a leg-toning gal supposed to do when she has to tuck her sandals away for the Winter?

Enter the FitFlop Billow. These little cozy booties not only use the same technology as the beloved FitFlops, but they're super comfortable too. At $125, they don't come cheap, but if you've already fallen in love with their Summer counterparts, then dropping that much dough may not feel like a big splurge, but a necessity. You can pre-order them now at Blissworld.com. If you're still not sold on whether these shoes work their magic - or your legs, for that matter - then it might not be worth the dough. I think the thongs are comfy, but not sure how much they toned my legs.

Gladiator Aurelia FitFlops: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 07:00:22 PDT

The latest craze to hit London are these Gladiator Aurelia FitFlops (price TBD). Set to sell exclusively at Kirna Zabete and Net-A-Porter, FitFlops are designed to miraculously trim and tone legs. This hybrid of fashion and fit is sure to turn heads; whether in a good or bad way is still up for debate. The UK loves them, do you?

Take all of my Love It or Hate It Polls here! To post your selections go to the Love It or Hate It? group. And if you want to learn how to do a blog post click here.

Review: FitFlops – Functional Fashion?

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:45:00 PDT

The fitness fashion fad of muscle sculpting footwear continues. Last Spring, FitFlops ($49.99) were all the rage, but due to unforeseen popularity they were hard to find since many stores couldn't keep them in stock.

This thong styled sandal from the UK is designed to make the muscles of your legs and bum work more than usual with each and every step. Essentially, as the makers say, they turn your average afternoon of running errands into something a little more akin to actual running. The shoes themselves are comfy, but unlike MBTs, I didn't really feel them working my legs or my bum; I couldn't sense the "wobble board" in the FitFlops that is supposed to increase muscle activity. If a body doesn't feel the work, does that mean the muscles aren't doing anything? Anyway, I haven't noticed any improvement on the backside either, although studies found increased muscle activity in the glutes and thighs in people wearing FitFlops.

The engineered FitFlops are considerably more foot friendly than regular flip flops. FitFlops have a much harder heel than most thongs and offer a lot more support. Wearing regular flip flops, with their lack of arch support, can make my feet and back ache, but I experienced no foot or back discomfort after running around in my FitFlops for a couple of hours on an unseasonably warm day.

If you are interested in experimenting with FitFlops you can find a store that sells them near you with this handy store locator, which will also help you find online retailers.

If you have a pair let me know what you think about them in the comments section below.

Source

Fit For August: Must Haves

FitSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 03:30:00 PDT

The month of August is just plain hot. There is no way around it, but there are plenty of ways to stay cool. Here are a variety of things to help you enjoy your final days of summer in style without getting all heated up.

Staying hydrated is key in this humid month. Since water is sometimes not enough for that task, this Swigz Dual Chamber Water Bottle by Golds Gym is a great hydrating option. Put water in half and your favorite sports drink in the other and you are good to go.

For the beach I have just found these super cute hipster bottoms and tank top from Girls4Sport. Not only are theses shorts hip, they also have a drawstring so you won't end up performing a surprise peep show when body surfing. The tank has a built in shelf bra for modest support and modesty and no straps to fall down and interfere with your water activities.

SWIGZ DUAL WATER BOTTLE	Sports Tank Rashguard
Hipster Bottom	United States Masters Swimming
::: airforce: Nutrisoda	fitflop walkstar - bliss

Do I have more to say about these finds? You betcha, so

read more Masters Swimming program is for everyone - new swimmers and tri-athletes alike. You can master your strokes and workout with a coach at a public pool near you. How cool is that? Cardio workouts in a pool are the best way to exercise when the heat prevents you from other forms of working out. The pool will keep you cool. If you want to drink something refreshing, chock full of antioxidants and slightly carbonated try airforce: Nutrisodas. They come in a variety of flavors with a variety of functions. My favorite flavor is Radiant - with pomegranate and blackberry. Designed with nutrients to support your skin (just in case you stay in the sun too long). Want to keep your toes cool and tone your legs all at the same time? Then check out these FitFlops. The demand was so high that many stores sold out in mere days in June when this multi-tasking shoe made its debut, but you can pre-order them on in the Bliss website.

Get in Gear: FitFlops

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 12:30:00 PDT

Muscle-sculpting footwear is all the rage right now. From MBT's to Earth shoes, we are all looking to get a little more out of our shoes than just something to walk in. This summer, you may not want to walk around in chunky and sweaty muscle-sculpting sneaks this summer, so why not flip flips, 'er I mean FitFlops.

FitFlips are the latest in muscle-sculpting footwear as they are claimed to tone and trim legs, burn calories, absorb shock and improve posture. They do all this with the microwobbleboard sole (basically a mini-balancing board) on the shoe. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get my ~~hands~~ feet on a pair of these prized possessions as they are flying off shelves at Bath & Body Works here in the U.S. while over 15,000 folks in the UK are waiting for a pair (they sold out there within three days). You can pre-order them online at Bliss.com for $45, but that's $7 over the regular retail price.

Now if they could make a shoe that slaps my hand when I even think about ordering a Cinnabon...