The Truth about FitFlops

FitFlops recently hit the scene, claiming to tone your legs, thighs, and backside, all while you walked. The tip of the shoe provides a firmer area for “toe push off and faster step speed,” the midsection creates an unstable platform, causing the legs to turn “on” longer in order to ensure balance and workout while you walk, and the back of the flip flop “absorbs maximum shock,” speeding the foot along as you walk.

At least this is what their website claims, with the tagline “It’s the flip flop with the gym built in.” Health editor at msnbc.com Melissa Dahl claims it didn’t do any of that. She claims each step did feel easier on her feet, but only because the shoes were comfortable, not because it was toning any part of her body. According to her, the shoes were so large they were chunky and they did not “activate” her legs by any considerable amount.

Msnbc.com health contributor and fitness trainer Jay Blahnik says the shoes do give you a workout, but not a workout anyone would really want. “The concept of strengthening your feet,” he says, “is a great concept, but it’s not going to lead you to smaller thighs or a smaller butt.”

Personal trainer Gina Lombardi says the same thing. Though the benefits may be real, they are a bit overblown. “That wobbleboard in there is making it unstable for the foot, so the foot does have to work a little harder – but it’s such a miniscule movement, it’s hard for me to believe that it’s significant enough for it to ever replace a workout.”

So while the shoes may be making you work harder, they’re claims of improved muscle tone and tightening are nothing more than market hype.