For years now, I haven’t ever really made a fuss about my summer shoes. Flip Flops are Flip Flops after all, and for £3 from Primark, I naively thought you couldn’t really go wrong. Last summer however, with my £3 Flip Flops in tow, I visited Florida with my family, a holiday that involved a whole lot of walking and I began to see why perhaps spending a little more on summer shoes is a good idea. Days of walking in completely flat soled shoes (with barely any support) left me with a sharp pain in my lower back and constantly aching legs (which I duly complained about the entire time). In essence, it wasn’t pleasant and I soon began regretting my ‘bargain’ purchase.
Fast forward a year, and on the annual holiday shopping trip I walked past the dreaded Flip Flop isle with a sharp glare. With three holidays in the pipeline (two of which involve a lot of walking), I couldn’t bear the thought of another year with flat soled, non-existent support shoes and set about researching what else was out there – that 1) looked pretty, 2) didn’t break the bank and that 3) actually did your feet some good rather than the opposite. After a lot of online flapping about, and talking to friends and family, the best recommendation came from my mum – FitFlops.
Often sold as the ‘workout while you walk’ shoe, FitFlops have really built a name for themselves over the past few years, with their reliable, yet affordable Flip Flops, which not only assist in toning your legs, but also absorb more shock then a normal shoe – meaning that problems I described above, are immediately eliminated. With a thick, bouncy sole and a toe post which actually supports your feet properly, the shoes are not only good for you – but they look pretty too!
Ever the girly girl, I opted for a pair which had a little bit of sparkle – but that also was practical and neutral enough to wear with pretty much any summer outfit. For £65, the Flare Pebble pair are super comfy, healthy (for your feet) and for the first few weeks honestly feel like you’re walking on a cloud. It sounds rather cliche and silly (and it’s not like I’ve ever walked on a cloud, so don’t have a comparison to make) but they are so soft and light on your feet, you almost forget they are there entirely.
With a neutral beige colour and a little bit of glitz, they are perfect for taking me from the beach – to cocktails at dinner (oh, I can’t wait) and as you can see in the photograph above (from my Miss Luxe Styling Challenge), I’m even wearing them back home too!
With regards to the fitness/toning aspect, I have not only found that I’m moaning much less when I’m forced to walk places – but also that I walk much faster and with ease. In the first few days of testing them out, I could definitely feel my core muscles working (and hopefully toning my legs). The new Microwobbleboard technology which my pair is fitted with is advertised as ‘Caffeine’ for your feet and I can definitely vouch for this!
So, if you struggle through summer with cheap and cheerful footwear like I did and regret it come September, please consider FitFlop! My mum has 4 pairs of FitFlops and each have lasted her at least 2-3 years, so they are a worthy investment. Currently – FitFlop have a sale on, and have some lovely bargains, in fact this pair are very similar to mine but are in the sale at £39, and this Converse style sneaker pair are perfect if you prefer trainers to toe posts.
Have you tried FitFlops? Do you struggle with summer footwear? I would love to hear your thoughts!