Fitflops. I've always thought they were a £ marketing gimmick am I wrong.

[pocketandsweet]

I pretty much only wear comfortable footwear (former plantar fasciatis ). I have always worn Birkenstocks but based on some of previous threads am wondering if I should reconsider my earlier opinion of Fitflops? Can anyone with similar foot issues please give me their first hand opinion if they have had both shoes? I'm not fond of toe strap things ( they always seem to rub except for my Havaianas ) which is why I originally discounted them. That and the fact that I figured all their initial marketing about "calf toning" as bullocks BUT If they really are THAT comfortable I might need a re-think.

[AuntieMaggie]

I have foot issues and podiatrist recommended fit flops/mbts etc anything that had a solid (non bendable) rounded sole as you bend your foot less when walking.

Skechers, next and even Avon do their own versions.

So ignoring the toning hype ( i haven't noticed a difference ) i think they're good for bad feet.

[teta]

I love fitflops.Wear the boots in winter,slippers at home and the flipflops in summer.They are really comfy,much more so than Birkenstocks.They don't tone your legs though-sadly.I can walk for miles in mine and they don't look so bad[have dainty feet that look nice in sparkily sandals]

[CMOTDibbler]

I have the Sketchers version, and they are brilliant for my painful feet - the thick squishy sole really stops my ball of foot pain.
Mine are sparkly so don't look so fugly. I wouldn't say they tone my legs though

[pocketandsweet]

It sounds like I should give them a try. I have never had any luck at TK Maxx finding them.... So where else might I find a good deal.

[pocketandsweet]

Off to google sketchers as well. ( I always thought of Sketchers as doing sparkly over-the-top trainers for girls..... Another bias that might need an adjustment I guess).

[AuntieMaggie]

Amazon. Old lady shoe shops.

[AuntieMaggie]

Another thing my podiatrist said was to steer clear of shoes that are really flexible and you can bend in half as they don't support your feet.

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I lived in Birkenstocks until I discovered fitflops. At first I wore the genuine ones but I'm currently wearing Next's version having lived all winter in Sketchers tone up boots. I don't wear them for for toning purposes, that bit is nonsense anyway, but they are extremely comfortable to walk in.

[Shesparkles]

I had surgery for a Morten's neuroma about 6 months ago and Fitflops were recommended by the consultant. As a confirmed Birkie wearer I was reluctant to make the change, but was very glad I did! They were the only footwear I could wear comfortably pre surgery, and I've petty much lived in them ever since.

[YoniCollette]

They are comfortable++++ but sadly they do not tone.

[pocketandsweet]

:) at auntiemaggie. Old lady shoe shops. That would be a brilliant name for a shoe shop.

[polyhymnia]

I'm a FF fan. Cloggs and Ward Walkers often have reductions on some styles.

[francesdrake]

Boots website often has them in the sale section for much reduced prices.

[pocketandsweet]

Thanks everyone. I'm looking around now- all the sale ones seem to have the toe post. Has anyone had trouble with this? I'm worried about blisters. Sandals with back straps would probably be the most useful ( if expensive). Maybe I should try a cheap pair first and then if they are the Holy Grail of Sore Feet I could justify another pair.

[Startail]

Do they all have toe posts? I just can't stand them.

[Dumpylump]

They don't all have toeposts, they have dozens of different styles. I'm not biased, my sister doesn't have anything to do with their marketing, oh no, nothing to see here, move along now.

[Pantone363]

Good for feet problems, crap for toning.

I'm sure some sports university did a test that showed they were no different to normal shoes for exercise/walking

[Topazandpearl]

I thought I couldn't wear toe posts until I got my first pair of FFs. They are fine. They are so comfortable that I hate it when it gets too cold to wear them! Try shoetique.co.uk. They have quite a few reduced in the sale section. There is an offer through MN (see Offers above) for 10% off.

[DeafLeopard]

I bought Matalan's version last summer as an emergency purchase when we were away and I realised I'd left my fitflops at home - I would say they are nearly as good. Not to mention cheap as chips.

[doglover]

I wear fitflops all year - shoes / boots / sandals - dependent on the season! As a chronic P.F. sufferer, they have honestly transformed my mobility.

[Fairylea]

If you have an "original factory shop" near you they had some in there recently but their stock changes all the time.

[bulletproofgerbil]

I have loads of foot problems and find FFs really comfy. I can't do any toeposts whatsoever though so I go for their 'slide' ones. Totally agree they do absolutely nothing in terms of firming or toning anything but along with MBTS (which look pretty hideous and are ££££££), they're the only things that don't hurt and that I can walk for ages in.
I bought Sketchers version of MBTs as they were cheaper but they really hurt the top of my feet and I ended up with shin splints after going for a long/fast walk in them for the first time, so won't be getting those again.

[cocolepew]

Are they any good for a bad back?