Do I need Fit Flops or something else (cheaper?!?)

[Grumpla]

I usually live in flat boots, wellies, converse and cheapo flipflops but I am getting worried that my back (never been great) and feet (have always rolled in) are getting worse as I get older. My feet are beginning to get quite achey after long walks especially in flips and I noticed that my last pair of shoes had worn down very unevenly.

Any recommendations for a summer sandal that will be more comfortable? I figure something with a 'proper' moulded sole would support my arches and I noticed at my last NCT meetup that FIVE out of 8 women there were wearing FFs - is this because they are actually comfy, or just well advertised for their magic bum reducing properties?

I'm a 6.5 which is a bit awkward, usually buy 6 as most 7s just flap around. I have quite a high foot so often mules etc cause blisters.

Any ideas?!?!

I wear FFs because they're comfy. Sadly, my bum is no smaller , but it took a while to get used to them. When they say wear them gradually, not all day on day 1 they mean it! I wear sketchers too and they are also quite comfy, but FFs are better. I'm a size 5 and mine are on the big side, so you'll probably be ok with a 6. I tried some on in a shop, then bought them cheaper on the internet

avon has a version, very comfy

Birkenstocks?

I'm obsessed with comfortable shoes and live in them in summer.

TKMaxx have them for £25

I also wear birkenstock - they are supposed to be the next best thing to bare feet.
My friend also raves about her FFs
Go barefoot where ever you can which is the best thing for your feet

FitFlops are really comfy, but you do have to get used to them gradually or you'll knacker your knees and hips. IME, they come up big for size. I haven't noticed any improvement in bottom / thigh toning, but they feel nice on my feet.

It might be worth you getting gait analysis at a proper running shop - they have all sorts of clever cameras and software that will do various biometric measurements and tell you the degree to which your feet pronate (roll in) or supinate (roll out). Even if you don't want to go round wearing running shoes, a lot of the running manufacturers like Asics and Mizuno make more day to day http://www.sportsdirect.com/asics-trail-attack-ladies-trail-running-shoes-216028?src=google shoes which are great if you've got dogs to walk, or bike-riding children to try and run around after.

(Maybe not so much for summer, granted )

OK, let's try the link again...

www.sportsdirect.com/asics-trail-attack-ladies-trail-running-shoes-216028?src=google

If you've got a high instep then definitely try FF's on in the shop and walk around as much as you can before buying. They tend to be cut high on the top of the foot and be tight in the strap ime, so have no flexibility or stretch - no good for high insteps. Though they have brought out one with a buckle recently which might be worth a go.

Personally I don't find the one-strap Birkies at all comfortable, not sure why Though I haven't tried the flip-flop shaped ones, they might be better and worth a go?

Crocs do lots of different styles of flip-flop now, some of which aren't fugly imo They tend to have nice moulded bouncy soles.

I have a high instep and I find FF fine.

I'm size 40 and i've worn FF for the last 3 summers and i love them .I have about 4 pairs in different colours and they're all still going strong the older ones are scruffier though !

Funnily I go for a size smaller rather than the the other way round which they suggested when i first bought them , i had size 40 then the next and susequent pairs i bought are 39.

I live in them all summer and can walk miles in them so i suppose its different for some people , i suppose,like everything... !

Thanks for the input. I hadn't considered having a gait analysis but I guess that does make sense.

I think I will mosey on and try some FFs next time I'm in town... plus I think one of my neighbours might do Avon so maybe that might be worth a go too, don't want to mess her around if they end up not fitting though.

avon do returns no problem within 100 days, they just have to ive the shoes back to the delivery driver so its not a bi hassle

I do like my FFs.

On cheaper alternatives, I see from their free instore magazine that M and S seem to be going to do, or are doing, something similar. Range is called Step-Tone, they cost about £25-£30 and are said to be in 'selected stores only'. Quite a range of designs, some very reminiscent of FF, though sole looks a bit different.

sick sick sick & bored of fitflops

cannot move for them in places like JOhn Lewis

its just yummy mummy uniform now

recommendation? : avoid like plague they are very over

Very true that they've moved in a few years from cult to something you see in every aisle of our Waitrose.

But am sticking with them on comfort grounds for the moment.

Yet to find anything else with a sole which could cope with loads of walking on cobblestones like mine did on holiday last year.

i got a cheaper version from sports direct,'usa pro' ones,look identical to fitflops,think they were £12,dont know about the toning claims,but definately help my back problems :)

"But am sticking with them on comfort grounds for the moment."

poly - sorry I was having a rant, not picking holes in other people. no need to justify yourself to me, I am the queen of carpet slippers