Are Fitflops stylish or beautiful? And more important, comfortable?

[ProfessorofDarkArts]

I know it’s controversial to talk about age on here but I’m mid 50s and sometimes find it hard to dress in a way that feels age appropriate - I don’t want to look like I’m trying to be young and trendy like my daughter but I’m not ready to start buying my clothes in the garden centre like my mum.

I find shoes quite tricky and the current thread about trainers proves I’m not the only one. I really value comfort but hell will freeze over before I buy a pair of Sketchers, to me that just signals you’ve given up on fashion completely. But I’ve seen a few pairs of Fitflops - in particular the Mary Janes and also some boots - which I think look nice and would tick both the stylish and comfortable boxes but I’m questioning myself a bit and they’re not cheap. Any thoughts?

Their Mary Jane's and Ballet shoes are super comfortable (but I don't have feet issues) and for as long as they are in fashion, I don't think it is a noticeable swap out. They are way more comfortable than the equivalent in Dune, Jones etc.

I tried some other styles though... sorry it was a hard no from me. They looked dates and I am not ready yet to go down that route.

I couldn’t comment on them being stylish or fashionable as I’m not but once you get used to them they are def comfortable

I wore some when I was still in my twenties, and some of the younger mums ar school wear the high sandals and boots, not that age should matter, and younger people have foot issues too.

Their Mary Janes and some of the sandals are ok, not too orthopaedic looking. But a lot of the others I just can’t do. I have terrible feet and a job that requires me to stand a lot, but am vain so finding comfortable but beautiful shoes is a lifelong challenge! See my post re Trippen shoes!

I think both Fitflop and Skechers have broadened their ranges a lot. You can get shoes, ankle boots etc in both as well as trainers these days that look no different to anywhere else.

Love the chunky boots and can do miles in them. They could be from anywhere

Due to stupid weird feet + PF, I have loads of Fitflops: rally trainers (limited edition design ones, not the plain colours), mary janes, flip flops, various boots...

But you do have to pick carefully as some of their designs are ghastly. Plus the footbed designs vary. I now know (expensively!) which ones are no good for me!

To your questions:
The mary janes are surprisingly delicate for FF. The thinnest sole they have I think. I can still wear them all day though I do chuck a gel heel cushion in if walking on city streets or similar hard surfaces for a long time. General driving and office is fine without

Boots: This is where the footbed issue really comes in. I have one pair (now sadly falling apart) that suit my feet, and 3 or even 4 pairs that have a different sole that do not. They seem obsessed with making gigantic boots for some reason.

Rally trainers: the base structure is super comfy, but they do look a bit like you are going to lawn bowls or the darby and joan club unless you get a funky pattern or design, usually limited editions.

Flip flops: I live in these in the summer, indoors and outdoors. Come in fantastic colours too. They are quite stiff new, but break in very quickly.

I never pay full price unless I really like them (like the leopard print mary janes which went in my basket about 30 seconds after I got the email!), and I get most of them off ebay new, just cheaper.

I’m mid 50s with dodgy knees and back so I need shoes for comfort not style.

I have many pairs of Nike trainers and really like fit flops with the iqcushion technology but not the chunky wobble board. I was thinking of trying the Mary Jane’s but am getting a new knee so have held off for now

sketchers and hotter are for old people

Thanks for the info about the Mary Jane’s. Very tempted.

I swear by Fitflop ballet flats. So comfortable and the pairs I have are super-cute.

We sell a lot of Hotters and I've yet to see a fashionable style...

I think the new leopard Mary Jane’s are rather stylish and beautiful.
Most of their other lines are what I’d call very dowdy.

I have the ballet flats and they look like any other ballet flats.
I don't really get this shoe snobbery.😊

It's because they are generally not considered a fashion brand. @OsfameronTanamoril. If you like them and find them comfortable, then great. Same goes for brands like Hotter and others mentioned on here.

Women's Delicato Suede Ballerinas | Fitflop UK

Wear what you like.
Sketchers are so comfy and for all ages and the colours are vibrant.
Older women trying to look younger looks as it is.

I’m not trying to be snobby, just countering those who were claiming all Fitflops were ugly. I have a sort of jungle print pair and a vibrant pink/orange woven pair. I think they are super-cute. Admittedly, if you have the plain black ones, they look more or less like any other ballet flate.

I didn't mean you! I agree with you about some Fitflops being fine. I have the plain navy ballet flats.

Love the Delicato Mary Janes. Comfortable and cute.

Fitflops are great. I have a pair with a double buckle like a Birkenstock style and a platform sole. They are super comfy and look very similar to a pair I almost bought in Office. They’ve recently done a collab with Keith Haring, most of which sold out. I wouldn’t wear the basic toe post ones but the many other sandal styles are great.

I've always been a trainers-wearing commuter with my office shoes in a bag type.
I'm glad I wore sensible shoes when I was younger.
If you are on your feet all day, then comfort is important. Feet are complicated and work so hard.
Bunions are not stylish or beautiful.

I have the new Delicato Poise pink ballet flats. First ever Fitflops after trying on about 100 uncomfortable ballet flats. They are something else. Really comfortable, good sole, arch support. My feet get a bit cold in them is the only complaint!

They have made an effort to bring out on trend styles, I have honestly had it with uncomfortable shoes by 56.

Hard agree. There's Skechers and there's Skechers. Last winter I bought a pair of comfy, black, waterproof hiking trainers which also came in useful for the occasional summer deluge.

I am 55 and would not wear fit flops, hotter or Skechers. If I wanted comfort (not reached that stage yet) I would go for Camper.

I suffered terribly from plantar fasciitia and rubbish feet. So could never wear ballet pumps but I bought 2 pairs from Fitflop sandals with a strap over the feet and some with sparkly bits on they're amazingly comfortable to wear. This was about 15 years ago.

I've worn them walking around Florida theme parks for 3 weeks, over many years and they are still going strong.

In the summer and on holiday I live in fit flops, navy and rose gold. I must have at least 6 pairs. No idea if they are stylish as I have my own style (I am 68) but some of them are beautiful and get compliments.
They are extremely comfortable and perfect for long-haul flights! The wobble board technology also help to keep my legs in good shape. The rose gold leather ones are perfect for tropical evenings with a pretty dress or wide-legged silk trousers.