Summer is almost here and I am thinking of summer sandals.  I have a simple sandal by FloJos that have lasted me years.  It is well stitched and the footing feels nice on your soles. It’s more like walking barefoot since it’s so light.  I think the idea of walking barefoot is actually good for you.

One sandal that is like barefoot walking but with more muscle load (as the company described) is the Fit Flop.  They are suppose to help you tone your body while you are walking.  They are available at Macy’s for about $50.  I am really thinking of getting one.  I hope these Fit Flops aren’t just marketing hype!

Here is what the company has to say about Fit Flop:

Benefits:  FitFlop. Get a workout while you walkTM.  FitFlop sandals are biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Studies at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU show that normal walking in FitFlop sandals(1) can help:

- increase leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity,
- improve your posture,
- mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more muscle load,
- improve muscle tone.

FitFlop sandals wearers have also reported relief from plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, chronic back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, RLS (restless leg syndrome), scoliosis and degenerative disc disease.

Wow, that is a big claim!  Marcia Kilgore is the personal trainer turn beauty guru behind this idea.  She is the founder of Bliss Spa in NYC and the creator of Bliss Labs cosmetics.  Her line, Soap and Glory is available at Target and easily assessable to everyday shoppers.  I have only tried these little samples of Bliss Labs shampoo and soaps you get free at hotel.  They are good products.  Actually there are so many good products out there (beside Bliss).  But this post is about the sandals, not the beauty products.

The other sandals that remind me of these Fit Flop are MBT of Sweden.  M’s mom and sister really love them.  They each own several pairs.  I have tried them on for a short walk (at B’s place), but find it difficult to walk in.  B said you just get used to them after a while.

The concept behind the MBT is very interesting as well.  But they are really expensive, you can find them at Zappos starting at $200.

Here’s a little history of MBT:

MBT, Masai Barefoot Technology, is a Swiss invention. About 10 years ago, we made the startling discovery that walking barefoot over natural, uneven ground can alleviate back pain. We began to develop a footwear technology that would make the natural instability of soft grounds such as Korean paddy fields or the East African savannah accessible also to those, who have to walk on hard surfaces. In 1996, after years spent on research and development, Masai Barefoot Technology was mature enough to be launched on the market. MBTs are now available in over twenty countries, and approximately one million pairs of this revolutionary footwear technology are sold every year.

MBT are odd looking shoes.  But if they work, then it’s a great invention.

Nothing about the shoe, but the website has Flash that is so annoying.  It takes forever to load.  They should just keep it simple and informative.  Otherwise, just go to Zappos instead.

Another sandal that is suppose to make you look taller and leaner is Rainbow.  Apparently this was just one person’s claim when she spoke to her co-workers about the Rainbow sandals.

But Rainbows are neat since they mold into individual feet, for a more personal fit. From what I see on their website, the arches look like they would be good for those that have flat feet (or would that make it worse?).

Rainbow has a lifetime guarantee for the sole (as long as you haven’t worn to the next layer).  They are based out of San Clemente, California since 1974.

There are several styles to choose from, starting at about $30.  But I think the leather one (which Nye Noona owns) seem most comfortable.  I think the hemp one isn’t too bad either. Nye Noona has own her sandals for a while now and love them.  I think she owns a couple of pairs too.  The biggest test for her sandals was when she wore them to Laos.  There is rough terrains in parts of Laos, full of dirt and dust.  These sandals seem to be perfect for that type of environment.

More info:Flojos Island Style sandals - Nothing fancy, but I like them.

Photo of Nye Noona’s Rainbow sandals in Laos.  Still in great shape, check out the imprints of her feet!

FitFlop Review at Macy’s 4.7 out of 5 stars

Read my update here.

Image source:

Rainbow Sandals

Flojos

Fit Flop

Zappos - The ‘Kisumu ‘08′ sandal features a nubuck upper for easy care and durability. $235