Is the "Fit Flop" the answer to the common flip flop sandal?

Is the "Fit Flop" the answer to the common flip flop sandal?
For years podiatrists have been maligning the flip flop
sandal as a cause of many common foot problems. In fact,
multiple articles have been published about the dangers
encountered in the current flip-flop phenomenon. Still,
most teenagers and young adults spend more time in
flip-flop sandals then any other shoes.

Engineers in the UK launched the "Fit Flop" as a stylish
way to strengthen your legs, thighs and "bum" muscles while
walking. Surprisingly, these also have been found to help
with back pain and do not cause many of the same foot
problems as the common flip flop sandal.

Why is this? The "Fit Flop" is engineered much like a
"barefoot technology" shoe. It makes the muscles that
stabilize the foot work harder and over a period of time
can actually strengthen your feet. The common flip-flop
actually accentuates pronation, the rolling in of your feet
which causes fatigue and biomechanical stress in your feet
and lower legs. This can lead to overuse injuries like
plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis which are
commonly known as "arch fatigue" or "fallen arches".
Flip-flop sandals also increase the stress on the great toe
joint and can accelerate Hallux abducto valgus also known
as "bunion" formation. This does not happen with the "Fit
Flop" because of the varying EVA in the midsole which
actually accelerates the propulsion or "toe off" stage of
gait, therefore decreasing the stress on the great toe
joint. Patients with bunions may never take them off!

The makers of "Fit Flops" have some good science behind
their claim to increase muscle activation 10-12% and it was
verified by an independent lab outside their company.
Consumers should be cautioned to wear the "Fit Flops"
gradually because of the delayed muscle soreness that
occurs just like the beginning of a work out routine.

Is the "Fit Flop" the answer to your workout woes? Can they
cure your foot problems? Not even close, no shoe can do
that! They can help you burn a few more calories during
your daily routine, but cardiac fitness can never be
achieved in this manner. Do not forgo your aerobic workout
thinking somehow this sandal is the cure for your fitness
woes. Maybe a curvier calf muscle or thinner thigh, but
just walking in a sandal cannot achieve real fitness.

Can anyone wear a "Fit Flop"? Caution should be taken in
picking any shoe. Foot type is important to evaluate. Many
people with significant flexible flat feet or unstable foot
type should not wear the "Fit Flop" because the
destabilizing technology can actually accentuate the stress
on their foot. If you require in-shoe foot orthotics, the
"Fit Flop" is probably not for you.

Bottom line: "Fit Flops" are a good alternative to the
common flip-flop sandal but should be worn gradually. Pay
attention to any fatigue in your feet! If you have any foot
pain or injury, visit your podiatrist and ask their advice
on your ability to wear "Fit Flops".

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Dr Marybeth Crane is a sports medicine podiatrist and has
been interviewed extensively in the last five years on the
nature of flip-flop injuries. For more information on
foot-related topics, visit my website at
http://www.faant.com or my running specific website
http://www.myrundoc.com