2011-06-10 10:33:08
Model wearing FitFlops Fitness flip-flops put a spring in your step, but your
legs and bottom too?
A craze for flip-flops that supposedly help people lose weight and improve
muscle tone has prompted Marks and Spencer to launch their own range. But is
there evidence behind the fad?
It seems too good to be true. Footwear that started life on the beach has now
been designed to help tone and trim your legs and bum every step you take.
High demand for the fitness flip-flops has prompted Marks and Spencer to jump
on the bandwagon and launch its own version. It is the first High Street
version, with a High Street price tag. But are they really an easy solution to
toning up?
The original version, FitFlop, was launched in June 2007 and has sold over 10
million pairs. Sports footwear companies like Reebok soon followed suit and
introduced their own ranges.
Makers say the sandals are designed to destabilise the foot slightly and force
the legs to work harder by engaging muscles for a longer period of time with
each step.
But there has been much discussion over the efficacy of the "gym in a shoe"
everywhere from Facebook to the Mumsnet chat forum.
Start Quote
You are not going to get fit wearing a pair of flip-flops
End Quote David Castle, Running Fitness magazine
The company behind FitFlops points to its own research. It suggests the sandals
help increase leg and bottom muscle activity by up to 30%, absorb more shock
than a normal shoe (up to 22%) and help your joints. But while conducted by
Salford University, the research was conducted on a sample of just 20 women.
The company also points to 100-plus testimonials on its website.
Marks and Spencer says its own fitness flip-flops are based on independent
research conducted by Dr Stefan Grau, an expert in biomechanics at the
University of Turbingen in Germany, one of Europe's leading sports science
universities. While it was not conducted specifically for the retailer, Dr Grau
has endorsed its new range.
According to the scientist, walking barefoot means the foot rolls more than in
shoes, so wearing shoes which simulate this means the foot flexes more and in
turn "works harder" and increases muscle activity. His study was based on 600
subjects.
Foot specialists say the fitness flip-flops are obviously better than the
average flip-flop. This is because they are slightly elevated and are shock
absorbent, says Michael O'Neill, consultant podiatrist at St Margaret's
Hospital in Windsor and spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and
Podiatrists.
Raised heartbeat
But he adds that they are "the best of a bad bunch" and not as good for you as
a pair of trainers. Those with conditions such as flat feet should avoid them
completely, he adds.
Podiatrist Lorraine Jones says she sees a lot of injuries from people who wear
flat shoes, like flip-flops. She agrees that compared with them, fitness
fit-flops are good because of the cushioning and the strap over the foot could
help control excessive motion in the mid-foot.
"If someone has excessive motion in the mid-foot that isn't controlled they
could suffer tissue damage or heel or calf pain," she says.
Diagram of FitFlop
But, she says she doesn't know anyone who has worn them who would say they have
given them a "gorgeous bum or legs".
"It depends in which context you wear them. If it is a shortcut to getting a
great bum and thighs, or if you are buying them with the aim of improving your
muscle tone, then you are buying them for the wrong reasons.
"You might be better putting on a pair of trainers and striding out for a long
walk, or getting on your bike. You have a better chance of toning up in a short
space of time."
Chunky sole
The whole idea that fitness can be meaningfully promoted by footwear choice
rather than lifestyle change is also questioned by some sports experts.
David Castle, editor of Running Fitness magazine, says fitness flip-flops are
not going to give you the endorphin high of exercise - or the results.
"I don't doubt the claims, but people really shouldn't consider these shoes as
an alternative to a proper run or gym workout.
Flip-flops Traditional flip-flops give the foot little support
"You are not going to get fit wearing a pair of flip-flops - not in the truest
sense of the word. They aren't going to raise your heartbeat because they won't
improve your aerobic fitness. If you wear a pair for four months and then try
and run a marathon you are not going to have the fitness you need to run that
marathon."
While the fit-flops may boast cutting edge technology, when it comes to the
style stakes they get the thumbs down from some - despite having appeared in
Vogue.
"They are the comfiest-ever sandal - think of wearing a sofa on your feet - but
they can hardly be called cutting edge fashion," says Angela Kennedy, style
director of Woman and Home magazine and reluctant fitness flip-flop fan.
"By virtue of their chunky sole they focus on creating a much heavier look on
the feet which makes it really hard to balance out clothes wise.
"I love them for comfort and wear them when I'm on my feet all day on a hard
studio floor, or walking long distances, but do find them hard to style up and
have to think carefully about what to wear with them."