Well, I bought a pair of the bronze electra fit flops yesterday for £44 and have worn them for a 20 minutes brisk walk. I am in agony !! The friction of the toe posts against my 2nd toes have created a blister on one foot and missing skin on the other. Ouch ! Can I return them?

Karen Bond, Ashford, Middlesex, UK

Blisters on blisters £ 16.00 spent on Copeed plasters & a spoilt holiday

angela Potts, Stevenage, Hertfordshire

I bought the ISOS model in hot pink, going up 1/2 size but they were too big so I bought the Ibronze in a 1/2 down and they are perfect. It takes a couple of times wearing them before the band in between your toes softens, but it's worth the effort. Anyone know where I can get the hot pink ones now?

MsJongg, Seattke WA, USA

I am deeply deeply Upset with my new Walkstar III flt flops which were brought for me on Monday. I wore them yesterday and well i am in agony.My feet were fine before i wore them, and they really hurt my toe is bleeding and the top where the straps are have removed some of my skin painful .

joanna, london,

I don't know what you bought, but I've had mine for almost six months and absolutely love them! They are very comfy (I have a pair to wear around the house too) and my legs feel great! Besides that, I do notice that my legs and bum look better - no kidding. They are still wearing great too!

Annie, Selby, UK

i have bought a pair of these this weekend, worn them today for the first time and they are soo comfy. Not sure if the claim of toning will work but u have to give it a go before any verdict can be made. I hope they do though :)

Janey, Bolton, Lancs

I love fit flops - they have a whole new summer range that was released today and I have ordered a pair already. I ordered them from www.shoe-envy.co.uk as they have free delivery. These shoes are really amazing and I love them!

Alanda, Gillingham, United Kingdom

Yes I have had swollen ankles whilst wearing fit flops,can't understand it as they are so comfy, I wore them from January until the present ( September) I believe they are bringing out a winter collection cant wait

Michelle Turner, Workington, UK

HI - have had mine for 3 weeks and am quite impressed as they are so comfy. I have MBTs too and do feel they are better but uglier!
My one question is - has anyone had any problems with swollen ankles? This is not a problem I have suffered with ever, but I am sat here looking at my mothers feet!!

Lesley Peatfield, York, UK

My daughter and I each bought a pair of Fit Flops in April. We both say they are the most comfortable shoes we have ever worn. The band across the top of my foot is a bit loose for me but it's up high enough that I don't have any problem keeping them on. I have just ordered another pair.

Diana, Mt Pleasant, USA

I've been wearing my Fitflops for 2 months now. Comfortable (although rubbed terribly at first) and probably better for your posture than normal flipflops, but not worth the money (this product is 'made in China', so I suspect a nice profit is being made). I feel silly for buying into the hype.

Louise, London,

I think they are fantastic. I have worn mine for about 3 weeks and apart from being the most comfortable thing I have worn on my feet for a long time, they do actually work. My muscles in my legs and butt do feel like they have had a workout when I have been wearing them for the day.

Janet smyth, Epping, essex

They are available from Boots.com, £36 plus postage.

Florrie, Enfield, UK

I have to say I'm very disappointed. These are definately a gimmick! My feet are covered in blisters. My holiday was ruined as fitflops caused nothing but blisters and sores on my feet. Fabric absorbs moisture so they're unhygienic. Buy Birkenstock, Berghaus or Crocs instead! Walk away from these!

Lisa, Wilts, UK

Hello,

Bought my online, just received them today. So far only walked around the house (snowing outside), they feel comfortable and cushy, I think if nothing else they'll be a very comfortable pair of slip ons. I am not looking for an easy solution, and am an avid work-out addict. Bought them for the times when you take your kid to Disney World and don't really work out, but walk a lot.

So, I'll get back to you on that.

Elena, Baxter, MN

Absolutely love my fit flops bought them in kensington in august and from the word go my feet never tired. why cant all shoes be made this way. I generally suffer with my feet tendonitus in the heels and through my job am on my feet all day so you can imagine the pain, when i finally get home to sit down before having to cook dinner. please please can the makers of these wonderful fit flops please make sensible walking shoes with the same properties as the fit flop as i would buy them in a heart beat. the fit flop for me is like walking on air the cushion sole is perfect for walking all day without pain. love them love them love them.

Elayne Bailey., LONDON.,

Absolutely hated these shoes. I was skeptical but I read positive reviews and decided to give them a try. I usually am an active walker but I've been away from it for several months. As soon as these shoes came in, I put them on and went for a one hour semi-fast paced walk on my tredmill. Not only did my feet have blisters the next day from trying to keep them from slipping off (I assure you I had the correct size), my muscles felt absolutely nothing for days to come. I continued this "experiment" for several days and felt no improvements. I returned them to bath and body works and the manager actually said to me, "ANOTHER pair being returned. I assume you hated them and they did not work." Enough said. Save your money for holiday shopping and stick to traditional workouts.

Kate, Orlando, FL

I picked up a pair in australia and I LOVE them. I have even purchased toe socks to make it through winter with them!

Fi, Mtn View, USA

I have,like others, worn my fitflops almost continuously and am not looking forward to cold weather when I shall have to wear shoes/boots. I have found that my ankles and feet have not swollen up at all as they usually do in summer and they are looking slimmer and trimmer than for many years.
The only question I have is how to keep them clean and not - inevitably - a bit smelly. I scrub them periodically but don't want them to perish.

Joy, Mayet, France

So far the only effect of Fitflopsis that I have a large scar on both feet where the coarse strap created huge blisters the first time I wore them. The toe post area is incredibly rough and scratchy, seems to be made of cheap vinyl. At the price they charge and with walking in mind, you would think they would manage better quality material. Otherwise, they seemed to be comfortable but I'm too scared to put them on again. I used to have pretty feet!

Clare, Oxford, England

I would like to know if you can buy them(fit flops) in Canada? If so where? I did hear on the news they were available in the U.S. where and with what stores? Thanks.

Cathy, Calgary, Alberta Canada

I bought a pair three weeks ago after a friend confirmed that they really were comfortable. I haven´t worn a single other shoe since! I put them on as soon as I get up and they stay on till bedtime. I don´t know if they are doing anything for my leg tone, but my calves and bum did ache for the first few days. The bonus is that they look good. I hope they release more colours for next year, but the black seems to go with anything.

I have quite flat and shallow feet (normally size 6.5 or 7). Following website advice, I ordered smaller, a size 6, and they fit perfectly.

Sophie, Chichester, West Sussex

I've worn MBT's for 3 years and loved them but they are really ugly with dresses in the summer. I tried the fitflop and although they probably don't work the muscles as well as MBT I think they are very comfortable and a good alternative.

I just ordered 2 pairs one pair black (size 5 Nicola!) and one pair pale blue (a colour I didn't see anythere else) from www.ugsandkisses.co.uk. Order 2 pairs and next day delivery is FREE!

Shawn, London UK,

I love them, so comfy and you feel great for wearing something that is going to help you get toned legs! I got mine from www.lookatmycrazyshoes.com.

Katherine, Somerset, England

I love them! So comfy...I could walk miles in these shoes, I am used to wearing flip flops so don't know if that has prevented me having blisters etc that some other people have experienced?...I'm not 100% sure about the toning claims but my bum did ache after wearing...I would buy them anyway for the comfort factor, and the definite posture improvement. Black are definitely the best colour...can get away with wearing them with black trousers and look good with bootleg jeans...not skinny jeans!!
My mum and sister are both now getting a pair after trying mine on!
I got mine from www.runningbare.co.uk

Mia, Bristol,

Birkenstock also make a negative heel sandal (from their direct website) in the Barcelona style - I have them in patent white, very smart! You really feel the difference in your legs when you wear them in comparison to normal Birkenstocks (which I am still wearing - I know - the shame). I also have Croc Flip-flops which are the most comfy shoes in the world, however I do feel like a 10 year old wearing my pink crocs clogs, and so does anyone over 10.

Gillian Russell, Southsea, Hants

Fit Flops are available on ebay

Sharon, Lakewind, Texas

I've had my fit flops for a couple of weeks now (great ordering service from Harvy Nichols) and my personal verddict is that they just aren't up to MBTs. The principle of instability works (as it does in the gym with wobble boards or power plates), however the range of instability / movement is not as great as with MBTs and so the results don't feel so significant - though of course with MBTs, you have to walk correctly to get that range of movement whereas fitflops do it for you. They are of course substantially less hideous than MBTs although they're also far less comfortable - I also got blisters from the toe divider initially.

my favourite claim from the fitflop labelling was that they will make you "burn calories with each step taken" Wow - I thought that would happen with or without any kind of footwear!

jackie, london,

*stands up*

My name is Starling and I have Crocs.

It all started with "wow, those are UGLY, why would anyone want those?"

Now my son has a pair of blue ones and I have a pair of orange ones, and I'm planning to buy another pair when I go to the States this summer (they're half the price over there!).

starling, Lancaster,

I got my fitflops this weekend and so far am disappointed. The strap is made of some irritatating material that has already removed the skin from my foot - after walking for only about 20 minutes. It'll be some while before I can try them again.

Linda, London, UK

Linda Ward, London,

Earth Shoes, Roots Natural Footwear ( now Roots )......I used to sell Roots in Canada in 74.......negative heel.
They were allright, but ugly as sin. Went straight to cowboy boots after that........Fryes Pig nose..........

All these concept are good..................if you use them once in a while. Or , save money, walk on the beach bare footed.....it'll do the same thing.

Lemmy Nothor, Barcelona, Catalunya

Aurora, I do remember Earth shoes.
But, it's not a fad.It became one after several years, but they were the real thing.
They may not be pretty, but in actuality, people who wore Earth shoes had no calluses on their heels at *all*, and less back trouble.
I had wondered if this was earth shoes, or like earth shoes.But, nothig wrong with it, if they are.

K., NYC,

CROCS are the best thing invented. They are so light it is like wearing bedroom slippers. I am an nurse and on my feet 12 hours a day. My feet don't hurt at the end of my shift at all. I will never wear anything else on my feet for work for the rest of my career.

misery, augusta, ga

Remember "Earth Shoes" from the 70s? These "new" shoes are that old concept re-cycled (with the top sliced off). People will believe *anyone* that tells them they can tighten their legs and rear ends with no effort.

Ask yourself... does everyone wear Earth shoes today? Hmmmm, why not? Save your money for the next fad.

Aurora, Pittsburgh,

I have been wearing crocs for a few years now and I am crazy about them. I can walk all day and hike up a mountain in the shoes.
I just bought a pair of the croc flip flop and they too are so comfortable. I live in FLorida so we have plenty to go around.

j, miami,

Hey Ninja,

You can get crocs just about anywhere... they are sold at Dick's Sporting Goods.. they have one at the Galleria Mall in Taunton,MA...You can also purchase them on crocs.com they have all kinds of styles.... I was in Disney World and it seemed like everyone was wearing crocs, so i asked someone about them and she said they were the most comfortable shoe eva and she was right.. I LOVE My CROCS!!! I just bought a light blue pair today..
I also have them in dk blue, butter and Hot Pink those are the disney ones.. the holes are mickey mouse shaped..they are the most comfy shoe ever.. I hate not being able to wear them in the winter...
Happy Crocing!!!!
mel
Taunton,MA

Melissa, taunton, ma

Hi!

I got my Fit Flops a week and a half ago, and haven't stopped wearing them since. I don't know about the toning and destabilizing effects, but they are extremely comfortable, and it takes a day or so to get used to them.

I ordered mine from the Kings Road Sporting Club, and recieved excellent service. They kept me updated as to when the shoe would be mailed out, and I would highly recommend them.

I just have to say be careful with them - yesterday someone wore mine home, after a Yoga class in Notting Hill!!! I got them back...but these are in demand :)

Angie, Kensington/London,

There is a fundamental flaw in all this.

You'd have to walk to the office (which is something I do, but, judging by the traffic queues I walk past, not something an awful lot of others do).

Thought those 70's wooden flipflops were rather comfy, actually ...

starling, Lancaster,

I love them - they are comfortable, stylish (compared to MBT sandels) and if they make my bum and legs trimmer all the better! I do feel as though my legs have had a work out and even felt muscle sitffness the day after my first 'wearing'.

Fiona Morison, Guildford, Surrey

Maybe I'm dating myself....but didn't Dr. Scholl's come out with the "exersandals" back in the '70's? Sounds really similar, perhaps Fitflop is more comfortable. That wouldn't be too difficult since the wooden sole of the Dr. Scholl sandal was very UNcomfortable..but all the rage.

Kelley, Lynbrook, USA/NY

Do they fit narrow feet?

Dee, Rotterdam jct, NY

I bought 2 pairs of Croc flipflops in Florida and the out beat any other flipflops, they are so comfurtable you never want to wear another pair of shoes or sandles again.
No one esle sells them any where else here in new england.

Ninja, New Bedford, Ma

I received my first pair of fit flops and was honestly skeptical at first. Not wanting to invest into MBT's I thought this was a good start. WOW! They are the most comfortable shoe I ever walked in. I don't even want to take them off. When I do I feel like I just stepped off a cloud. Even if they don't tone like promised the comfort is worth it!

Jennifer Majeske, Cleveland, TN

Disappointed at the moment as the toe piece has cut into my 2nd toe and will have to heal before I can have another try

Lucy, Godalming,

MBT trainers/sandals DO Reduce Backpain as I can now walk 4-5 brisk miles per day and do not get anywhere near as much backpain just from lying in bed.
I have 2-3 years experience of this.
Prior to MBT's 1 mile was a problem and I was often in constant pain.
Lets hope when available these do just the same.

P.S. MBT's have a premature wear problem even when used correctly and need to be returned around 500 miles to be resoled.
A real problem since it can take months.
That is why my wife and I have both trainers and sandals and I have now started to use stick on sole strips to repair the heavily worn areas.

M Sheridan, Oldham, Lancs/ england

If you really want to tone your glutes, then good old fashioned barefoot walking is the best along with exercise. I personally will not be buying a pair, as I do not think they are particularly attractive - and are there any scientific studies available for the public to view to support their claim that they really do tone our legs and buttocks.

It is just a take off of the MBT, but at a cheaper version.

They are formed on the basis that every time your heel strikes the ground you engage you buttock muscle, and thigh muscles, this can be just as easily achieved with ordinary trainers, and a little knowledge of core stability.

Mia B, Eynsford, UK

I've always found normal flip-flops do a good job of toning the the legs, especially the calves - what is so different about these? Just the hype, I guess.

Sue, Loir et Cher, France

does anybody know anywhere that still has the black 5? My kegs are trimmer form just wondering around looking for them!

Nicola, London, UK

Erm, why not just run about barefoot..... obviously I am aware that few of us have a rice paddy to negotiate on the way to the office. But you could start by carpetting over your laminate and abandoning the slippers at home. Even in a two bed flat I reckon I put in a few miles between fridge and oven and table....
I suspect this is the beginning of another 'extreme shopping' episode with all Londoners rushing down to Harvey Nicks at 12 noon.....

Lindsay, Bristol,

it's: http://www.thefitflop.com/

Marc, St. Barths, France

It's Marcia Kilgore, not Kilgour.

I would have thought you'd at least check your spelling, especially if you're going to use someone's name repeatedly throughout the story.

Carmen, Nashville,

I have a pair of fit flops and got them delivered the next day by a company called Running Bare, excellant service. I have had them for five days and would say that you have to gradually wear them in as by day 3 i called feel the pain! Wonderfull idea, i'm, thinking of getting them in all the colours.

Clare Sparling, Bishop's Stortford, England

Help! frustration! the web address does not work - where can I buy fitflops in E Anglia or London?

Avril Welbank, Norwich,

I've tried the email address without success. Try fitflop.com they are expecting deliveries in late May and you can sign up for an alert when they receive the delivery. Fitflops come in red or black. Harvey Nics had a delivery on Friday of 500 pairs.

Anne Cheyne, Sevenoaks, Kent

The web address does not work. Please can you tell me what the propert web address is and also where you can buy in East Anglia.

Mrs J Hayward, Doddington, Cambs

Have a distorted foot on L side and would need to try on first. Can you tell me of E Anglian stockists ( or London)

G Kerrigan, Newmarket, Suffolk

Can buy fitflops on line? If so please advise web address.If not, who stocks them in the South East?

Sylvia Mears, London, U.K.