Most teenage girls and boys today own more pairs of fit flops than any type of shoes. What is it with fit flops that make not just youngsters but adults as well go crazy for? There are recent detractors of flip flops warning the wearer of the dangers they could be facing if they walk around with them. The public does not seem to care about the so-called flip flops dangers; they still go out wearing the trendiest and most comfortable pair they could get their hands on. 

There are studies made by biochemical engineers in the United Kingdom stating that wearing fit flops is an effective way of toning one’s butt, legs, thighs and calves in the process of walking. Also, it has been proven scientifically that the wearers of walk fit flip flops has greater chance of decreasing the stress in the feet, legs and even at the back. With these claims, it is only viable to conclude that the comfort and the health benefits given by the trendy sandals are more prevalent than its apparent, yet unproven hazards.  

Fit flops are very comfortable because it was engineered to be much like a “barefoot technology” footwear. Wearing it will make the muscles of the foot work harder, the one that is used in stabilizing or balance that is why after some time, it can actually strengthen the feet. It is also said to accentuate pronation, the process of rolling your feet that over time will eventually causes fatigue and biochemical stress on the feet and legs. Over fatigue due to pronation can eventually lead to serious injuries such as posterior tibial tendonitis and plantar fasciitis or more commonly known as fallen arches or arch fatigue.

For those people who suffer from bunions, they might consider making flip flops their daily shoe gear. Using the sandals will increase the stress made on the great toe joint leading to the acceleration of bunion formation. Wearing flip flops is proven to accelerate the propulsion phase of gait, the rate of acceleration depending on the density of the midsole. This leads to a decrease in stress on the great toe joint and significant decrease in injuries also.

Makers of fit flops have scientific backup in their claim that the sandals can actually increase muscle activation from ten to twelve percent. It is even verified by an independent laboratory not related to the company so no detractors can disprove their claim. On the down side, however, consumers are still cautioned when they wear their favorite pair of flip flops, whether it is an ordinary reef sandals or a product of the popular brand Havaianas. There are still some proven results that there may be delayed muscle soreness that flip flop wearer can experience, a kind of pain much like the one you would normally experience at the beginning of a fitness regimen.

So, are the walk fit flip flops the answer to your boring and tiresome work out routine? Can you consider it the ultimate solution to your foot problems? The answer, unfortunately, is a definite no. No shoes, however costly or effective it may be, can ever replace your daily work out session. Flip flops may help you burn extra calories but it is in a significant amount compared to a full body work out. 

Flip flops may be the trend nowadays but do not go around looking for the perfect pair just yet. If you have significantly flat foot, then you should refrain from wearing them. The sandals have built in destabilizing technology that accentuates the stress injuries for unstable foot types. Those with in-shoe foot orthotics should stay away from flip flops as well.