It’s no bloggie secret that I’m a huge fan of heels. HUGE.
If I could, I would wear them all day. Every day.
Kitten heels, platforms, peep-toes, wedges. I love me a little extra height. Even if attaining that little extra height means I have to sacrifice any all comfort and opt for a taxi to take me 400 metres after a night out.
In fact, comfort rarely enters into my shoe equation. My flat shoes are technically not comfortable, either. (A client of mine who’s a podiatrist gave me the sensible shoe low-down in the shoe department of Myer. She told me that flat to the ground was bad (no support for you arches). Also, ballet flats are not kind to your feet because you walk your toes need to scrunch up to keep you in them.)
So when the people at FitFlop offered to send me a pair from their latest collection**, I asked myself the question: is there room for comfort in my shoe-robe? Or, as my good friend and blogger Veggie Mama more succinctly described the Floretta FitFlops that subsequently arrived – is there room for a pair of “purposeful” pair in my collection?
Before I answer the question (or perhaps you have already answered it for me?), let me take you back in time to when FitFlops first flopped onto the footwear scene. It was 2007 and the first pair to hit the market was the result of two biochemists and a busy mum getting together to come up with a casual shoe that toned your legs as you walked.
I had a pair of those first ones. Yes, they did hurt activate the muscles in my legs (you can read about how they work here) but they really were not what you would call fashionable. Sorry, just putting it politely. My husband still shudders at the sight of me wearing them. Which I did because it was part of my job as a fashion journo.
Since then 12 million people have wrapped their feet in a pair of FitFlops and more work has been done on the style side too.
The shoes are still clunky (which they need to be to be of benefit to your feet and legs) but styles like Floretta, pictured above and below, are workable into a casual wardrobe and ideal for a busy mum who wants a foot-friendly summer alternative to sneakers when doing the after-school sport run or a trip to the playground. The high strap still has the effect of cutting off the line of your leg, so best to team with shorter shorts or jeans to lessen this effect.
So, to answer my question above … I think yes, there’s room for Floretta in my shoe-robe. I will just have to carefully pick the times that she comes out to play. Of course, I’m hoping those times will be frequent enough that my legs will soon start to look like this.
They will, won’t they?
I’m keen to hear your thoughts? Have you tried a pair of FitFlops? Are they too casual for your shoe-robe? Are your shoes more about show than comfort?
*The FitFlop Floretta shoes were sent to me for editorial consideration. For more on my disclosure policy, check here.
Comments 25
I buy a new pair of fit flops every summer! They are brilliant for walking kids to school and generally running around during the day when I’m not in the office – clearly not designed for office. I’ve tried plain black, sparkly black, silver gem stoney ones and this season I’m looking at the ‘ruffly’ ones in either purple or black. I think the colour. I love them. But I don’t like the strap at the back of the ones you tried – sorry!
Author
No need to apologise, Robyn! And the strap would also not work if you wanted to quickly swap between the Fitflops and work shoes during the day either.
Great post Nikki.
I love both heels and flip flops, they each serve their specific purpose, I haven’t tried any “FitFlops” though.
Author
I like your thinking, Alice!
Yes, there is, especially when you’ve broken your toe like me. Ouch!
I love Birkis. I haven’t tried FitFlops as I didn’t like the look but these new ones you’re modelling look lovely:) I will get some tout de suite:)
Author
Ouch! I do that to my toes on a regular basis!!
I have many many comfortable shoes in my shoe-robe. But they are also cute except for the many pairs of tennies. Although I have made a vow to not always look like I’m going to the gym anymore.
Author
That’s a good vow, Rhonda!
my legs need shoes like these! I have really narrow feet though, so they tend to get lost in a bulky shoe. Glad they made them pretty for you though! <3
Author
I want the legs but I love my heels!!
Oh dear… I just can’t come at these. It’s not that I’m against shoes that are comfortable, but if they look remotely ‘medical’, then I’d be tempted to give myself a wedgie. (You know what I mean).. The way I get around this problem with ‘comfortable shoes’ is two way. First, I wear ballet flats that either have support or I use an aftermarket insert that does the trick. Or otherwise I find cool vintage styled dance shoes, preferably wedges, they work a treat!
And as for the benefit of toning the legs, I’ll stick with lying on the lounge room floor with the massager strapped to them while watching Sons of Anarchy. 😉 xx
Author
SKM, you are a style queen and I love that!
Those shoes remind me of Fimo – remember that stuff?
I’ve never had fit flops, however I have seen many a pair on the playgroup circuit and many love them!
Author
I have graduated from the playground circuit!
I’ve not tried them, but i’m certainly interested now I’ve read more about them! I like the look of the Rock Chic pair!
They are a bit on the expensive side.
Author
True. Unless my legs look like those above in two weeks 😉
It’s a 6km walk to the beach from my place, and I hate wearing joggers to the beach. These babies sound perfect! Another item on the christmas wishlist 🙂
Author
Think your husband will block my site soon!!
Ha! He wouldn’t dare!!! That would be grounds for divorce!
Have never tried FitFlops. I like flats (not completely flat, a teeny tiny centimetere or two in the heel) in Summer for a casual look, but preferably a fancy thong style rather than having something strappy round the cankles. I don’t mind their Luna and Rock Chic styles, they would suit me.
Author
I’m also thinking I need the sneaker style for winter. They are seriously comfortable. My feet have been in shock!
A topic close to my heart, given my site’s all about looking stylish in practical clothes – and specifically, flats!
I never used to be this way though. Before kids I wore heels ALL the time. The only flat shoes I owned were an old, unused pair of runners, and a couple of pairs of thongs for the beach. So extreme was my heel-lovin’ that my farewell gift from work when I left on maternity leave was a gift voucher to a shoe shop – to buy some practical shoes!
Given it’s impossible to wrangle the kids in heels (unless you’re Victoria Beckham) I’ve had to find a way to make a flat-based outfit stylish…but it is possible!
That said, if I’m frocking up, and without the kids my heels are out in force – guaranteed.
xAndrea
Author
I love that your farewell gift clearly became an inspiration for your blog, Andrea! And way better than a basket of baby products!!