We Need You!
help WH with our story on functional shoes
We Need You!
Women's Health is doing a doing a story on 'functional' shoes. We are reviewing a range of shoes and the scope of benefits they have, from improving your posture and soothing arthritic feet to toning your behind. We are reviewing Crocs, Fitflops, Green Cross, Froggie and Birkenstocks.
We need you, our readers, to share your stories with us. Write to
tellWH@WomensHealthSA.co.za
Last updated: August 13, 2010 - 15:01









Froggies are the most comfortable and unlike crocks they don't make your feet stink
The new range of crocs, Hush Puppies & some of Woolworths shoes are fabulously comfortable. I train hard, & do a lot of hi-impact cardio (eg. boxing/ dancing), & spend a lot of time on my feet, so wearing good shoes is a must for me.
I have a pair of Fitflops and they are seriously the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. So much so that I have 2 pairs of the new Fitflop boots so that I can wear them in winter too. If I didn't actually see the difference they made to the muscle tone in my legs I would never have thought that they really do give you a workout while you walk. It certainly doesn't feel like it! It's just a pity one can't upload pics here or you'd see for yourself :)
I have 5 pairs of Fitflop, both summer sandals and winter boots. I can't imagine wearing anything else ever again. They relieved my back pain, severe heel pain and I have definitely noticed an improvement of the tone of my legs and bottom. I can't feel them working my legs and bottom out though, but the results are there. I have had an experience of wearing them for an unusually extended period of time (I went shopping in Canal Walk for about 9 hours straight :) ) and having sore muscles in my legs and bottom that night and following day, as if I exercised more than I was used to. I know that I would not have had that feeling if I had worn other shoes, I would probably just have had sore feet and a sore back only. I love my Fitflop and recommend them to everyone!
I have been wearing fitflops for several years now and own many pairs. I am so addicted to them, in fact, that I am reluctant to buy any other sandals. They are truly the most comfortable shoes/flops you can buy - great for your back - and have the added advantage of working those thighs if you walk far enough!
I have 3 pairs of fitflops and a fitflop boots. They are the most comfortable shoes I have ever had.I also think they look very stylish. I would recomend them, to everyone.
Fitflops for sure! I own two pairs (my first pair was actually stolen in Mauritius, can you believe it!) and live in them! I have a bronze pair that is seriously sexy to boot! I walk and stand a lot, and also own several pairs of Crocs, but they are now the ugly stepsisters of my wardrobe. Fitflops are incredibly comfortable. As I am a runner, I can't really tell if the Fitflops make a difference in muscle tone in my legs, but the comfort more than makes up for it, especially after a long run
I am a 62 year old woman, having been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis some 6 years ago. I started wearing a winter pair of fitflops some 10 weeks ago - started wearing them half hour, building up to 4 hours within a week. I have now bought a pair of summer sandals as I am so convinced these shoes/sandals have been the major reason for the huge improvement in knee and back pain.
By the way I am a huge croc fan, worn under the right circumstances .... great comfort ... but they have not given me the pain relief that I have experienced with the use of fitflops. Thanks
Where can I buy Fitflops? They sound awesome!
I see that no-one has mention Tsonga!! I love these shoes, sandals and clogs....they not only look nice and have a nice height heel but they are extremely comfortable. They are hand sewn by a community of women in KZN.
Quote:- " They are not only stitching a spirit of our African Heritage, but the very essence of hope into each Tsonga shoe they sew..."
I love Tsonga too - they are gorgeous and ridiculously comfortable. I don't think Fitflops are very attractive (not mine anyway), but I could sleep in them! They make me feel weightless.
tsonga are amazing. as are most woolies shoes. I got a really nice pair of greencross shoes a year ago just before a holiday to london and I'm not 100% sure i can blame the shoes but my feet were killing me, they literally felt like some bones were broken, I could walk max 15 minutes at a time on them. but after that the shoes where fine. so while they are great shoes I would definitly recomment wearing them in before planning a holiday with them. Birkenstocks are also great just horribly overpriced. my vote will always be with woolies at the end of the day, great shoes and great prices.
I own a pair of ladies Reef slops, and oh my hat they make walking a pleasure. My son has just asked what I would like for my birthday - and yes please a new pair of Reefs!!
I own a pair of Tsonga boots and they are amazingly comfy, this brand should be on your list! It is made of geniune leather and proudly South African. As a student I used to wear greencross sandals, very comfortable to walk in. I mostly wear flat shoes, and what I normally go for is a nice fit to my feet, as I have small and narrow feet. The sole of the shoe is also important, it must absorb most of the impact when walking or running, and it must also offer support to the bridge of my feet. Oh, and it must look good too!
As long as it has a 3.5-4" heal it will work for me!! I honestly think I would walk funny if my shoes were anywhere between 1 and 3", they either have to be completely flat (trainers or flip-flops) or have a respectable heal, else they will not find themselves in my closet, never mind on my feet!
Post new comment