May 11
18
FitFlop sandals were designed to get the lower body more involved when walking, and to add more toning value to each step by increasing muscle activation. The shoes help you to get a workout while you walk, tightening the muscles throughout the lower body and increasing the duration of muscle activation. However far from just toning and tightening, the technology developed to get the muscles working harder has proved to offer a much greater range of health benefits to the body. Customers have claimed that FitFlop sandals have had a profound effect, and have given far greater benefits to the body that simply improving the appearance of the lower body. FitFlop footwear has been reported to help sufferers of many common foot, joint and bone conditions gain important pain relief; in many cases banishing pain completely when walking. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Mortons neuroma, osteoarthritis, sciatica and chronic back pain can all be eased with the shoes.
Further studies conducted in Salford University have delved deeper into what happens to the feet in FitFlop footwear, and helps explain how the FitFlop can ease foot pain. Throughout the stride, pressure is exerted on the soles of the shoes, with the heel and the ball of the foot taking the brunt of the force. As the heel strikes, the full body weight is channelled directly downwards creating a jarring force on the joints, and as the foot rolls forward the ball of the foot takes over and takes the body weight. By studying the pressure loading in standard shoes and comparing it to the FitFlop, it became clear how FitFlop Footwear and the Microwobbleboard™ was easing pain. FitFlop footwear changes the pressure distribution throughout the feet, spreading out the forces more evenly and prevents pressure hot spots.
By using a Medilogic in-shoe pressure system to show how pressure was exerted, the research team were able to determine that the FitFlop reduced foot pressure concentration by an average of 25%, with 30% less pressure in the toes and 15% less in the heels. The reduction of pressure hot spots is what makes the shoes so beneficial for anyone suffering from Morton’s neuroma, and is the reason why tired and aching feet can be eased. Low pressure concentration reduces the chance of hard skin forming in pressure hot spots, and prevents exerting too much force on problematic joints which can lead to chronic foot pain.
The studies also demonstrated how the FitFlop supports the feet, with the results clearly showing increased contact between the midsole and the foot. With a greater surface area in contact with the feet, FitFlop provides much better support, in particular to the arches of the feet. When walking for long periods, a lack of support can lead to aching and tired feet, as the arches are placed under a greater strain. FitFlop demonstrated an 8% increase in contact area, in particular under the arches, helping to give greater support, ease tired feet, and keep wearers walking for longer in comfort.
FitFlop Footwear may well have been designed to get the leg and buttock muscles working harder for improved toning; however when it comes to the feet, they give them a much easier ride.