I love slipping on a gorgeous pair of shoes in the summer!
When the weather’s warm, you don’t have to bother with socks, worry about getting cold or splashing through mud and snow (in theory anyway). It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to something pretty that will complement new jeans, or a pretty summer dress.
Yet summer shoes – usually flip flops or sandals – often don’t have much structure, and aren’t always kind to your feet a few hours down the line.
Enter FitFlop – a Canadian company specialising in shoes that look good and feel good, even after hours of wear.
FitFlop has been on my radar for a while, thanks to glowing reports from my husband. His physiotherapy patients in Canada raved about them – especially the flip flops. “They were the type of shoe people wore all night,” he told me. “People took them to weddings and changed into them on the dance floor, out of their heels and into something that still looked really nice.”
Striving to provide the perfect combination of biomechanics, comfort and fashion, FitFlop adjusts the technology in the sole to fit the type of shoe.
Its shoes evenly distribute body weight, promoting optimal body alignment and complementing natural walking style.
There’s no doubt that pounding the pavement is much comfier with decent footwear, and since my beloved ballet flats died a death (after a long, dutiful service), I’ve been on the look out for something cute but comfy to replace them.
I wanted something flat (for running around after three kids), and a closed toe style (hello, unpredictable English summer!).
FitFlop’s website is easy to navigate, with shoes listed in categories. You can find platforms, trainers, ballet pumps, ergonomic flip flops, clogs, loafers, ankle boots, wellington boots and knee high boots and much more. They look nice, but are especially tempting when you see how they treat your feet. For example, sparkly slide sandals offer three layers of cushioning with “microwobbleboard comfort technology”, while the flip flops promise impact pillows, arch contours and an anatomically contoured footbed.
There are plenty of options to take you comfortably from day to night, and there’s a men’s range too, with flip flops, sandals, trainers, slides and loafers.
I chose leather espadrilles in rose gold (they also come in black, silver and light tan), £59.50 down from £86. I loved the colour, and the promise of Dynamicush Comfort Technology.
Ordering online was easy. Sizes range from 3-9, with some half sizes too. Standard delivery is £3.95 (free if you spend £99) and you can pay by card or PayPal.
My lovely, shiny new shoes arrived two working days later in a sleek shoe box (that was quickly snatched away to become a toy hospital) and I slipped on my new beauties to wear them in. I’ve learned the hard way to wear in new shoes at home, and these took a few days to get them feeling really comfortable.
The leather feels nice and soft inside, while the sole is made of high rebound Eva cushioning, minimising impact and supporting your feet. The outsole is slip resistant – handy for chasing after the kids! I think once the shoes have stretched a little, they will be one of my favourite pairs, keeping my feet happy for many more summers to come.
DISCLAIMER
Advertising feature for Fitflop. Charlotte received her pair of FitFlops for free, but her review is 100% honest and the genuine thoughts of a mum with tired feet!
