Summertime means freedom. Freedom from having your feet closed in a bulky winter boot and the freedom to let your toes breathe in your cherished flip-flops. What most of us don’t realize is that freedom may come with a price. In the past few years numerous studies have come forward with bad news about the beloved footwear. It seems that wearing flip-flops can be unhealthy for you in a number of ways.

Fitflops, which was one of Oprah’s favourite things, offers a better solution. It works like a balance board using “microwobbleboard" technology which engages your legs and foot muscles with each step. These shoes are not flat and they don’t flip and flop like normal flip-flops. The low density mid section of the shoe, which is where the “microwobbleboard" technology resides, creates instability which increases leg activation while keeping the heel and toe stable. The company asserts that this shoe will exercise your legs muscles, help with foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and RLS (restless leg syndrome), engage your core and give you a better posture.

This “flip flop with the gym built in” will not replace regular workouts but there are many advantages to walking regularly as part of a fitness routine. Fitflops are extremely comfortable. They support your arch and you can walk longer in them, and that can be more beneficial to your overall health as well as the toning of your legs and butt.

Available at Ron White, Town Shoes and Walking on a Cloud


Juicy Tip: Use Granger’s G-Max Odour Eliminator to kill odour causing bacteria and absorbs the oils that bacteria feed on and prevents the return of bacterial growth that can sometimes lead to foot sores and athlete’s foot. It is effective for climbing shoes, runners, hiking boots, and summer footwear – especially sandals.

Clean your Fitflops regularly with Granger’s G-Max Footwear Cleaner. Effective on all footwear, powerful deep cleaning, water-based & biodegradable. Granger's G-Max Cleaners are best at getting tough grime off all types of footwear. Regular cleaning also helps to maintain the look and structure of all footwear products.

Select Granger’s products are available at Mountain Equipment CO-OP and Coast Mountain Sports.