Off-Topic Question for flip-flop (Vionic, Fitflop, etc) wearers

PrairieGem · 04-11-15, 04:59 PM

I am interested in trying a pair of really nice flip-flops because of some foot issues... but I haven't had a pair since I was a kid, and I've always kind of assumed (based on nothing?) that the strap between the toes would be uncomfortable. Has anyone had that experience initially and then gotten used to them? Is there a "beginner friendly" flipflop out there? LOL

I have an absolutely terrible time finding and breaking in sandals. I have wide feet, and tailor bunions (pinkie-toe bunions), and every strap seems to press *right there.* Even shoes that are supposedly wide, the strap is still painful (the edge cuts against the exact wrong place, etc). Well, looking at the overlays on my marvelous new Brooks Ghost running shoes, which swoop well past the toe bones down to the arch, the lightbulb went off: that is exactly what I need the straps on my sandals to do, too. And, duh: Flip-flops!

Any suggestions, advice, or tips for a total flipflop newbie? (And is there a hyphen or not???

)

Thanks!!

luvcritters · 04-11-15, 05:36 PM

The first time I wore flip flops as a kid, I had terrible blisters between my toes. I didn't know about getting used to them. I've never had a problem since. I think once you get used to them you'll be fine. Don't wear them for longer than an hour or so until you get used to them.

Unlike you, I have very narrow feet. I can't wear the pretty Vionic flip flops but I wear Tide or Tide II. They're the only shoes I wear in summer. Sometimes in winter I wear toe socks so I can wear them because of the comfort. Most days they feel better than my orthotics.

Vionic is the only brand I wear so I can't compare. Sorry.

eyefit · 04-11-15, 06:31 PM

I love vionic/orthaheel flip flops!! It's all I wear unless I'm at work when I have to wear "real shoes". 😉 I used to wear cheap flip flops from Target but it turned out they were causing all kinds of foot problems for me. The Vionic brand saved me when I had a small bout of PF a few years ago. I normally workout barefoot and then as soon as I step off the mat I slip on my orthaheel heel flip flops. The arch support and deep heel cup align my feet properly and has been a godsend for me.

yogapam · 04-11-15, 06:45 PM

I love my Vionics!

I have sandals, mules, and flip flops. I have struggled with PF and I pretty much only wear Vionics or shoes that will accommodate my orthotics. I have also worn Spenco flip flops as they have a decent arch support and are better in the water because the straps are neoprene. They are pretty good, but not quite as supportive as Vionics.

Cafelattee · 04-12-15, 11:04 AM

I live in a warm climate so I wear flip-flops all year since I was a girl so I can't comment on the between-the-toe issues. The vionic have been the best thing to happen for my poor feet/ankles.

I was a runner for years with pronation issues and most of that time without stability shoes (didn't even know they existed) The damage has been done. THe tendons in my ankle were abused but now healed. I get mild PF if I don't wear my vionics. I have the house slippers and plenty of flip flops.

PrairieGem · 04-12-15, 02:05 PM

Thanks! A store at my mall carries FitFlops (per the Fitflop retailer finder), so I am off in a few to check them out.

Linda, thanks for the tips on the fit of Vionics (and also, boo, because the Tides were the ones that caught my eye! LOL). I'm a little worried b/c I am a true 8.5, and have trouble getting a good fit in sandals that don't come in half sizes (like Merrels).

After studying lots of close-ups, it looks like the toe bars come in either leather or webbing, depending on the strap style. I wonder if one is more comfortable than the other.

If not, there are always toe socks.

KarenP · 04-18-15, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrairieGem

I am interested in trying a pair of really nice flip-flops because of some foot issues... but I haven't had a pair since I was a kid, and I've always kind of assumed (based on nothing?) that the strap between the toes would be uncomfortable. Has anyone had that experience initially and then gotten used to them? Is there a "beginner friendly" flipflop out there?

Hi PrairieGem, I haven't tried the brands you've mentioned but last year bought a pair of wellrox sandals. I suppose you could call them uber-flipflops because you have a (soft) strap between EVERY toe. They do take some getting used to, but once you do they're really comfortable. I did not end up getting blisters, BTW. I wonder if they'd be good for your bunion because they spread your toes out a little bit ala yogatoes, but not nearly as much. They have great arch supports and I've walked for miles in them in comfort. You can also find them on sale.

PrairieGem · 04-18-15, 05:43 PM

Ooooh, Karen, those look great! I love my toe separators... when I can find time to wear them.

What size do you take? (Do you know if you size up or down for half sizes?)

mizach · 04-19-15, 08:40 AM

I have a lot of FitFlop sandals and boots. They multiplied this year. Wore my boots in Paris & London and never had any issues. Walked for around 8 miles a day.
Wore my Fitflops sandals in Canada last summer. Walked for miles without issues.
I am at a point where comfort wins over looks all the time. I will try ballerina flats next.
If you have a Nordstrom Rack near you, they have FitFlops there.

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04-11-15, 04:59 PM
PrairieGem Join Date: Jan 2013	Question for flip-flop (Vionic, Fitflop, etc) wearers I am interested in trying a pair of really nice flip-flops because of some foot issues... but I haven't had a pair since I was a kid, and I've always kind of assumed (based on nothing?) that the strap between the toes would be uncomfortable. Has anyone had that experience initially and then gotten used to them? Is there a "beginner friendly" flipflop out there? LOL I have an absolutely terrible time finding and breaking in sandals. I have wide feet, and tailor bunions (pinkie-toe bunions), and every strap seems to press right there. Even shoes that are supposedly wide, the strap is still painful (the edge cuts against the exact wrong place, etc). Well, looking at the overlays on my marvelous new Brooks Ghost running shoes, which swoop well past the toe bones down to the arch, the lightbulb went off: that is exactly what I need the straps on my sandals to do, too. And, duh: Flip-flops! Any suggestions, advice, or tips for a total flipflop newbie? (And is there a hyphen or not??? ) Thanks!! __________________ ~Gem *Dux femina facti*

04-11-15, 05:36 PM
luvcritters VF Supporter Join Date: Nov 2001	The first time I wore flip flops as a kid, I had terrible blisters between my toes. I didn't know about getting used to them. I've never had a problem since. I think once you get used to them you'll be fine. Don't wear them for longer than an hour or so until you get used to them. Unlike you, I have very narrow feet. I can't wear the pretty Vionic flip flops but I wear Tide or Tide II. They're the only shoes I wear in summer. Sometimes in winter I wear toe socks so I can wear them because of the comfort. Most days they feel better than my orthotics. Vionic is the only brand I wear so I can't compare. Sorry. __________________ Linda Trust no one. - X-Files, and me. Comfort food only provides comfort while it's in your mouth. - Me

04-11-15, 06:31 PM
eyefit VF Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: wisconsin	I love vionic/orthaheel flip flops!! It's all I wear unless I'm at work when I have to wear "real shoes". 😉 I used to wear cheap flip flops from Target but it turned out they were causing all kinds of foot problems for me. The Vionic brand saved me when I had a small bout of PF a few years ago. I normally workout barefoot and then as soon as I step off the mat I slip on my orthaheel heel flip flops. The arch support and deep heel cup align my feet properly and has been a godsend for me. __________________ Colleen

04-11-15, 06:45 PM
yogapam VF Supporter Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West coast of Canada, eh. ;)	I love my Vionics! I have sandals, mules, and flip flops. I have struggled with PF and I pretty much only wear Vionics or shoes that will accommodate my orthotics. I have also worn Spenco flip flops as they have a decent arch support and are better in the water because the straps are neoprene. They are pretty good, but not quite as supportive as Vionics. __________________ **~Pam~** Certified Level 4 Essentrics Instructor - March 2021 Hatha YTT - 2011 Your body keeps an accurate journal regardless of what you write down..... "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live." Jim Rohn "It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives, but what we do consistently.” - Tony Robbins Check out my Instagram account, @fitness.ficti0n.inspirati0n

04-12-15, 11:04 AM
Cafelattee Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Gulf Coast	I live in a warm climate so I wear flip-flops all year since I was a girl so I can't comment on the between-the-toe issues. The vionic have been the best thing to happen for my poor feet/ankles. I was a runner for years with pronation issues and most of that time without stability shoes (didn't even know they existed) The damage has been done. THe tendons in my ankle were abused but now healed. I get mild PF if I don't wear my vionics. I have the house slippers and plenty of flip flops.

04-12-15, 02:05 PM
PrairieGem Join Date: Jan 2013	Thanks! A store at my mall carries FitFlops (per the Fitflop retailer finder), so I am off in a few to check them out. Linda, thanks for the tips on the fit of Vionics (and also, boo, because the Tides were the ones that caught my eye! LOL). I'm a little worried b/c I am a true 8.5, and have trouble getting a good fit in sandals that don't come in half sizes (like Merrels). After studying lots of close-ups, it looks like the toe bars come in either leather or webbing, depending on the strap style. I wonder if one is more comfortable than the other. If not, there are always toe socks. __________________ ~Gem *Dux femina facti*

04-18-15, 05:43 PM
PrairieGem Join Date: Jan 2013	Ooooh, Karen, those look great! I love my toe separators... when I can find time to wear them. What size do you take? (Do you know if you size up or down for half sizes?) __________________ ~Gem *Dux femina facti*

04-19-15, 08:40 AM
mizach VF Supporter Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: NC	I have a lot of FitFlop sandals and boots. They multiplied this year. Wore my boots in Paris & London and never had any issues. Walked for around 8 miles a day. Wore my Fitflops sandals in Canada last summer. Walked for miles without issues. I am at a point where comfort wins over looks all the time. I will try ballerina flats next. If you have a Nordstrom Rack near you, they have FitFlops there.