I've never been a massive fan of sandals for summer, I much prefer flip flops. This is a style preference, of course, but it's also driven by comfort. When it's hot, the last thing I want is a load of straps wrapped around my feet and/or ankles.
Problem is, flip flops are notoriously bad for your feet, particularly when it comes to support. So when I got the chance to try some of FitFlop's new ergonomic summer footwear range, I jumped at the chance. I'm sorry to say I have often chosen always style over substance when it comes to footwear, so I was excited to try footwear where both have been considered extensively. And I'm happy to say they are now hold a firm spot in my summer capsule wardrobe.
There is science behind all of FitFlops footwear, with special comfort technology 'engineered to work with your body alignment and natural movement, undergoing meticulous testing before reaching your feet'. And on that front, they very much deliver – and the best thing is they look great on too. It is sometimes the case that ergonomic shoes have a slightly chunky, less stylish look to them, purely by design. But FitFlop's offering is the perfect combination of both style and function.
FitFlops ergonomic flip-flops are the best find I've made this summer. They are so comfortable to wear, they have become my go-to footwear. And the colourways include gold, silver and bronze, which work for day and night.
I tried the iQUSHION Ergonomic Flip-Flops, and, in short, I can't recommend them highly enough. My test pair are in gold, and I have since bought them in black and bronze. They are, without a doubt, the best flip flops I have ever owned.
Honestly though, they took a bit of getting used to at first. The rubber sole is much firmer than that of standard flip flops, and for good reason, but the first time I wore them I noticed the balls of my feet feel it particularly. But, like any shoe, they take a bit of wear before your feet settle into them, and after the third wear, I barely noticed I was wearing them. Also, often with new flip flops, I would get rubbing or blisters between my toes at the point of contact - nothing with these.
The FitFlop website says: 'they’re biomechanically engineered with our featherlight, pressure-diffusing iQushion™ midsole tech. Made of high-rebound air-foam that retains its cushioning, with heel and ball-of-foot impact pillows, and a contoured arch-curve for natural support when you walk. Anatomically shaped straps hold the sandals to you, to help stop toes gripping.'
When wearing, that translates to a thick sole and cushioning that is a game-changer when it comes to comfort, especially when wearing them all day. With standard flip flops I have often noticed how thin the sole is, being able to feel the ground through the unsupportive material. The soles of these flip flops solve that. I feel confident wearing them out and about, knowing I have that extra thick protection underneath me. It also means I don't get that dull ache in the balls of my feet, which I would always get either during or after wearing flip flops with a thinner sole.
But what I noticed more than anything was how I don't have to grip these flip flops with my toes to keep them on. The straps are designed in such a way to remove the need to do that, and I cannot tell you what a difference it makes. My feet slide into them easily, and instantly feel secure with my foot completely relaxed and flat in the shoe. I have been wearing them for weeks now - both around the house and when the weather allows. They have become my go-to shoe this summer, and I love the range of colours they come in. The colourways and overall design makes them look more premium, which means they don't look out of place for evening dress. They're so versatile and affordable – offering excellent value for money. I never thought I'd pick anything over my best white trainers, but these have even trumped those for summer – I wouldn't be without them.
The FitFlop website suggests its iQushion flip flops come up on the small size, and if you are inbetween sizes to go for the larger of the two. However I am a UK size 6, which I ordered and they fit perfectly. When it comes to summer shoes for every day - and for a more relaxed evening look - these are hard to beat.
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A wardrobe staple, the iQushion flip flops in black are such a versatile buy. Great for every day, they're also great for more casual evening attire. Plus you have the added bonus that they don't show up dirt.
A beautiful hue for summer, these bronze iQushion flip flops look stunning with denim jeans and shorts, and the shimmer in the design works brilliant to elevate them for the evening too. I love pairing mine with a black maxi skirt for special occasions and work.
I already have quite the collection FitFlop's iQushion flip flops, but these are next on my wishlist. The perfect colour for summer, this 'blushy' shade would look gorgeous with summer dress and shorts in the day time, and paired with linen trousers for a more casual evening look too.
