How to feel good in a Fitflop when it looks like and Ugg but you know it's not an Ugg but no one else does

After seeing the release for Fitflop's winter styles all the way back in 2009, I had been contemplating taking up with a pair. But which ones? There's a new 'trainer' style due out this spring, but that's for another post (one in which I come to terms with wearing trainers in public. I can't (unless in full workout gear) because I feel like a schlep in trainers in public. Sorry, but they have their place... the gym). 

Sorry, what is a Fitflop, you ask? It's the brainchild of Marcia Kilgore, of Bliss fame (she's the founder). The shoes use Microwobbleboard™ technologyin the soles that help you to use muscles for a longer period while you walk, mimic barefoot walking and apparently relieve quite a bit of foot and leg pain.

The actual sandal Fitflop (the Walkstar) never appealed to me. I knew someone who wore them and they looked, well, chunky and therapeutic on her. Never stylish, although there are clearly women out there (like the ones with the fine pegs showing off the shoes the website) that can make them look downright glamorous.

The shorter versions of the Fitflop winter boot (Gogh et al) were out too because of the nasty winter weather. No sense in getting a boot and then finding out it's too short to wear in the cold.

So I settled on the mid-length Fitflop Mukluk. Lined with real shearling (the same cannot be said for many a look-a-like boot on the street, often made with acrylic and known to make feet stink) and a suede outer, they look remarkably like Uggs (and imitation Uggs), the footwear delight from down under that, like Marmite and Ricky Gervais, either you love or hate (or love to hate). I fall into the latter camp, hating them. Far too many a WAG and Chav have made it a wardrobe staple for me to want the same sort of social judgement heaped on me that's reserved for the those groups. And, unless you're whippet thin, like Kate Moss, you look more yeti than boho waif.

However, when the Fitflop Mukluk in black wasn't available in my size, I bit the bullet and ordered the tan pair. They showed up, I put them on and wore them to a dinner out with friends... and found myself making excuses for the Ugg-a-likes over appetizers, but by dessert I was growing to like them (a feeling enhanced by the muscles burning in my inner thighs after the 10-minute walk to the restaurant).

In future, I shall think of them as Smug Uggs - SMUGGs. They resemble the footwear of choice for the slobby celeb, but only on the surface and at a distance. Wear them and pat yourself on the back for getting some extra muscle toning and/or simply easier walking (one of the most common comments is the lack of foot and leg pain new owners feel after wearing them).   

I'll be wearing mine until mid-April, at least, when I'm hoping Fitflop come out with a slicker sandal. If they do, I'll be first in line...

After a few more weeks of wear and tear, we'll let you know if we see a difference in the appearance of our legs. Right now, we feel it and, frankly, they feel good to wear. My legs don't get nearly as achy after two hours of standing at the kitchen counter as they do without them...

To be continued... until next time, I'll be swaddled in Shearling.

In the meantime, let me know... do you wear clothing/shoes in public that maybe make you feel a touch ridiculous, but you solider on anyway because they're supposed to be good for you? Would you wear an Ugg-a-like boot in public? Do you think Fitflop technology works? Have you used it? What are your thoughts?

The only sandals I need this summer

The consumate traveler will be very familiar with the dilemma they face regarding style versus functionality of good travel shoes... they, in fact, are mutually exclusive traits. Comfortable, good walking shoes are just downright ugly. But, in the same breath, you have to be completely lacking self-awareness to have the sort of disconnect that allows you to have no self-respect while traveling by allowing yourself to look awful in an overly-cautious-tourist sort of way, which also makes you a giant target for all sorts of ills (no native would go around dressed like that). Hello!? It's still YOUR life, whether it's lived at your permanent address or from a hotel so have some dignity and keep it together wherever you are.

Although, I'll admit, easier said then done when it come to footwear that's meant to be used for walking. Taxi shoes are not an option on a global trek. And you won't find anything cheap that really, truly will leave you sans blisters, aches and ingrown toenails at the end of a trip unless you eBay it or wait for a super duper clearance sale (and even then, you'll be shelling out at least $30 to $50 for the ugliest of the lot). You get what you pay for, people, as with everything in life. 

Which brings me to the design feat that is NAOT shoes and sandals. It's an Israeli brand that seems to be making the very best of a hard situation -- mainly making stylish (as much as is possible) yet insanely comfortable, serious walking shoes and sandals. I opted for the Kayla in copper. It might look like a Birkenstock in the image but it looks only marginally like that brand when you see it live. Yes, they are still slightly orthopedic, but I refuse to walk 5 continents in ballet flats. Not this time. I will sacrifice a bit of style for a ton of comfort and, actually, if you think about it, the heel on these sandals makes your legs and dresses look better than flats do so there's not really much lost in the style stakes, is there?

Hanig's Chicago has an amazing selection of 'stylish' orthopaedic shoes like Thierry Rabotins (out of my price range), Kenneth Cole Reaction, NAOT, Dansko, Keen, MBT, Fitflops, Ecco, Söfft, Taryn Rose, Tsubo and Think!. That's where I bought the NAOTs and I have a feeling it'll be one of the best purchases I made for this trip (along with a fabulous Diesel top, DEET insect repellent and a Netbook).