As a wellness writer, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest health products – whether it’s consumable powders, healthier caffeine alternatives, or clothing. to improve performance, I’m always on the lookout for what’s trending. While I often hear about popular launches directly from publicists, other times I discover must-have newbies on TikTok and Instagram. And then there are the cases where I am completely surprised by shippers showing up at my front door, without any prior warning. Today we are here to talk about the latter.
A few weeks ago I received a mystery box from FitFlop with their new launch: the Vitamin FF knit sports trainers ($140) – the brand’s first-ever foray into sneakers. For those who need a quick introduction to FitFlop: the brand focuses on high-performance shoes that are biomechanically designed to not only fit you, but also support your joints and varied movements. From sandals to flats, FitFlop has cracked the code for ultimate comfort.
Immediately, I was intrigued by the design of the sneakers – a knit slip fitted with a monochromatic colorway running from the upper to the sole. For a brand that has been widely associated with older demographics – given their focus on support (often style), which has earned them the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance for every SKU they launched – those new sneakers were fresh; same trend. And so I tried them.
From the moment I put on the FitFlop Vitamin FF sneakers, I could tell they were going to become an everyday favorite. From the way they cradled my soles to the way they cushioned my heels and Achilles tendons, they were instantly some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever tried. And so I knew there was only one thing left to do: a full review of these sneakers that I didn’t even know about (and just knew everyone needed to learn).
I Tested the FitFlop Vitamin FF Sneakers – Here Are My Honest Thoughts
Since receiving the FitFlop Vitamin FF sneakers four weeks ago, I’ve put them through their paces on mile-long walks, afternoons full of runs and jogs, runs, sprints, rows and Orangetheory elevators. And I must say that I am impressed. While the look of the shoes is what initially appealed to me – colorful monochromatic sneakers seem to be rare – it’s the comfort and functionality, and the fact that they don’t need breaking in, that prompted me to seek out these incredibly comfortable yet extremely durable sneakers.
The best thing about these flexible knit slip-on sneakers is that unlike so many comparable styles, they stay firmly on your feet as you run and jump. I’ve worn them in nearly a dozen Orangetheory workouts and tried them on the flat road tread setting and a full 15% incline; during 3MPH walks and 8MPH runs; during jump squats, burpees and step-ups. No matter what the workout demanded, these sneakers gave me the support I needed. (The one exception was the side slits, which are often the tell-tale movement of so many shoes — more on that below.)
Of course, that’s not the only thing I love about these sneakers. I’m also a big fan of the laces, which are woven with reflective patches that make them more visible if you wear them at night. Also, I often find that slip-on styles tend to be associated with less cushioned soles, but that’s not the case with these ergonomic shoes. Instead, they’re made with the brand’s Neodynamic midsole, which offers lightweight, high-rebound cushioning specifically designed to propel you forward, which is probably why I found them to work so well. good for walking and running. Either way, they provided enough cushion and stability to help manage my pronation, ultimately preventing my propensity for shin splints. For that reason alone, I’m a fan of these shoes (which, incidentally, come in five colors – the fuchsia pink hue is my favorite – with a sixth on the way).
Even though I love these sneakers and however often I wear them, I have a qualm, but that’s subjective. As someone with fairly narrow feet, I find these sneakers to be a bit wider than your average knit sneakers. As such, I wear them with thicker shoes for good support, because if I pair them with ultra-thin socks, they feel a bit too loose. Still, even with thicker socks, I find them to be a little too wide to properly support my feet during sideways movements, as I mentioned above. That said, my size 10 friends who have wider feet than me swoon over their fit, so again, it’s subjective. As for the width, it’s worth mentioning that although these sneakers are slip-on, they come with laces for extra tightening and customization, which absolutely helps.
Suffice it to say, if you’re looking for a versatile pair of sneakers that you can wear just as easily to the farmer’s market or through the TSA at the airport as you do for high-intensity interval training or during a casual jog around the neighborhood. , these padded slip-on shoes are a must-have. But you better act fast. The sneakers, which were launched in January this year, are selling at record rates. Don’t worry if your size or color preference is sold out, however, you can always set a reminder for restocking. And, believe me, you will.
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