FitFlop sandals were created in a collaboration between Bliss Spa founder and one-time personal trainer Marcia Kilgore, and biomechanists Dr David Cook & Darren James at London South Bank University (LSBU).
FitFlop footwear features patent-pending muscle-loading Microwobbleboard™ technology and was independently tested at Salford University in Manchester by Dr Philip Graham Smith & Richard Jones to verify their pro-muscle activity prior to launch. (FitFlop has also been approved by the American Podiatric Association -APMA, see below for more information).
Please find below the results of our latest research:
The multi-density FitFlop midsole creates a floating effect, diffusing pressure hot spots over a greater surface area of the footbed to help instantly alleviate foot pain(1).
(1) Biomechanist Dr Philip Graham Smith & Richard Jones at Salford University have identified that gait analysis techniques (motion analysis, forces, electromyography and in-shoe pressure analysis) can provide us with an insight as to how the Microwobbleboard™ multi-density midsole is responsible for alleviating a host of muscular-skeletal conditions. The case study (above) shows a greater contact area in mid-stance and a more consistent gait (walking) pattern. This means the foot is in contact with the soft mid-section of the FitFlop for longer, encouraging greater stimulation of the feet and muscles in the lower body. These preliminary findings form part of a two year UK Government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership to research the biomechanical benefits of FitFlop Microwobbleboard™ technology.
Wearing FitFlop footwear can also realign ground reaction force towards your core, helping alleviate back, pelvis and knee stress(2).
(2) Biomechanist Dr Philip Graham and Richard Jones at Salford University have identified that gait analysis techniques (motion analysis, forces, electromyography and in-shoe pressure analysis) can provide us with an insight as to how the Microwobbleboard™ multi-density midsole is responsible for alleviating a host of muscular-skeletal conditions. Subjects were fitted with small reflective markers and electrodes, photographed and filmed while walking to monitor movement. This information was used to create an animation of a skeleton walking in exactly the same way as the subject. These preliminary findings form part of a two year UK Government funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership to research the biomechanical benefits of FitFlop Microwobbleboard™ technology.
(3) Case studies were performed on FitFlop original sandals, slides, and shoe prototypes over a thirty-six month period by Dr David Cook, Senior Lecturer in Biomechanics, and Darren James at the Centre for Human Performance at London South Bank University (LSBU).
APMA Seal of AcceptanceFitFlop women’s, men’s and kids’ footwear has received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance.
This highly regarded seal is awarded only after a rigorous process of scientific evaluation and recognises products which have been deemed beneficial to foot health. To us it’s official recognition (and the biomechanical backup) from the medical experts that FITFLOP footwear is one of the ‘industry best’.
For more information visit: www.apma.org
