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FAQS

  • General Information
    • How do I get started with my FitFlop footwear?

      • To ensure a proper fit, take 20-30 brisk steps in them, then look down to make sure your heels are not pushed off the back of the footbed. If they are, and the upper straps are too tight you need to go another size up.

        Instant workout warning

        The FitFlop footwear has the potential to increase muscle activity in terms of workload. As such, we recommend that your wear your new pair progressively to avoid excessive muscle soreness.
    • If I sign up to your e-mailing list will you share my details?
      • No. Your contact details will only be used to update you on the latest FitFlop progress, in-stock dates, new styles, special offers, and possibly for user ‘polls’. We appreciate any feedback you can give us if you’ve been wearing a pair!
    • Are FITFLOP sandals, shoes, clogs and boots made by the MBT Company?
      • They are not. FitFlop has no affiliation with MBT (except perhaps that both FITFLOP and MBT occupied ‘originator’ slots as pioneers in the toning and wellness footwear category).

        FitFlop footwear is biomechanist developed, and built on a patent-pending, triple-density Microwobbleboard™ midsole that was inspired by the techniques and equipment used by physical therapists in joint injury rehabilitation. Our technology originated at London South Bank University in England, and was engineered there by Dr David Cook and Darren Jamess at the Center for Human Performance.

        (We don’t want to speak for MBT, but we espouse quite different takes on the ‘best way to walk’.)
    • Imitation Products
      • We too have noticed a profound increase in what we call FitFlop ‘knockoffs’.

        Not only is K-Mart apparently selling something, but so is a company that starts with S. and the Earth shoe company has launched a version too, although they are not claiming to do what we do.

        At FitFlop, we back up our fitness and muscle-loading claims with SCIENCE. Our Microwobbleboard™ midsole was developed with a Senior Lecturing Biomechanist at The Centre for Human Performance at LSBU in London, and independently tested by an objective team- including a doctor who is the lower limb biomechanist for the UK Olympic team- at Salford University. Studies have been completed (and please read through the ‘technical’ pages on our site ) that show how our patent-pending midsole helps not only to reduce hot spots and pressure points in the foot, and realigns ground force reaction to reduce lower back, knee, hip and ankle pain.

        We’ve had thousands of wearers write in to tell us how miraculous the ‘FitFlop’ formula is, and how it has reduced pain stemming from conditions including back pain, dizziness, osteoarthritic discomfort, lower leg oedema, restless leg syndrome and more. We pride ourselves on offering the ultimate performance sandal product, and feel confident that no matter which imitations people may try, in the end, they will always come back to the fabulous FitFlop footwear!
  • Sizing
    • Are FitFlop sandals suitable for a wide fit?
      • Yes most of our footwear is suitable for a wide foot. Because the FitFlop’s foot bed is slightly wider than average, they fit pretty much every foot in width. If you have an extremely high instep, you may have to go up a size initially, or spend a few days wearing in the midsole, which custom moulds and compresses to fit your instep height after a couple of days of intensive use. If you have a narrow foot or a low instep we recommend you go down a size if between sizes.

        Please note that the Pietra, Riata and Fiorella are built on a slimmed-width version of our muscle-toning Microwobbleboard™ midsole, perfect for those with slightly narrow feet.
    • Do you do kids sizes?
      • Yes, we now have a range of sandals for kids- built with our patented Microwobbleboard™ technology - and made to closely recreate the biomechanics of barefoot walking. Each pair has a flexible midsole, which helps promote ‘freedom of feets’, better posture and encourages the bones in young feet to move naturally and freely, so developing feet have space, can stretch and are properly stimulated.

        Kids' Sizing Chart
    • How heavy are FitFlop sandals?
      • FitFlop sandals are light and a pair of Walkstar weighs 400g.
    • If I am a half size should I go up or down in my FitFlop sandals?
      • FitFlop sandals have been designed to fit a standard-width UK foot and are graded in the traditional way. The webbing is designed to hold the foot quite high up across the instep and will not stretch over time. Thus, FitFlop fit is a function of arch height and instep height. Our experience so far has shown that Europeans have a slightly higher instep height and tend to need to size up whereas Americans have a lower instep height and need to size down. The length of the sole is quite generous so going half a size down should not cause a length issue.
    • My FitFlop sandals are uncomfortable/don't fit, etc.
      • If you have ordered or bought the wrong size (and haven’t worn your FitFlop sandals yet), please return them to the retailer or online website you bought them from for a refund or exchange.
    • What size should I buy?
      • Not sure which size you need? Ordering online? Unsure about our sizes? Print out our FitFlop sandal sizer chart to ensure a perfect fit.
        1. Click to view the appropriate chart below (you may need to install Adobe Acrobat Reader first) and select ‘Print’
        2. When the printer window pops up, make sure Page Scaling is set to ‘none’
        3. Print your sizer out, and double check the scale using a ruler. (If your sizer is a few milimeters off, read all of point 2 above.)
        4. Place you heel on the line indicated, and choose your size accordingly along your toes.

        Women's FitFlop Sandal Sizer
        Men's FitFlop Sandal Sizer
        Kids' FitFlop Sandal Sizer

        Instep sizing information

        - FitFlop footwear only comes in whole sizes. If your feet fall somewhere between, opt up a size if you have wide feet or a high instep, and down if you have narrow feet or a low instep.
        - In the US, most people size down to the nearest whole size.
        - In the rest of the world, people generally size up. The upper bands on the FitFlop sandals do NOT stretch.

        The upper bands on the FitFlop sandals do NOT stretch. In our sheepskin boots, expect the FitFlop FREEFOOT fit, in which your forefoot and toes will be held quite snugly (as they are in our sandals), but your heel will be looser behind to allow optimal biomechanically advantageous movement. You might think of it as heel slip, but in fact, it’s heel FREEDOM! (As long as they don’t rub you the wrong way, the fit is right.)
  • Where to buy
  • Health & Medical
    • Are they as suitable for hill walking as velcro trekking sandals?
      • Unfortunately not. FitFlop footwear is not suitable for hill walking or mountain hiking. They are quite open and airy on the foot, and will not protect it from rough terrain or weather. FitFlop sandals are designed for everyday use and everyday walking, to be worn by time-short individuals who may not be able to get to the gym, but want to make sure they get a ‘workout while they walk’.
    • Calluses
      • There’s no reason that you should be getting a callous on your big toe from wearing FitFlop sandals.

        In fact, most of our wearers find that they develop less calluses than normal, because FitFlop sandals allow enough room around the foot, leaving little potential for rubbing. However - a ’super foot surgeon’ friend of FitFlop has pointed out that women who have the tendancy toward bunions (or have been shoving their foot into small shoes- rather than FitFlop footwear for years) often develop a callus on the outside of their big toe, as the toe turns into the foot.

        If you think you might be developing this condition, it’s likely that wearing open toed sandals like FitFlop sandals have simply made your toes (and their attached calluses) more visible. In any case, we’d suggest that you consult with a podiatrist if you have any concerns, or if the callus seems chronic.
    • Can I jog/work out/cycle in FitFlop footwear?
      • FitFlop footwear is originally biomechanically engineered to load your leg muscle more when you WALK (not while you jog, hike, or cycle). Which is why we recommend getting ‘a workout while you walk’. At present, we can’t officially suggest you make any other use of your pair but just that. A FitFlop sandal doesn’t have a heel counter to keep it from falling off during any form of running or sprinting, nor is it covered enough to protect your feet from brush or falling rocks if you might be hiking. You should be safe in them for leisurely cycling, but we think it’s safe to say that Lance Armstrong most likely puts on proper cleated cycling shoes if he’s covering long distances on wheels. In short? These shoes were made for walking.
    • Can I wear FitFlop footwear during pregnancy?
      • As with any medical condition, we recommend that any prospective FitFlop wearer consult their doctor before putting a pair of FitFlop footwear into regular rotation. While Dr David Cook (who helped engineer the FitFlop’s multi-density Microwobbleboard™ midsole) originally recommended that - due to the inherent increased muscle load - FitFlop footwear not be worn during pregnancy, we’ve had several women report that wearing FitFlop sandals during pregnancy has provided fantastic relief from lower leg swelling, varicose vein pain, and even Symphisis Pubic Dysfunction. We’d suggest you search the word ‘pregnant’ in our wearer reviews depository to see what other women have experienced, then consult your obstetrician to ensure you have his/her OK before wearing a pair.
    • How many people were involved in your testing and studies?
      • Our original testing was done using 15 women, across two different University research departments. While it wasn’t a massive amount, both groups of women showed similar and significant results: not only did FitFlop sandals activate their leg muscles more than walking in regular shoes, but they created a very healthy gait pattern, similar to that of barefoot walking. Knowing that FitFlop sandals were safe, functional, and fun, we decided to test launch in 2007 to see if women in the US and UK were interested in the FitFlop concept. The results were an overwhelming yes, and on top of that, women from all walks (no exercise pun intended) started emailing us with stories about relief from back pain, plantar fasciitis, arthritis, heel spurs, and more. Armed (and delighted) with that feedback, we have developed a more extensive and detailed testing program, and have appointed a full-time researcher to work in conjunction with Salford University, and appointed a team at the Centre for Human Performance at LSBU to work on new applications, further tests and trials, to find out more about the magic that is the FitFlop midsole.
    • I am very overweight, can I still wear FitFlop footwear?
      • FitFlop sandals are generous fitting, with relatively wide footbeds and strong upper straps, however, they are designed- as are most shoes- for people of average weight. (We have not tested our Microwobbleboard™ technology for efficacy on overweight populations, nor on the underweight, in fact, so can’t confirm that your FitFlop footwear would have the same muscle-toning effect.) However, we have received many testimonials from people who had gained weight for one reason or another, and whose back, knees and ankles were buckling under the strain, making it difficult and uncomfortable to walk for long periods of time. With a pair of FitFlop sandals on, the same people seemed to have experienced less lower back, ankle and knee pain, and suddenly been able to get up and walk for progressively longer periods each day WITHOUT any discomfort. In fact, several have gone on to lose several kilos in weight, simply from being more mobile, and more comfortable in their own bodies, most probably because FitFlop footwear helps to realign vertical force traveling through your feet on heel strike, toward the center of the pelvic girdle and behind the knee, where it causes less lower back and joint strain. We’d suggest that if you are overweight, you start with our original Walkstar sandal. It’s got a very flexible (but strong) upper, and most feet fit into it! Please let us know how you get on, and write back to us when you’ve lost your first 5 (then 10, then 20 kilos!). Good luck with your weight loss!
    • I have bunions will they be aggravated?
      • No. In fact, if you suffer from bunions, we’d suggest ordering a few pairs of FitFlop sandals for yourself, as we’re going to guess that you may never want to put normal shoes (that rub on your bunions) on your feet again.
    • I have plantar fasciitis. Can I wear FitFlop footwear?
      • We always suggest that anyone with a medical condition consults with their doctor prior to buying themselves a pair of FitFlop footwear. And while we’ve had testimonials from hundreds of fans who swear that just wearing theirs has lessened discomfort from not only plantar fasciitis, but heel spurs, Morton’s Neuroma, RLS, swollen lower legs, sciatica, knee pain and lower back pain (to name a few of the most common) we realize that people are biomechanically diverse, and what works for one wearer may not work for another. Originally, FitFlop sandals were engineered with the added function of loading the leg muscles more while one walked. What they’ve been reported – all by FitFlop footwear wearers- to do on top of that has been a surprise, but in some ways, a ’side-effect’. We would suggest that you consult the wearer reviews section of our website to read what other people are saying about their experiences with FitFlop sandals, and make your decision after reading them and consulting your doctor.
    • I normally wear orthotics. Can I wear FitFlop sandals?
      • The FitFlop footwear has been designed with a regularly shaped footed, however, the multi-density midsole create a Microwobbleboard™ action that challenges the muscles of the foot and arch, and therefore might not be suitable for everyone who needs orthotics. We recommend that you err on the side of caution and consult your podiatrist prior to wearing FitFlop footwear if you currently rely on orthotic support.
  • Materials
    • Can you tell what the foot bed is made of please? Do they contain any leather or other animal products?
      • The FitFlop footbed is made of multi-density EVA, which is a type of odour-free (and non-absorbent) foam that is used in many type of footwear. The outsole is currently made of rubber. The footbed does not contain any leather or other animal products.
    • Do the FitFlop sandals contain Latex?
      • Yes, the interlining of the FitFlop footwear contains latex, and whilst this may not come into contact with your feet, if you suffer from latex allergies, we recommend that you avoid wearing FitFlop footwear (unless you’re wearing them with socks).
  • Retailers
    • How do I become a FitFlop distributor?
      • Please email your query to distributor@fitflop.com and a member of our team will get in touch as soon as possible.
    • How do I become an Official FitFlop retailer?
      • If you are a retailer who is interested in carrying FitFlop footwear, please send information about your retail operation

        - UK: sales@fitflop.com

        - US: usaretail@fitflop.com

        - International: refer to our 'contact us' page and contact the distributor in your area.
  • Investment
    • How Do I Invest In Your Company?
      • At the present time, we are not looking for investors for FitFlop. (We are – however- flattered that you’ve asked.) Should we be looking for funding in the future, we would be happy to keep your details on file, so please feel free to send them to us via scott.thomson@brandhandling.com
    • What are your stock exchange symbols?
      • The FitFlop is a privately held company, and not yet available for investment on any stock exchange. However, should the situation change, we would be happy to update any interested parties who have submitted their contact details via scott.thomson@brandhandling.com
  • Care and concerns
    • How do I take care of my FitFlop sandals?
      • To clean the footbed of your FITFLOP sandals, wet the midsole and scrub in circles (try using a handful of non-bleach laundry powder and an old toothbrush).

        Do not put your FITFLOP sandals in the washing machine or dryer and do not submerge them in water.

        Walkstar 1, Walkstar 3 (Patent, Nappa and Snake), Dass, Oasis, Roma, Electra, Riata, Fiorella and Rebel

        - If your upper is made from webbing, wipe them with a damp cloth.

        - If your upper is made from patent leather, wipe them with a damp cloth or special patent spray cleaner.

        - If your upper is made from softy or nappa leather<, we would only recommend using a special leather cleaner.

        - If you upper is made from suede or nubuck, we would only recommend using a suede protection spray to assure they keep their appearance.

        Hyka (women's and girls) and Hyker (men's and boys)

        -To clean the webbing upper, wipe them with a damp cloth.

        -To clean the suede upper, we recommend using a suede cleaner.

        -To clean the leather upper, we recommend using a leather cleaner.
    • How long will a pair of FitFlop sandals last?
      • How long your FitFlop sandals last depends- as with any shoe- on how often you use them, what kind of weather they’re exposed to, and whether you hand or machine wash them between wears. (Machine-washing will probably get them cleaner, but contribute to an earlier density demise!)

        We’ve found that most people wear their FitFlop sandals sun-up to sundown during the Summer, but may rotate between two or three different colours and trade them in after a season or two. We’d recommend getting a new pair every Spring (as we can’t vouch for the efficacy of our Microwobbleboard™ midsole after more than 6 months of wear), but you can still use an old worn pair of FitFlop sandals for fun, even if they’re not still performing at their peak muscle conditioning potential.
    • I have a problem with my FitFlop Footwear. What should I do?
      • Please return any problematic FitFlop footwear to the store where you bought it where they should offer you a full refund if your pair has an obvious manufacturing fault. You may need your proof of purchase and each store has a slightly different policy so check with them first.

        If you purchased your FitFlop footwear from FITFLOP.COM please view our returns policy here.
    • My FitFlop sandals fit very loosely - is that ok or have I picked the wrong size?
      • FitFlop footwear original Microwobbleboard™ midsole has been engineered to fit a standard European width fitting. In a few instances – mostly in the US- women who have a narrower fit have found the upper webbing a bit loose in their normal size and have fit one size down more comfortably.

        In spring/summer 2010 season we introduced a slimmed-width version of our Microwobbleboard™ midsole on the Pietra, Fiorella and Riata sandals which is best-suited to slim-to-average width feet!
    • My FitFlop sandals squeak. Why?
      • This one puzzles us, we knew some people who experienced the squeaking phenomenon, but it was more ‘rare’ than ‘regular’. So we got up and walked around in our offices. All of us. In all styles and colours of FitFlop footwear. No squeaking. And then we decided to take them outside in the hottest possible weather and walk. Still no squeaking. And then one of us had a pedicure, came back in her FitFlop sandals right after, and : squeaking. So we’ve tested out the FFSF (FitFlop squeaking factor) with a random assortment of high street foot creams and it seems that squeaking may be related to wearing foot cream with your FitFlop sandals. It didn’t happen to all of us, but at present, it’s our best guess.
    • The straps are too loose/ have stretched - what can I do?
      • The webbing on the FitFlop sandals is not elasticated and should definitely not stretch. However, as with any footwear product, with continual wear, the footbed may have compressed slightly, leading to a looser feel across the upper. Normally this would not alter the fit, but rather custom mould to your foot, making the FitFlop sandals feel even better.

        If by some odd chance, you feel that your straps are stretching (we’ve never seen this happen but did get one person who thought it had happened), please feel free to return them to us and we’ll take a look at them!
  • Shopping
    • Are returns free?
      • You will have to pay postage costs for returned goods but if the shoes are found to be faulty, this will be refunded.
    • Can my order be shipped abroad?
      • We currently only deliver to mainland UK, Scilly Isles and Scottish Islands & IV40/54. At this stage we are unable to deliver internationally or to British Forces Post Offices, N. Ireland and Republic of Ireland. (FitFlop is widely available in stores in Ireland. To locate a store near you, just click on the FIND RETAILERS tab at the top of the page.)
    • Do I need to create an account to shop with you?
      • No, you can go straight to the checkout without registering. However, if you do register, then the next time you go to buy something, you’ll get through the checkout much faster. You’ll also be able to review your order history and set up reminders for friend’s birthdays etc.
    • Do you deliver to work addresses?
      • We can deliver to your residential address or your work address but, for security purposes, we cannot deliver to PO Boxes.

        If you want your delivery to reach you at work, please bear in mind that the courier will deliver to the place not the person, so you need to be confident that someone will be there to take receipt of the goods.
    • Has my order been shipped?
      • To check the status of your order just use the ‘track your order’ link in the confirmation email you receive to say your goods had been dispatched.
    • How do I cancel my order under the Distance Selling Regulations?
      • You have seven working days (from the day after you receive your goods) to cancel the contract for your order with us.

        We will issue you with a full refund, however you will need to return the entire order at your cost if you have already received them.

        In all cases, the goods must be in their original condition and will be inspected on their return.

        If we do not receive the cancelled order back, we may arrange to have them collected at your cost.

        If you decide to cancel your order with FITFLOP.com, you must let us know in writing as soon as possible (please contact: FitFlop Ltd, Customer Service Department, The Point, 101 New Kings Road, London. SW6 5NZ) or via email (to: cancellations@fitflop.com), quoting your order number.
    • How do I contact customer services?
    • How do I pay for my order?
      • You can use any of the following cards:
        • Visa Credit & Debit
        • MasterCard
        • Solo
        • JCB
        • JCL
          • We also accept payments through PayPal who have different cards and methods. For more information visit www.paypal.com

          We take security very seriously. To maintain security and prevent fraud all credit and debit card holders are subject to validation and authorisation by both us and the card issuer.
      • How do I search for a product?
        • If you don’t have something specific in mind, you can simply browse through the categories at the top of the page, then refine your search by clicking the sub categories on the left of the screen (e.g. Sandals).

          Alternatively, if you know exactly what you want, just type the product name into our search facility and we’ll do the searching for you.

          Once you’ve found what you want, click 'add to shopping bag’ and, when you're done browsing, follow the on-screen instructions to fill in your payment and delivery details.
      • How is the refund made?
        • For fraud prevention purposes, refunds, including delivery, can only be made to the original card of purchase, unless: the account no longer exists; the account details have expired; the order has been placed with e-Gift Vouchers; or if you want a credit note (this is processed once we receive the returned shoes). An email will be sent to confirm that the refund has been made. Please allow 14 days for processing. If your order is cancelled, you will receive your refund within 30 days.
      • I have a discount code, how do I use it?
        • When you are placing your order you will find a specific space in which to enter your discount code. Make sure you hit update to apply it to your order. Unfortunately, if it is not applied at this point, we can't apply it to the same order later on (although you may be able to use it on a subsequent order).
      • I have just placed an order. Can I amend or cancel it?
        • Please call Customer Services on . We will do all we can to stop your order being dispatched, but if we do not catch it in time, you will need to return it. We can only reimburse you when the goods are received back at the warehouse. If you need to change the style or size, you will need to give your card details again as we do not keep these details on file.
      • I have received an incorrect item in my order
        • If you received the wrong shoes, let us know straight away by contacting our Customer Care Team on 0845 359 9884 or email Click here to view our returns policy in full.
      • When will I be charged?
        • If your card is authorised, payment will be taken when your order is dispatched and you will receive an email confirming that your order has been successful.

          If your card is not authorised, payment will not be taken, and we'll email to let you know. Should this happen, don't despair – there may be something simple you can do to get the payment authorised. Please note: if a payment is not authorised, some card issuers may still reserve the money, meaning you can't use it for a short period.
      • Will the delivery cost be refunded?
        • You can cancel up to seven days after receipt and expect a full refund. After this period we can only offer refunds on delivery costs if the returned goods are found to be damaged, faulty or incorrect.