Vibram FiveFingers

Remember going barefoot as a child? Now you can experience that same physical and visceral sensation by picking up a pair of Vibram FiveFingers - the only footwear that offers the joy of going barefoot with the protection and sure footed gecko-like grip of a Vibram rubber sole. 'When Vibram FiveFingers was introduced to the world, it was like a revolution,' says local distributor Pauline Png. 'Some have felt greater connectedness to the earth, and an increased sense of balance, posture, and agility.'

Already a big hit in the US, the footwear is said to help stimulate the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motions as its patented design mirrors the flex points and silhouette of your foot to propel your body forward and promote a more natural gait. Originally developed as a 'barefoot alternative' for sailing, climbing and light trekking, FiveFingers footwear is quickly gaining popularity among the sporting world.

Adds Ms Png: 'Some coaches and athletes have discovered better running form and improved injury resistance as well.

A pair of Vibram FiveFingers costs between $159-$209. For enquiries please contact [email protected].

FitFlop

Developed with UK podiatric biomechanists David Cook and Darren James at London Southbank University, FitFlop's patent-pending micro-wobbleboard technology promises a 'workout while you walk', gaining it the reputation for being 'the flip-flop with the gym built in'. This is because wearing a pair of FitFlops is said to increase the work performed by your legs by up to 53 per cent more. As a result, legs are further shaped by the longer activation of thigh and calf muscles and an increased hamstring response. As a bonus, your bum gets toned in the process to.

The added cushion in the heel also helps to reduce shock by 22 per cent, possibly providing much needed relief for ailments like joint strain, back pain, poor posture, and osteoarthritis. Its biggest selling point could be that FitFlops are as stylish as they are healthy. Just a year after its launch, Oprah Winfrey made FitFlop a style icon when she put it on her legendary Top Picks for Summer List in 2008. Other celebrities like singer Kylie Minogue and model Heidi Klum have similarly jumped on the bandwagon.

Last Tuesday, the Aurelia Snake Skin Walkstar III made its debut in Singapore. It only comes in limited quantities worldwide so fashionistas, get yourself one pronto.

The Aurelia Snake Skin Walkstar III costs $199.90 and is sold on a first come first serve basis. FitFlops are sold at Isetan, Sole 2 Sole, Ocean Paradise and Hue.

Scholl Biomechanics Orthotics and Footwear

Considered the latest breakthrough in treating foot and heel pain, the TriPlanar Control Motion System is a key feature of the new biomechanics range of orthotics and footwear from Scholl.

Designed as the perfect solution to foot pain problems arising from flat-foot conditions, lingering leg pain caused by long hours of wearing heels, the new range provides biomechanically designed support and stability to help regain proper foot function.

In addition, this patented features goes on to provide pain relief in the lower limbs, from feet to hips for those suffering from aggravated foot pain.

'Over decades, orthotics has been a painless and preferred treatment for people with foot related ailments,' says Christy Soh, country manager of SSL Healthcare Singapore that is in charge of Scholl.

'The new Scholl Biomechanics Orthotics offers distinctive comfort delivered in a unique gel-form orthotics that contours the foot comfortably and fits snugly in any footwear. With regular daily use, it allows consumers to walk pain-free in any type of shoes whether walking, running or doing any activity.

The Scholl Biomechanics Orthotics is priced from $26.90 to $43.90 at selected Guardian, Watson and Unity stores. The footwear range is priced from $78 to $98 and is available at Unity, Watson's Arch Angel and all leading department stores.

Geox

While it is natural to sweat through the feet, it is unhealthy to keep the sweat inside the shoes.

Which is why Geox came up with the perforated outsole - a series of holes made in the rubber outsole, positioned in correspondence with the highest concentration of sweat glands under the foot.

This outsole is paired with a membrane made of a special micro-porous material which absorbs sweat through the insole and lets it out in the form of water vapour hence keeping water out and feet dry and allowing feet to 'breathe' properly.

And they don't look half bad, either. Its Autumn/Winter 2009 range, for example, features wearable sharp lines and subtle detailing.

Available at Geox outlets islandwide such as Marina Square, Paragon, VivoCity and Ion Orchard.

This article was first published in The Business Times