Do "Toning Shoes" Really Work?

submitted on July 7, 2010 by HouTex in "Products / Gadgets"

Has this new fad caught on with you?

Toning shoemakers - Skechers, Reebok, MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology), Avia and New Balance - are rolling out sleeker-looking toning sneakers for running, training and hiking that look more like athletic than orthopedic shoes.

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-.....e_ups/list - Shape-ups
http://www.reebok.com/US/search?t=easytone - Easytone
http://us.mbt.com/default.aspx - The "Anti-Shoe"
http://aviadirect.com/ - Avi-motion
http://www.newbalance.com/perf.....ng-toning/ - Rock&Tone

Other companies, such as FitFlop, are beginning to roll out toning sandals and clogs. The company describes their product as "Footwear with a gym built in. Get a workout while you walk." http://www.fitflop.com/

Toning shoes typically sell for more than basketball, running or cross-training shoes. So that has made toning shoes a bright spot for manufacturers and retailers in the otherwise flat athletic footwear market.

The only thing bigger than toning shoes' sales growth might be the claims their marketers make about them. The Skechers website says Shape-ups will help you "Shape Up While You Walk" by toning your butt, leg and abdominal muscles, burning calories, fighting cellulite, improving your posture and circulation and reducing knee joint stress.

"Get in Shape Without Setting Foot in a Gym," Skechers claims.

Reebok, on its website, says the balance-ball-inspired technology used in its EasyTone shoes generates 28% more muscle activity in the gluteus maximus muscles of test subjects and 11% more in their hamstrings and calves.

"EasyTone shoes help tone your butt and legs with every step," Reebok says.

MBT says its "Anti-Shoe" will "tone muscles your trainer never knew you had."

While there may be elements of truth to the ads, doctors have questioned the effectiveness and safety of toning shoes.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports.....=obnetwork

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Comments

professor

2 4 6

Posted by pablos17 on July 8, 2010

[reply]

I think they're ugly.

And if one really wants to tone up then real exercise is the answer.

professor

Posted by DebsFreebies on July 8, 2010

[reply]

If I'm not "toned" when I put them on, I don't think I would like tennis shoes that inadvertently made me "hurt" while wearing them

professor

Posted by JackBauer on July 8, 2010

[reply]

I bought this pair and I love them:

http://www.skechers.com/shoes-.....idth/nvsl/

They are extremely comfortable. The extra cushion in the soles provides added support for the nagging sports injuries. I have had my knee operated on twice and their are day where it hurts to walk for exercise. In these shoes, I have felt no pain in my knees and I can feel my calves burning as I walk. That is something I haven't felt in a long time in regular shoes. I have yet to feel a difference in my abs and back, but I definitely see a difference in my calves, quads, hamstrings and glutes.

Since this is a bargain hunting site, most Sketcher stores will sell the original Shapes-up for their outlet store price. I got the pair I posted over for $109.

In closing, I love these new kicks.