"Toning Shoes" or Phony Shoes?

by Anne Landman — June 30, 2010 - 2:32pm
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Reebok Shape-upsThose roly-poly sneakers you are seeing everywhere -- with rounded soles like a rocking chair -- are marketed by manufacturers like Skechers, Reebok, Avia and New Balance with claims that they promote healthy weight loss, improve posture, fight cellulite, reduce knee joint stress and improve the shape of wearers' thighs and buttocks. The customer base for the shoes is 90 percent women, and they sell for $100 to $250, They also represent the fastest-growing segment of the athletic footwear industry. Skechers even hired Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana to tout the shoes in an effort to entice more men to buy them. But doctors are starting to warn that the shoes destabilize how people walk, and wearing them can strain people's Achilles tendons. The shoes can also be a special threat to older people who have more difficulty keeping their balance. Their built-in instability makes a wearer work harder to maintain balance, giving more of a workout, according to companies that make them, and while there are some elements of truth to the ads, doctors question their safety and want more independent studies of the shoes instead of industry-financed research. Meanwhile, David Davidson, national president of the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, says "Nothing about these shoes has any redeeming value to me," and he says he's suspicious of any shoes that come with an instructional booklet and DVD.

Main Source: 
USA Today, June 30, 2010

Comments

Ankles and Hips

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on May 6, 2011 - 12:28am.

I went to buy the Sketchers brand when they first came out and I noticed, right away, that my ankles pronated. Now that can't be good, right?

I get the balancing...I know that works lots of muscles...but I don't think that walking briskly, balancing, annnnnd trying not to turn or sprain one's ankle is a healthful regime.

So I bought the Reebok brand instead, lower and cheaper at the time. I use them about once a week. I find that they provide (my legs, shins and feet) a real workout. But they also do something strange to my hips.* The next morning my hip feels a little 'out of place.'

These footwear mfrs, exercise equipment companies, and supplement makers are just out for the almighty dollar$. We consumers must be VERY, VERY CAREFUL!

*(I injured one of them using Tony Little's Gazelle contraption. aauuuggghhh)

Bouncy Shoes

Submitted by Tude Pangal (not verified) on November 27, 2010 - 5:28pm.

After hearing some positive comments on these shoes, I decided to go to a store and try them on to see what the hype was all about. Other than the fact that you bounce a little when you walk with them (I'll bet one must look sort of funny while doing that), I didn't notice anything that would even remotely justify the price tag.
The sales associate I talked with told me it's mostly women who buy them, which is why they only had a couple of models in mens' shoes.
I decided that until I am convinced that they really do work miracles (as far as low back pain goes), I'll hold off on this purchase/investment and stick with my old-fashioned exercises. Most likely though, as in all areas of life, dramatic results and changes come with consistent work, rather than with the purchase of a pair of shoes. Just an opinion.

Re: "Toning Shoes" or Phony Shoes?

Submitted by katlopez (not verified) on October 10, 2010 - 8:20am.

At a glance the shoes looks classy and fashionable. But I doubt the stability like the experts do. The soles are too high and too thick making it unstable when used I think. Though I won't be victimized by these kind of shoes first and foremost because I can't afford to waste that much money on shoes and second thing is I prefer simple design shoes. Sometimes non-branded shoes perform best.

Great post, you might just

Submitted by Anonymous on September 28, 2010 - 9:21am.

Great post, you might just have saved me a fair bit of money. It's easy to get seduced by these kinds of products. Long live the internet for saving us from them!

Rob.

I still prefer a good

Submitted by chiropody4all (not verified) on September 17, 2010 - 6:43am.

I still prefer a good exercise than buying this expensive pair of shoes.

What a nonsense...

Submitted by Iron Rich Foods (not verified) on September 6, 2010 - 10:52am.

... shoes that come with a DVD... just another marketing ploy. People need to focus more on basic things to improve their health like exercise and a balanced diet rather then fall for silly gimmicks...

sandals are helpful in toning the muscles of your feet too

Submitted by Alibaba (not verified) on August 11, 2010 - 1:14am.

Fitflop sandals fall in that category of sandals. These sandals help the wearer lose weight and maintain healthy posture while walking. These sandals are helpful in toning the muscles of your feet, legs, and buttocks. They further help in reducing wear and tear, the main cause of injuries of the lower extremities. If you find it difficult to spare time for being at the gym regularly, your best bet is to go for Fitfop sandals to help you tone your muscles and burn fat.

no therapeutic claim

Submitted by Jeremy Streeton (not verified) on July 19, 2010 - 9:41pm.

This shoes have no therapeutic claims.
They're just good for display.
You can get fit with just any other shoes.

I'm Glad I read this information

Submitted by mcampbell (not verified) on July 15, 2010 - 4:49pm.

Well, honestly my sister planned to buy this shoes this coming august since she's amazed with the benefits that she can get with it. When she introduced this to me, I told her I don't believe and I just suggest her to continue her daily exercise at gym and don't mind this. IMO, as long as you have a comfortable shoes while having exercise is very fine too me. It just need proper healthy diet and exercise. And for sure you will be healthy and you'll get out of stress. ;) I will bookmark this information and share it her. Thanks!

These shoes are GREAT

Submitted by Middie (not verified) on July 13, 2010 - 8:34pm.

There are non-Skechers versions of this shoe, which do not claim to aid weight loss, muscle tone, or decrease cellulite, and for people with joint pain, the shoes are very helpful. The rocking motion helps you take the pressure off the joints. At least that's been my experience. Hairdressers and janitorial staff who are on their feet a lot swear by them, too. I know because that's how I found out about the shoes, from a cleaning woman at my office and from my sister's hairdresser. Yes, the shoes are ugly and expensive. But it's worth it because of the relief I get from my aching knee and hip joints. So there.