31
08/10
15:07
Are Toning Shoes A Step In The Right Direction?
Toning shoes seem to be all the rage these days. the idea is that you wear these shoes, which have specially designed soles, in order to increase the amount of work performed by your lower body muscles when you walk around. This has the effect of giving you a free lower body workout – or as the publicity for Fit flops puts it – a “workout while you walk”.
Different styles are available, as are different theories of how they work. Fitflops and Reebok Easy Tones work on the “balance ball” principle. They introduce an element of instability – which you will subconsciously attempt to correct. As the muscles in your lower body try to regain balance, they do some extra work.
Skechers Shape Ups and Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) use a curved sole which is intended to produce a gentle rolling action when your foot makes contact with the ground and mimic the effect of walking in soft sand.
The various shoe manufacturers cite a variety of different independent clinical trials – as well as a whole host of very positive user testimonials – to support their claims. Needless to say, many doctors and health professionals are skeptical. However, if all that your toning shoes do for you is encourage you to walk a little more every day then that is, in itself, a step in the right direction.