New inventions in fitness are common, but while some of them are truly revolutions, most are slightly helpful at best. Toning shoes were introduced to the market of fitness gear in the 1970’s, but didn’t become popular until sometime in 2009. A successful marketing campaign launched them to the top of the new fitness gear in a very short period of time.
The idea behind toning shoes is that an instability in the sole requires more effort from the body to walk or run, thus producing a higher rate of calorie burning and general fitness improvements. There are three main types of instabilities– rocker types are curved from front to back, shoes with lateral instability are curved from side to side, and those with collapsible heel technology mimic walking on a shifting surface such as sand. A shoe may combine any of the three, or use only one type of technology.
Using footwear with a sole that is not entirely flat is supposed to have various benefits for the body. Besides requiring more muscles to work, it is also supposed to support improved posture. But the companies that advertise the products often make it seem like all you need to do is replace your normal footwear with toning shoes, and you’ll be getting a workout.
Exercise is an necessary component of using this type of footwear effectively. Studies that have shown improvements in fitness when wearing these products do not support the idea that simply wearing them is enough– an exercise plan must also be followed. These types of footwear can help people make the best of their workout time, but they are not miracle workers.
The studies that support the efficacy of this type of footwear were all performed by the companies that manufacture the footwear, making them somewhat suspect. There are multiple studies of this type by various companies that show improved results when users wear this type of sneaker while exercising. The one study performed by the American Council on Exercise found no benefit, however.
Each type of technology comes with some restrictions about which kinds of exercise are best performed in them. Flexible rocker shoes can be used for various activities, while ridged rocker types are best limited to just walking and jogging. Shoes incorporating lateral instability technology should be limited to just walking and jogging, while those with collapsible heel technology are best for walkers only.
With such widespread prevalence of use, the question of whether toning shoes are helpful or not will surely be answered relatively soon. But even if people do find them useful, they are not miraculous, and will always require that people exercise while wearing them to receive a benefit. Like any other fitness tool, using them properly is necessary to see results.
How do toning shoes work? Learn more here. And if you’re expecting wet weather you can still be cool and trendy in a pair of Hunter boots – as worn by royalty!