There’s not much doubt that toning shoes are very popular with women everywhere. It’s no big surprise when you think about it. After all, they promise to provide the wearer with a leg toning, butt trimming, cellulite reducing, posture improving lower body workout with every step that they take. No need to make time to visit the gym and no need to get all hot, sweaty and out of breath. All you need to do is pull on a different pair of shoes before you leave the house and you’ll be in better shape before you know it. You can understand how many professional women or busy mothers would find that appealing.
Although toning shoes are fairly new, they are one of the fastest growing market segments in the footwear sector. A number of different designs and brands are available, the majority of these rely on a specially designed sole in order to work. The sole is designed to encourage the muscle in the lower body to work a little bit harder whilst walking. That’s how the toning and trimming effect is achieved.
Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) Shoes and Skechers Shape Ups use a thick, shaped sole which is intended to mimic the mechanics of walking across soft sand. FitFlops have a sole which makes use of something called “microwobbleboard” technology. This generates minor imbalances during the course of walking which the muscles in the lower body try to compensate for. Reebok Easy Tones use special air pods in their soles. These also produce a small amount of instability which encourages the lower body muscles to attempt to restore the body’s natural balance – which makes them work a little harder.
Many toning shoes look like fitness footwear – FitFlops are the exception to the rule. They have always looked nothing like fitness footwear and include bright sandals and clogs in their range. However, other manufacturers like Skechers are now marketing boots, shoes and sandals which look nothing like fitness footwear.
There is a certain amount of controversy surrounding toning shoes. Manufacturers have commissioned a number of studies which seem to support the claims made with respect to increased muscle activity. There are also plenty of glowing testimonials from satisfied users. Almost inevitably, there are probably just as many who consider the claims to be unrealistic and doubt whether the studies carried out to date can be considered as genuinely independent and unbiased given that the manufacturers were the source of the funding for these.
No doubt there are two sides to the story. Even so, according to health advisers, walking is one of the best ways to take exercise. If all that toning shoes do is to encourage their wearers to walk a little further than they would usually do then that’s a very positive benefit in itself.
Find out why walking to lose weight is so effective. And if you’re expecting wet weather you can still be cool and trendy in a pair of Hunter boots – as worn by royalty!