You should see my butt after wearing these shoes for 2 weeks!
The American Council on Exercise released results this week of an independent study on the effectiveness of toning shoes. I know this will anger some of my readers because I know some of you wear these shoes! The study showed no evidence that the shoes can help you exercise more intensely, burn more calories, or improve muscle strength or tone. For the full study results go here: http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/toningshoes072010.pdf
The manufacturers tout their own studies that “prove” the benefits of their shoes, but really, how do you trust a study done by the maker of the shoe. Do you think they would release a study that showed their sneakers did no more than any other sneaker?
A big problem I have with these products is that even if they did work there is no way to progress. Let me explain- the human body responds to progressive resistance. As you get stronger, you must challenge yourself more. If these shoes did make your butt or legs stronger, then your body would adapt in a week or two and then no more benefit for you.
I’m just not a big fan of anything to alters your normal gait- this includes common running shoes that supposedly help with pronation, supination, flat feet etc. In my mind, these shoes are just crutches. If you really have a problem with your foot, don’t just put a shoe on it and hope it will get better. Fix your foot. Is it even a problem with your foot or does your foot flatten because there is a problem at your hip? You would get better results and probably feel better if you explored the root of the problem and not just a symptom.
The study did reveal one positive attribute to the shoes- the ability to get some sedentary folks of their butts and moving more. So, if you are in that group, great. However, don’t buy into the marketing hype that these shoes will cure all that ails you. You won’t miraculously lose weight and get stronger just by putting on a pair of shoes. You do have to do some work, even if it is just walking more. Sorry to be Danny Downer today but if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Losing weight and getting in shape takes work, dedication and effort. Beware of the quick fix, as they are all just marketing and promises. To lighten the mood, I give you my newest favorite infomercial….. The Shake Weight!
I just read an article about this too! I’m so glad you elaborated. It was hard to imagine that shoe could make such claims to improve your tone. I’m SO glad I never invested in a pair. I tried on a pair, and all it did was give me foot cramps. No thanks.
I’ll stick to my New Balance and hit the pavement for a few miles, I’m pretty sure thats how other people do it too
Great post!
Many people are misled by the claims of the shoe manufacturers. I would try to roll the bottom of your feet with a tennis or lacrosse ball for the cramps. You said it- the people who are successful put in the work.
hahaha!! My mother in law gave me a shake weight for christmas. it took everything i had not to roll my eyes or laugh my ass off..like i’d use that. In her defense tho, she really does know NOTHING about fitness so…