A new style of walking sneaker has been gaining popularity, called a toning shoe. Billed as “a piece of exercise walking equipment” by the manufactures. They work by creating a mild instability during your walking activity. Your body compensates for this instability there by working the leg and glute muscles harder than usual…hence generating a “toning” benefit. Although the manufacture’s designs vary, they generally have pods or curves in the bottom of the shoe that create the desired instability. They claim that this imbalance, results in a 11 to 41 percent increased muscle activity in the legs, glutes and calves. Additional benefits include a decrease in joint and back pain.

There have been several manufacture sponsored studies that have demonstrated positive results. In one study, two-thirds of women who wore toning shoes reported a decrease in their cellulite and a significant weight loss of 2.9 pounds. In another six-week test showed that users lost an average of 3.25 pounds. However many podiatrists and exercise professionals remain skeptical regarding many of the claims being made.

A review of available users comments seem to indicate overall approval. The shoes feel very soft and cushy, with a bit of a wobble. At a slow pace, they are comfortable and easy to walk in. Little increase in effort was apparent. At a quicker pace there was a noticeable increase in muscle activity. Users did express reservations about the weight,  the look (some describe them as downright ugly) and the price. They are in the $250 to $300 range. The most frequent positive comment from frequent users was relief of knee and back pain and a general improvement in posture. The toning benefit didn’t seem to rank high on anyone’s list.

There are available in three styles: sneaker, sandal and boot. Currently there are four companies marketing a toning shoe. MTB (mbt.com), Reebok (reebok.com), Sketchers (skechers.com) and Fitflop (fitflop.com). These are really designed as walking equipment only. Because of the instability they are not recommend for anything more than a “slow jog”.

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