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There are plenty of 'toning' shoes out there, but do they really help you burn more calories and tone your hips and thighs as the ads claim? According to the American Council on Exercise, the answer is, not really.
In the ACE-commissioned study, researchers had a group of women go through a series of treadmill trials to compare how they responded to exercise while wearing different shoes - regular running shoes, Skechers, MBT shoes and EasyTones. They then measured muscle activity using EMG (electromyography) to find out if the muscles responded differently while using the 'toning' shoes. The results:
- The toning shoes showed no significant increases in muscle activation
- There were no significant differences in rate of perceived exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption or calories burned while wearing the toning shoes as opposed to the regular running shoes.
Now, some readers who have reviewed the Reebok EasyTones say they think these shoes work because they can feel it in their legs and butt. Some even reported being sore after wearing them, concluding that there must be some kind of toning going on if they felt it the next day. The experts say that isn't the case. Wearing any shoe that's different may cause some soreness, but that doesn't necessarily translate into toning the butt and thighs.
So, should you avoid these shoes? If you're buying them just for the toning benefits, you might be better off with regular running shoes and a solid cardio and strength program. Aside from the lack of toning, there is some concern about long-term wear and the potential for injuries. Some readers have reported problems with their knees, feet and Achilles tendons, but there's no way of knowing who might be at risk for these types of problems or who, on the other hand, might actually benefit from wearing these types of shoes.
What do you think? Does a study like this make you re-think buying 'toning' shoes? Or maybe you've tried them and have some experience one way or the other? Leave a comment and tell us what you think or, if you can review specific shoes here: Reebok EasyTone Shoe Review, MBT Shoe Review, and Skecher Shape-Ups.
Source:
Porcari J, Greany J, Tepper S, et al. Will Toning Shoes Really Give You a Better Body?. ACE. Retrieved 7/27/2010.
- July 29, 2010 at 8:41 am(1) Lisa says:
I actually wear them because they take pressure off my ankle, which is very weak. When I walk in most shoes, stepping down is very harsh and jars my ankle, making it hurt but with these shoes, I can be on my feet most of the day. Oh, I have Sketchers shape ups.
- July 29, 2010 at 8:42 am(2) bj says:
Thanks, I have enjoyed Reeboks DMV Max walking shoes for years, but like everyone else they just can’t leave a good product alone.
- July 29, 2010 at 11:10 am(3) bev says:
I find the toning shoes make me stand taller and pull in my abs. I’m a 56 year old nurse and feel the benifits of my toners on a regular basic.
- July 29, 2010 at 11:36 am(4) Curious Visitor says:
I’m glad the ACE is looking into this, though it’s been more than 10 yrs since the “introduction” of MBT shoes… But isn’t the claim of Skechers, etc., that they give you more of a workout in *ordinary* activities (like clearing dishes off the table) throughout the day? Might or might not change the results, but I think they’re competing against espadrilles during errand runs, not Asics on the treadmill.
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- July 29, 2010 at 1:24 pm(5) Donna says:
I am on my feet all day and have had severe problems with Plantars Fasciitis, a very painful foot condition. I’ve been wearing Skechers Shape-Ups for several months now and I no longer come home at night with excruciating, aching feet. Don’t know about the shaping aspect of these shoes but they definitely provide the best arch support. They are so comfortable!
- July 29, 2010 at 3:44 pm(6) Sylvia says:
I’ve been using Reebok Easytone. I don’t see a big difference with the regular shoes so the results of the study don’t really surprise me. They are comfortable though and I intend to continue using them.
- July 29, 2010 at 6:53 pm(7) Pam says:
I have the Danskin Now rocker bottom shoes. I think my calves and hamstrings are more engaged when I walk in these because they create a rolling foot step or gait as you walk, just what you want to happen when you are doing a good power walk. They actually help you with this, so I think they do indeed offer benefits to walkers. I know that running in this type of shoe would probably be dangerous, however. For $25 I don’t think I have wasted my money. They are very comfortable and cute, as well. I don’t think I want to sink $89-100+ on one of the higher end pairs though.
- July 29, 2010 at 6:56 pm(8) Dale says:
Can’t speak to the “toning” aspect, but can tell you that wearing my MBTs prevents pain in my shins which I used to get with conventional walking shoes following vigorous walking.
- July 29, 2010 at 9:16 pm(9) Deb says:
I have the Skechers and they are great for long airplane rides–I think the higher sole takes pressure off the back of my legs. Anyway, my ankles don’t swell when I use the Skechers for a long day of flights.
- July 30, 2010 at 1:46 am(10) mary says:
I felt they really did make me work harder and were very comfortable. However, when I turned my ankle in them because of the fact they don’t turn very well with the height difference, now they are in the garbage.
- July 30, 2010 at 3:58 am(11) allyson says:
I think the truth of the matter is that these shoes do nothing for burning calories and if you read many of the ads, they seldom say you will burn more calories. And their claims of 30 percent chance and such, if you think about really don’t ad up to much. I feel if the shoes make your feet or legs or mind feel better, then get them. Personally I rather have a good pair of running shoes for the same price.
- July 31, 2010 at 8:30 am(12) Anoop says:
An another exercise gimmick to fool people.
- July 31, 2010 at 1:16 pm(13) Debra says:
I’ve been looking at these types of shoes for a long time – not willing to spend over $50 for a pair. After reading this article, and all the comments, I’m not going to spend the money. Any pair of shoes I buy, whether the cost is $10 or $100, doesn’t last longer than 6 months for me. After that length of time I develop serious pain in my calves and feet. I buy a new pair and the pain is gone, for about 6 months.
- July 31, 2010 at 6:22 pm(14) Casey says:
I wear Sketchers Shape-ups and love them. I am 65 years old and I feel taller and straighter when I walk and my back has wonderful support. I wore them walking all around New York City and my feet never hurt!
- August 2, 2010 at 3:34 pm(15) Laurie says:
I have been wearing L.A. Gear Toning walking shoes for 9 months and love them. The balance pods on the bottom seem to take alot of pressure off my feet and relieve my lower back pain. I can be on my feet for much longer periods of time. Not sure they are doing any extra toning for my legs or butt but they are light, comfortable and make me walk taller and provide less pressure to my joints. Check them out at a VERY reasonable price – under $25 on sale!~
- August 2, 2010 at 4:07 pm(16) ruth says:
I love my Sketchers. I feel like I am walking on a cloud. Due to using a full heel to toe movemnt when I walk, I am able to stretch the muscles in my legs. I have not had achy legs since I started to wear my Sketchers on a regular basis.
- August 2, 2010 at 4:13 pm(17) sheila says:
I have flat feet and have not been able to wear any brand or style of tennis shoes in my later years (i’m 55)for over two hours without having horrible feet and leg pain. I have a pair of Avia brand and I can wear these shoes for 8 hours and have no leg or foot pain. Like some of the other comments, my posture is better while wearing them. They have definitely been worth the money and risk of disappointment. I am more satisfied with these than any other tennis shoe ever.
- August 2, 2010 at 4:46 pm(18) Michelle says:
If toning shoes really did what they and it was that easy- everyone would have great legs! C’mon!!! Bottom line is..if you wanna look as good as the models that they have in the ads for them- you HAVE to put in the work! There is no magic pill or shoe- its blood, sweat and tears!
- August 2, 2010 at 4:58 pm(19) Stephanie Marcus says:
When you mentioned the shake weight I had to laugh. It is still around, as I saw an ad for it on tv a couple weeks ago. A guy was using it and my husband and I nearly fell off the couch laughing. It looked like a guy masturbating! As to the shoes, I somehow managed to collect 2 pairs of the incredibly expensive MBTs. After falling over a few times or twisting my ankle (not to mention how ugly they are), mine are languishing in the closet. I like my regular old New Balance shoes.
- August 2, 2010 at 5:56 pm(20) Mary says:
Seriously, is ANYBODY surprised by these findings???? It is just another case of looking for the easy way to weight-loss and fitness. There is no easy way, I spent most of my adult life looking for it!
- August 2, 2010 at 6:04 pm(21) woolbull says:
Good bad or indifferent, these shoes are very comfortable and that is my biggest concern. I never believed for a minute that they would burn more cals, strengthen legs, etc. But man do they feel goo
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