YOU Docs Daily
Do Toning Shoes Work? Do You Burn More Calories Walking?
Like anyone who walks regularly (you, right?), we YOU Docs have watched the huge popularity of "toning" shoes on fellow walkers. They're now as ubiquitous as cupcakes. Unfortunately, toning shoes may not be much healthier than cupcakes.
You know the shoes we're talking about. They're premium-priced ($100 to $200) and have rounded soles that curve up sharply at both ends. Every step lands you on a springy rocking-horse arc that rolls you forward. The action throws you slightly off-balance at first, but that's part of the point. The bit of effort involved in rebalancing may tap some different muscles and can actually improve your balance (although if you have real balance issues, they could trigger falls).
The balance challenges have caused some controversy, but the shape-up claims have triggered more -- including at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Typical claims: Toning shoes do more for your posture, joints and legs than regular fitness shoes do. They also give you a JLo butt. They even burn more calories. Really?
Not really. Expert tests show that you don't use more oxygen, increase your heart rate, burn more calories, or work muscles harder than you do in regular fitness shoes. As for the FTC, it just commanded Reebok to refund $25 million to consumers for making "toning" claims it couldn't support. Apply for a refund.
As for us, we're sticking with our well-fitting, nicely cushioned walking/running shoes. They work great.
