The Complete Guide To Toning Shoes

 

What Are Toning Shoes?

Toning shoes are fitness shoes that are designed to improve your health and body with regular daily wear.  The hope is that you can see health benefits typically from just walking in them.  Most have a thicker than usual sole.  This sole is also often curved.  The insoles are additionally designed to mold to your individual foot and provide extra cushion.  The range in claims about the health benefits is wide, but there is actually a lot of research that supports the toning shoes listed in this report.


In the summer of 2009, Toning Shoes officially become an International Phenomenon with the introduction of Skechers Shape Ups.  Now toning shoes have become the fastest growing segment of the footwear market.  Skechers Shape Ups were not the first Toning Shoes on the market, but they have become the most popular with an expanding line of walking, hiking, and running toning shoes.  Since then, practically every athletic shoe manufacturer has come out with their version of Toning Shoes.

The History of Toning Shoes

Arguably the first toning shoe was Earth Shoes.  Earth Shoes were introduced back in the ‘70s.  Earth Shoes were the first to incorporate the negative heel, which they called Negative Heel Technology.  The idea behind this was to create the sensation of walking in sand.  The negative heel improved posture, and activated different muscle groups than standard shoes.  The advances made with Earth Shoes lead to the next generation of modern toning shoes some 20+ years later.
The mechanics of Modern Toning Shoes start with the soles of the shoes.  There are three types of soles on Toning Shoes: the rocker bottom sole (designed to promote a more natural walking gait, reduce pressure, and improve the alignment of the spine), the curved sole (designed to create lateral instability), and the collapsible heel (designed to simulate walking in sand).  Rocker bottom shoes come in ridged, semi-ridged, and flexible soles. 

The ridged rocker toning shoes limit you to using them for just walking.  The ridged rocker sole naturally improves posture.  Semi-ridged rocker toning shoes are best for walking, but can be used for jogging.  Flexible rocker toning shoes are the most flexible, and can be used for walking, jogging, running, and cross-training.
Curved Sole Toning Shoes can be used for walking and jogging, but because of the instability of the shoes, activities that require lateral movement should be avoided.
Collapsible Heel Toning Shoes should be limited to just walking.
All Toning Shoes incorporate one, or more, of these types of soles on their shoes.  These soles cause you to use additional muscles when walking, and/or use the muscles you normally use for walking in a different way.  Some shoes correct your gait, and improve your posture – which affects your legs, glutes, hips, back, stomach, neck, and shoulder muscles.
There have been numerous debates on the effectiveness of Toning Shoes, so let’s answer the question…

Do Toning Shoes Work?

Toning Shoes cause you to use additional muscles when wearing them, or cause you to use the same muscles in a different way.  Creating a slight degree of instability activates additional muscles, and muscles you would normally use to correct the instability.  Shoes that incorporate a rocker bottom sole change your gait, causing you to work your muscles in a different way.  More of your muscles are use when you wear them, causing you to burn more calories – which in turn makes you more toned.
Many of the companies who manufacture toning shoes have done studies to show their efficacy.  And their marketing departments give the impression that putting them on and going about your normal daily routine is all that is necessary to accomplish your fitness goals.  Others have been more responsible, citing results from their studies.
Some of the over-the-top claims have caused people to question the efficacy of toning shoes, and recently the American Council on Exercise conducted their own study to validate the fitness claims that have been made.  Their study found no measurable difference when wearing toning shoes versus quality athletic shoes.

It is important to note that most of these studies were conducted in a clinical setting under a controlled environment (including the American Council on Exercise study).  MBT and Skechers have conducted broader studies where the participants wore their shoes during normal daily activities (including a regular walking regimen).  These studies concluded the shoes were effective for toning and calorie burning.  Some question these results, because the studies have not been conducted long-term.   A study that would measure the effects of toning shoes of people who wore them over an extended period of time, under normal circumstances (and including standard exercise periods), would produce a more reliable indication of the true efficacy of toning shoes.  For now, the vast majority of studies have proven toning shoes to be effective at improving overall health.
Until long-term studies are conducted, customer feedback may be the most accurate information we have on the effectiveness of toning shoes, and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.  Most people feel varying degrees of muscle soreness shortly after wearing toning shoes.  People can feel their body getting more of a workout when they wear toning shoes.

But it is important to note that replacing your existing shoes with toning shoes is not a substitute for regular exercise.  To get the greatest benefits from toning shoes, wear them in conjunction with 20-60 minutes of walking, jogging, or any exercise which will raise your heart rate and increase your metabolism.  This may come as a surprise to some, and a bit of a disappointment, but one aspect of purchase toning shoes is overlooked, and that is how they motive you to do more exercise.  If they encourage you to walk 20-60 minutes three to five times a week, they are worth the investment.

Who Wears Toning Shoes and Why Should You?

Toning shoes are designed for just about everyone – from top performing athletes to people who are not able to do more than simple walking.  This is why they are perfect for everyone.  You can wear them any time, any place.  They are great for people who have no time for exercise or for people with a strong commitment to daily exercise.  Both men and women wear toning shoes, and everyone can benefit from the health and body changes that can come from regular use.