Toning shoes - Their True Value

It has been awhile since we have talked about the ‘toning’ shoes that hit the market last year. There have been multiple manufacturers who make shoes that claim to tone up the muscles of your legs and butt. They make claim to sculpt and tone your body just from wearing them; that they provide more exercise than simply walking to stay fit. Since you are likely to see them in the shoe store, or notice them on others feet if not your own, this blog hopes to educate you on their true worth.

Last summer, the American Council on Exercise released an independent scientific study done at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. With all the new and information buzzing around out there, we missed it and thought you may have missed it as well. They took two groups of healthy females students in their early to mid twenties and put them in the different toning shoes as well as regular running shoes while walking on a treadmill. One group had their oxygen consumption and other measures of work measured while the second group had sensors attached to all the muscle groups of the lower leg to measure their activity. After collecting all the data & comparing the different shoes the end result was…… these shoes did not provide any added benefit than you would receive walking the same distance in a normal pair of athletic shoes.

If wearing these shoes resulted in your walking more, then they may have actually allowed you to burn more calories than you would otherwise. This aside, you may be one of the people out there who find them more comfortable than your regular shoes. The thickened, curvature to the sole actually prevents some of the normal joint movement in your foot. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or some foot deformities, these shoes may be the best thing since sliced bread. Please take the time to schedule an appointment with your family doctor if you suspect you have an undiagnosed arthridity. If you have any pains or concerns with your feet, make an appointment at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Unti next time, keep those feet happy and healthy Austin!