By , ,
Published October 19, 2015
Toning shoes are all the rage these days as they represent the fastest-growing segment of the shoe industry. Promising to burn more calories, tone leg muscles, improve posture, and reduce joint stress, the question remains if this fad is worth the hype. Retailers of toning shoes stand by the scientific research backing the claims of their shoes and these studies are corroborated by the hundreds of consumer testimonials touting the benefits of toning shoes.
Now strengthening the "these shoes are bogus" side of the argument, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) recently released two studies comparing the benefits of toning shoes from three brands- Skechers, Reebok and MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) with ordinary running shoes. This research concludes there is "simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone." ACE also calls into question the research used to substantiate claims made by the shoe companies, challenging whether or not these studies are published in peer-reviewed journals-the scientific benchmark of a good study versus a less trusted one.
The shoes themselves are said to alter the wearer's normal walking gait through uniquely shaped (read_ not fashionable) soles and extra cushioning. This design is thought to strengthen stability muscles in the ankle and lower leg as users work harder to achieve balance. Research published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2007 explains these negative-heeled shoes were designed to mimic uphill walking to exercise the muscles of the mid-section and legs. While in normal sports shoes the heel is about 1.5 centimeters higher than the toe, in negative-heeled shoes (toning shoes) it is the opposite. This tilts the foot into a subtle flexed position at the ankle.
So what's the bottom line? It seems research remains inconclusive as it often does, but here are things you should consider:
Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD is a nutritionist and founder of www.Skinnyinthecity.com. She is also the creator of The F-Factor DietaC/, an innovative nutritional program she has used for more than ten years to provide hundreds of her clients with all the tools they need to achieve easy weight loss and maintenance, improved health and well-being. For more information log onto
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https://www.foxnews.com/health/time-to-tone-down-the-hype