Last Updated May 2011
Toning shoes, also called balance shoes, have zoomed up to a full-fledged active footwear category that is still growing. Almost every shoe brand has jumped on board, and it currently is the fastest-growing segment in the footwear industry, with sales expected to be in the billions this year alone.
Manufacturers state that these shoes help people burn more calories, reduce joint stress and improve posture. Some shoes tie in other features to add an extra challenge such as a midsole material that simulates the feel of walking in sand, extra weight in the front of the shoe, and pods of air in the midsole.
But are these shoes all that?
Toning shoes offer a promise for quick and easy fitness. The American Council on Exercise conducted a study to see if toning shoes kept the promise they made to consumers. Findings revealed that toning shoes are not the magic solution to fitness and do not offer any exceptional benefits that people can’t obtain with regular athletic shoes.
Also, podiatrists are reporting more injuries from people who wear toning shoes for long periods of time or in unsafe environments. Since toning shoes disrupt normal foot motion, there are often complaints of tightness in the heel, calf, and Achilles tendon. And since the shoe is not made to accommodate for side motion, injuries often result when someone moves out of the forward/backward plane quickly, such as when tripping, playing in ball sports or walking on uneven surfaces.
Should you invest in toning shoes? At $100 or more a pair, they truly are an investment. If these shoes can motivate you to get active, then go for it—buy a pair. There are dozens to choose from, but one brand you won’t see is Nike. They claim they won’t compromise on flexibility or stability, and it sounds as if you won’t see a toning shoe from them any time soon.
If you like the idea of an unconventional training shoe, you may want to read Christopher McDougall’s bestselling book “Born to Run”. His opinion is that the closer you are to barefoot, the better, since shoes interrupt the natural workings of the muscles of the foot and ankle. As a result, those muscles atrophy, which then results in foot and ankle instability. Not many people can get away with going barefoot at work however, so perhaps a toning shoe might just be the ticket.
If you have a specific fitness question for Alice, she can be contacted at .
About the Author: Alice Burron is an affiliate spokesperson and highly successful personal trainer for the American Council on Exercise. She earned a master’s in physical education with an emphasis in exercise physiology from the University of Wyoming and is a leading national fitness and wellness program expert.
Check out Alice's new book Four Weeks to Fabulous, created to empower the average working woman who is busy with her family, career, and wants to take control of her weight - and health. Four Weeks to Fabulous is available at www.2BFIT.net, or can be purchased on Amazon.
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