Indiana Spine Group

This spine wellness blog entry will answer a frequent question asked about “toning” shoes, and if they really work. Most likely you have seen the advertisements or watched the commercials where shoe manufactures announce that their brand of toning shoes can help you lose weight or help you get into shape. According to Adam Ebbert, PT, CEAS, a physical therapist with Indiana Spine Group, the most effective way to get into shape is a dedicated exercise program. 
 

The design of these shoes is such that when individuals initially walk while wearing them, they are using muscles that they normally do not use. Additionally, with a few of the shoes – the sole is designed in such a way which forces the walker to balance themselves. Again, this uses muscles that are normally not used.

 A recent study, conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), concluded that these shoes did not have greater impact than normal shoes when worn during walking. This study evaluated calories burned and muscle usage, while participants wore various toning and normal active shoes.

In this study, there were two groups. The first group consisted of 12 active women aged 19-24. While wearing a variety of shoes, their exercise response was monitored while they walked a series of five-minute intervals on a treadmill. The second group, also consisted of 12 active women aged 21-27 who also wore various shoes while walking on the treadmill. While this group walked their muscle usage was measured.

For more information about this study, visit this link. Additionally, an article on WebMD summarizes this study.