Study Says Toning Shoes Don't Live Up To The Hype

TV advertising and in-store promotions at many shoe stores around New Zealand have familiarized consumers with “toning shoes”.  As Podiatrists we are asked every day by our patients for advice about these types of shoes.

Leading Podiatrist Dr Kevin Kirby, an Adjunct Associate Professor within the Department of Applied Biomechanics at the Californian School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, says that foot comfort while wearing shoes is more like to come from differences in the foot structure and function than from the “toning shoes”.

Dr Patrick DeHeer, a practicing Doctor of Podiatric Medicine goes further to say that the claims being made by the marketers of “toning shoes” could be described as false advertising.

Researches compared 12 patients walking in traditional walking shoes with 12 patients walking in “toning shoes”

The researchers concluded that there is “simply no evidence” that toning shoes aid in a more intense exercise, help shoe wearers burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone.  The research was sponsored by the American Council on Exercise.