| Muscle toning shoes seem like a great idea, but do | | | | rolling bottom sole and dual-density midsole. The |
| they really work? | | | | result of exercising in Shape-Ups: |
| When combined with a regular exercise program, | | | | - Better muscle tone in your legs, back, buttocks |
| the answer is yes. | | | | and abdominal muscles |
| You will recognize muscle toning shoes by their | | | | - Less body fat |
| rounded, slightly thicker sole. A variety of | | | | - Better circulation and aerobic conditioning |
| manufacturers make them, but basically they all | | | | - Increased exercise tolerance |
| offer these benefits: | | | | - Improved posture Springboost |
| - Less stress on the knee, joints and the back | | | | Springboost muscle toners are based on years of |
| - Improved gait and straighter posture | | | | experience with high-performance athletes. As a |
| - Activate long-neglected muscles | | | | result, the shoe was developed to enhance |
| - Tone and work out your abdominal and gluteus | | | | performance in a range of sports. They are a |
| muscles | | | | cross-sport shoe that was designed to help |
| - Burn more calories while standing and walking | | | | athletes run faster and jump higher - all while |
| than other shoes Muscle toning shoes date back a | | | | using less energy than other shoes require. Their |
| couple decades to the time when Swiss engineer | | | | benefits include: |
| Karl Muller found relief for his chronic back pain. | | | | - Better posture |
| While on vacation, he spent a great deal of time | | | | - Improved blood circulation |
| walking barefoot on soft ground. Upon | | | | - Increased ankle stability |
| investigation, he found that back pain and arthritis | | | | - Enhanced workout of all muscles Orthaheel |
| were almost non-existent among Masai tribal | | | | Podiatrist - foot doctors - were involved in the |
| members in Africa - people who are known for | | | | design of Orthaheel's muscle toning shoes. They |
| walking barefoot over long distances. Muller | | | | were designed to give you natural foot function. |
| recognized that this tradition, which runs counter | | | | They come in a host of styles: athletic shoes, |
| to Western culture, accounted for less back pain. | | | | sandals and slippers. Each has a built-in orthotic and |
| Based on his research, Muller got to work | | | | is flexible and lightweight. Research shows that |
| developing a different shoe - one that mimics | | | | Orthoheels can also reduce pronation - a condition |
| walking barefoot on uneven, soft ground. In 1996, | | | | in which the weight is borne by the inside of the |
| he came up with the MBT shoe, standing for | | | | foot and causes pain in the heel and ankle. |
| Masai Barefoot Technology. His shoes were also | | | | Sano by Mephisto |
| called "anti-shoe" because they have a positive | | | | The Sano by Mephisto is a walking shoe that was |
| impact on the whole body - whereas other shoes | | | | built to absorb the shock that walking can have |
| solely address the feet. | | | | on your body. This model offers more |
| By 2003, MBT Shoes hit Western markets and | | | | compression than other Mephisto shoes. It was |
| have since sparked a number of brands, such as | | | | designed to: |
| MBTs, Skechers Shape-Ups, Springboost, | | | | - Give those long-ignored muscles a workout |
| Orthaheel and Sano by Mephisto. | | | | - Improve overall physical conditioning |
| MBT | | | | - Tighten abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles |
| The anti-shoe, MBTs have a patented curved | | | | - Enhance circulation and improve posture Earth |
| sole, as opposed to the flat sole of most shoes. | | | | Shoes |
| A "Masai Sensor" is located beneath the heel, | | | | Earth shoes have a distinctive look that comes |
| which mimics walking and standing on uneven | | | | from its "negative heel technology," which |
| ground. This artificial natural instability forces you | | | | positions your toes 3.7 degrees higher than the |
| to maintain your balance and encourages you to | | | | heel of the shoe. Combine this with an anatomic |
| use your core muscles. When you step off, the | | | | arch support and special cushioning, and you have |
| midsole requires you to take a rolling movement | | | | a shoe like no other. The benefits of wearing |
| with every step. All of this combines to give you | | | | Earth shoes include: |
| a better walkout than other shoes. After walking | | | | - Create a leaner body mass |
| in MBTs, you will find your entire body has had a | | | | - Enhance your walk |
| workout. They will strengthen your muscles, | | | | - Better posture |
| improve your posture and take the pressure off | | | | - Improved breathing |
| your joints. | | | | - Burn up to four times more calories with every |
| Skechers Shape-Ups | | | | step No matter which shoe you wear, remember |
| Skechers are known for their fun, modern look. | | | | that they will not work unless you get moving. |
| Skechers Shape-Ups combine their sense of style | | | | Regular exercise, combined with muscle toning |
| with the benefits of muscle toning shoes. As the | | | | shoes, will improve your endurance, cardiovascular |
| company touts, they help you "shape up while | | | | health and your posture. Best of all, they will |
| you walk." They have a kinetic wedge insert that | | | | make you aware of how you are standing and |
| absorbs the shock of walking on hard surfaces, a | | | | walking. |