The Boston Globe reports that toning shoes, sneakers designed with an unstable sole so leg muscles have to work
harder  are the
fastest-growing segment in the footwear industry, with sales expected to
jump fivefold to $1.5 billion this year. The shoes, which sell for $100 a pair, are alleged to help us burn more calories, reduce joint stress, and improve posture.The Globe reports that a study by the nonprofit American Council on
Exercise found that toning shoes failed to live up to promises made by
manufacturers. Here's a quote from the report: "Our findings demonstrate that toning
shoes are not the magic solution consumers were hoping they would be,
and simply do not offer any benefits that people cannot reap through
walking, running, or exercising in traditional athletic shoes.’’ Wait, there's more. The Globe also reports that some toning shoe converts who have worn the shoes for several months have complained of pain and
tightness in the heel, calf, and Achilles tendon.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
After having read both cited articles, this appears to be a fad/gimmick to boost sells of a sagging industry and does not present any true advantage that is not offered by more traditional and stable sneakers/shoes and current exercise routines that included walking, running, weight training, cycling, skating, etc.
If you want the feel of training in sand then go to the beach or a nearby river and walk/run/dance /move in the sand.
The only benefit seems to be that some persons who would not otherwise engage in exercise seem to be motivated to do so because of their perception of hoped for benefits from the shoes.
We often seem to seek a gimmick hoping for quick results to fix a problem that took years to develop and will, in all actuality, take years to correct forgetting that short term fixes do not often provide long term results.
Despite claims by the manufacturers, these shoes are too new for any long term studies to have been done and the “seal of approval” from many organization is bought for a price and thereby is meaningless.
namaste
I had Descending Guillain-Barre Syndrome in l958 when I was a kid living in London. My legs atrophied and eventually I was bed ridden for 6 months, after which it gradually went away and I regained my strength. The English doctor who diagnosed me, had me tear off all the heels of my shoes so as to build my calf strength and stretch my hamstring muscles. GREAT idea. Wound up with strong legs and excellent flexibility, went on to become black belt, runner, bike rider. I haven’t tried any of the shoes, but the principal would work. It did for me.
Never cease to be amazed at the gullibility.
I’ve seen other gimmicks. This is a new one.
Like the magical bracelets on TV.
SHEESH!
Former shoe buyer, 17 yrs.
During the 1960s and 70s, Mr. Olympia contender Boyer Coe and others tried to popularlize shoes that had elevated soles and were said to develop calve muscles and jumping strength. Such shoes are still available and do seem to offer some benefits if used ocrrectly however, this is not the concept behind the shoes discussed in this article.
These shoes have a rounded sole rather than a flat sole in order to force your body to adjust to what feels like an un stable and imbalanced walking surface.
If you arthritis in the knees, hips, ankles or lower back, etc., this will greatly increase the discomfort and pain of the same.
If you already have an issue with balance wearing such shoes will make you more prone to falling and possible serious injury.
In the articles, various doctors discuss the injuries they have seen associated with wearing these shoes (ankle, foot, knee, etc.) so the lack of stability does present an obvious problem.
These shoes work on a very different principle and concept than those with an elevated sole as you used.
namaste
I remember Earth Shoes from the 60’s. They were a let down too.
Of course, if thousands of consumers are reaping benefits, then the product will speak for itself. Unless we have a bunch of liars on our hands. Oh, by the way, my wife owns a pair and likes them.
If a few million pairs are sold and only a few thousand reap any benefit then the same benefits must be questioned as they may not be “liars” but may be experiencing the placebo effect.
The article talks about how everyone seems to like them at first and then the foot/ankle and leg problesm begin to develop…and the doctor visits begin.
Has you wife seen her legs and glutes dramatically improve in appearence? Has her body fat level dramatically dropped? Has her posture greatly improved? All this is claimed by the various manufacturers…
namaste
I own a pair also and I like them. wearing them a few hours and day and swimming a few times a week really helps my back feel better, and my butt and calves also feel tight and formed. Everthing is not good for everybody but i decided to try these for myself and I can see where they are beneficial, they are kind of like leg weights and the heaviness seem to stretch my muscles which helps my lower back
Right, they do increase preexisting hip and knee pain, better just to wear comfy athletic shoes and walk normally.