Toning shoes (MBTs/Shapeups etc.)

[fustercluck]

These types of shoes have become quite popular. They seem very gimmicky. After doing some research, many people say just that, and that they don't work. While many others seem to like them a lot (they have good reviews almost everywhere).

Anyone here tried them? I'm considering them to help restore my balance to how it should be, and perhaps maybe even help straighten out my spine. That's a lot to ask for a pair of shoes though.

New Balance seems to be the latest to get in on the 'toning shoes' market. I have wide ass feet so I'd most likely be getting some of those if I were to buy any. Too bad new balance shoes are almost always fugly :x

 

[classy]

Kmart makes a very good pair, cheap too. The sole on the Kmart brand though ain't as durable as some of the more expensive ones, which shouldn't be a surprise.
http://www.therashoe.com/therapeutic-shoes.html

 

[vi edit]

I'm of the belief that "toning" is mostly a scam and you never really "tone" until you melt away the fat over the muscle first. And even if you are lean, "toning" isn't intentionally flexing a muscle all the time to make it look that way at rest. That's the same thing that heels do to women. They basically make their calves flex all the time.

So yeah...I think it's a lot of hooey.

Just my .02.

 

[surfsatwerk]

These types of shoes have become quite popular. They seem very gimmicky. After doing some research, many people say just that, and that they don't work. While many others seem to like them a lot (they have good reviews almost everywhere).

Anyone here tried them? I'm considering them to help restore my balance to how it should be, and perhaps maybe even help straighten out my spine. That's a lot to ask for a pair of shoes though.

New Balance seems to be the latest to get in on the 'toning shoes' market. I have wide ass feet so I'd most likely be getting some of those if I were to buy any. Too bad new balance shoes are almost always fugly :x

Your expectations of these "shoes" are delusional.

 

[ShawnD1]

I'm of the belief that "toning" is mostly a scam and you never really "tone" until you melt away the fat over the muscle first. And even if you are lean, "toning" isn't intentionally flexing a muscle all the time to make it look that way at rest. That's the same thing that heels do to women. They basically make their calves flex all the time.

Toning just means getting stronger. People who work at McDonalds have toned legs because they use their legs all the time. Their legs will push the same weight as yours, but they won't get tired doing it.
My legs are not toned. They get tired just by walking a couple blocks on uneven ground.

 

[vi edit]

Toning just means getting stronger. People who work at McDonalds have toned legs because they use their legs all the time. Their legs will push the same weight as yours, but they won't get tired doing it.
My legs are not toned. They get tired just by walking a couple blocks on uneven ground.

Sorry, I guess there's a couple different definitions of "toning" shoes. The one I was most familiar with was whatever Kim Kardashian was peddling during the super bowl with some lame line about "since having these I never needed to go back to the gym!".

And that's what I was really referring to. The whole 'Merican shortcut to health and fitness that we throw fistfuls of money at for nothing.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Sketchers/etc. are gimmicks.

The MBTs however are the real deal. I snagged a pair for cheap a while back. They are NOT made for running. Strictly walking, and MAYBE some light jogging.

If I'm at the track for a couple of miles and just walk, the MBTs make a large difference compared to my ASICS. Granted the effects they claim are lofty and I don't think it makes some huge positive body improvement, but if you are going to be just walking, I don't see the harm in throwing a few extra bucks towards the MBTs.

FWIW, there are plenty of case studies on the MBTs which show improvement (some only very slight, but there). There are none, AFAIK, on any of the others.

 

[Zargon]

Sorry, I guess there's a couple different definitions of "toning" shoes. The one I was most familiar with was whatever Kim Kardashian was peddling during the super bowl with some lame line about "since having these I never needed to go back to the gym!".

And that's what I was really referring to. The whole 'Merican shortcut to health and fitness that we throw fistfuls of money at for nothing.

well she was already in shape, they can probably manage for leg fitness, they just make your legs/tendons/joints work a lil harder for each step, the theory is sound. its kinda like free weights vs machines.

 

[dealmaster00]

There is a strong misconception of the word "tone". The shoes you wear will not affect your "tone." The three things that do are eating right, working out, and getting enough sleep. If you eat healthy foods, follow a structured workout plan made by professionals, and get 8 hrs of sleep a night, you are going to look and feel a lot better. Working out will give you muscle mass, rest makes sure you dont overtrain, and varying how much you eat will determine how much you weigh (eat less and you will likely look more "toned", eat more and you will get bigger).

PS: You are correct, those shoes are a gimmick, if you want to waste your hard earned money then by all means, buy them.

 

[dullard]

I'm not quite sure how they are supposed to work considering that their customers are just sitting on the couch all day.

 

[ShawnD1]

I'm not quite sure how they are supposed to work considering that their customers are just sitting on the couch all day.

lol this. Even with regular shoes, I would greatly benefit from walking more than I do.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

anybody who thinks wearing special shoes will make them fit or get them inshape is legitimately mentally handicapped and should be treated as such.

 

[zanejohnson]

i know i love the bootyfest that is there commercials though

 

[fustercluck]

Forget about weight loss/toning. What I'm interested in is if they could improve balance/posture it any way.

PS IceBerg you're one post away from 15,000 =o

 

[Aluvus]

Anyone here tried them? I'm considering them to help restore my balance to how it should be, and perhaps maybe even help straighten out my spine. That's a lot to ask for a pair of shoes though.

Yes, most people would turn to a doctor or physical therapist for something like this, rather than a shoe.

 

[DangerAardvark]

Shoes that make walking harder. Wonderful.

 

[fustercluck]

Yes, most people would turn to a doctor or physical therapist for something like this, rather than a shoe.

Hardyhar. I'm not expecting a shoe to be the end-all solution to solve all of my problems, but if they help at all with balance/posture they would be worth looking into. That's what I'm trying to find out. Doesn't sound like anyone here has tried them though.