Will The Best Toning Shoes Actually Work?

Toning shoes have recently been gaining popularity among people who want to be fit. That is because the best toning shoes around claim to make your body burn more calories, and work more of your muscles just by the simple act of wearing them daily. Granted, some of the shoes which came out don't have a shred of evidence as to their efficacy. But some actually made studies and released their results to the online public.

If you are curious about these shoes, you should know that there are three types based on their soles: the rocker bottom, curved, and collapsible heel types. There are minor variations within each type depending on how they are meant to be used, although these are mostly limited to walking and jogging.

There is only one reason why these shoes are supposed to work: they are unstable. And because they are unstable, they force your body to use other muscles in order to keep you from falling down. This added effort, from muscles you won't otherwise use, burns extra calories, improves your posture naturally, and keeps your muscles toned.

One of the best toning shoes is the Skechers Shape Ups. It is a rocker bottom type combined with a collapsible heel and curved sole. Its technology is claimed to increase the instability and the subsequent muscle activation. There are three styles: athletic, casual and boots, to be used while jogging, working out, and hiking, respectively. People testify to their instability and extra workout effect. They cost around $100-$115.

Another one of the best toning shoes are the MBT shoes. It is also a rocker bottom combined with a collapsible heel and curved sole. It introduces a high degree of instability which activates a lot of muscles but at the same time limits the wearer to walking only. There are four styles: athletic, casual, boots and dress shoes. Their greatest benefit appears to be relief of lower back pain. They cost around $100-$260.

But given these characteristics and brands, there is one drawback to the best toning shoes: they limit your activities to some degree. For instance, you really cannot play great tennis with them, or basketball, as the inherent instability will inevitably make you stumble. They are also priced a bit higher than regular shoes. But for all that, there seems to be some merit to wearing the best toning shoes, as shown by some preliminary studies and testimonies.