MBT, Shape-ups, and EasyTone Shoes

Wondering about those shoes that are advertised to tone your muscles and help you burn more calories? A recent study by the American Council on Exercise says they are not all they're hyped up to be. The study looked at Shape-ups (by Sketchers), MBT shoes, and EasyTone (by Reebok) in a group of patients and electrically monitored their muscle activity walking on a treadmill wearing the shoes. None of the people wearing any of those shoes showed a significant increase in muscle activity or exercise response. According to an article about this study in Podiatry Today, a well-respected podiatry journal, "The researchers conclude there is 'simply no evidence' in their study that the shoes aid in more intense exercise, help the wearer burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone." The best advice is to save your money, and purchase a good pair of running or walking shoes.