The never-ending battle to get into better shape is all too familiar to most of us. While we are told at every turn by our doctors, nutritionists and trainers that the only way to get into shape is through diet and exercise, we each hold out hope that there is an easy fix out there. One such easy fix is being sold by various shoe manufacturers in the form of “toning shoes.” You have no doubt seen the all-too-frequent commercials for Sketchers Shape-ups with endorsements from Kim Kardashian and Wayne Gretzky, but Reebok, Crocs, Keds, Avia and Champion, among others, are all selling some form of toning shoes. They are, simply put, the hottest thing in the shoe business.
Toning shoes are designed with a rounded toe and a thicker sole to increase the heel-to-toe motion of the foot. This design is intended to make your muscles work harder to maintain balance. Indeed, that is part one of the selling points of these shoes – that they make your muscles work harder. These companies claim that wearing toning shoes can help you burn calories, increase muscle tone, improve posture and reduce stress on the back and legs. While there are serious doubts as to whether any of these claims are true, another issue relating to toning shoes has come to light – injuries.
Not surprisingly, the instability created by the design of toning shoes causes users to engage muscles not normally used while walking, which is supposed to burn more calories and tone your muscles. In reality, the instability can cause various types of injuries, including stress fractures, tendonitis, foot, leg and hip pain, sprains, natural gait disruption, and even broken bones. These shoes may pose a particular risk to elderly people and those with poor balance, vertigo or chronically weak ankles.
The simple truth is, toning shoes are not a substitute for living a healthy, active lifestyle. In fact, for some people, they can be a danger. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury from toning shoes, please contact us to discuss your legal options