Toning Shoes....Worth the Hype?

In an recently published article, Reebok International Ltd., which is owned and operated by Adidas, has been ordered to return $25 million to consumers over reported false advertising with its’ toning shoes, which include “EasyTone”, “RunTone” as well as several types of flip-flops and clothing.

These so-called “toning” shoes, which have been available for the last couple of years, have been a popular trend, and are manufactured by many of the big shoe companies such as Sketchers, New Balance, Reebok, and MBT. However, Reebok is the first company to be penalized for making advertising claims that the shoes can result in measurable changes in muscle tone and size, specifically in the buttock and upper legs. Apparently, there was a lack of scientific evidence to support these claims.

Many of my patients have tried similar toning shoes, and the overwhelming response has been negative. I recommend to my patients to refrain from wear if they have any underlying foot deformity and/or pain due to wear of shoes further exacerbating the condition.

If you or someone you know is suffering from foot pain due to wear of toning shoes please give our office a call, 440-946-5858, for evaluation and treatment.