If you've been shoe shopping recently…
there's no doubt you've seen the negative heel shoe by Rebook and Sketchers, (also known as Easy Tone and Shape-Ups) promising you firmer buns and abs "with every step." Sounds amazing right? Well, not quite. With a ton of celebrity endorsements and a highly publicized marketing campaign targeting women, who would have EVER thought there was a downside to these magical shoes? (If Miss Kim Kardashian has a pair they MUST be awesome.) But before you run out and spend $100 + on these babies, read this!
Here's the Deal:
The negative heel shoe is ergonomically designed with a soft, depressed heel and rocker bottom which, according to Reebok and Sketchers, forces the wearer to recruit more lower body muscles as he/she walks. Sounds logical, but…
...what these companies fail to tell you is that wearing these shoes actually dulls vital sensory information your brain uses to measure gait and stabilization as you walk. In other words, these shoes intentionally place you in a precarious position, leaving you prone to injuries such as ankle sprains, knee problems, falls, etc. Doing anything but walking, SLOWLY, in these moon shoes is… not wise. They are definitely not conducive to resistance training, which by the way, will yield greater health and weight management results than a change in footwear.
While Easy Tones or Shape-Ups may serve some purpose in the realm of stability training, there is little research that supports the long-term value of this alternative to stability ball or Bosu ball training.
What's the bottom line?
If you wear these shoes, yes, you may feel an initial increase in lower body muscle activity. (Any change in footwear, negative heel or not, will produce this reaction until your body adapts and realigns itself.) But in the end, these shoes are just another quick fix fitness gimmick.
For (FREE) long-term toning and strength, check out TrainerDiva's pick for lower body glory.
Do you own a pair of Easy Tones or Shape-Ups?
Don't be shy! Leave your comments below…
Written by: Elena Ciccotelli (TrainerDiva, Inc.)
To read more about Elena and the TrainerDivas, click here.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I have Skechers Tone Ups….although my butt is not smaller my lower back does not hurt as much as it used to. My posture has gotten better as well. I feel more cushion and support in each step.