You have probably seen the television commercials or print ads for toning shoes from manufacturers like Skechers, Reebok and New Balance among others. These ads make several claims about the effects of these shoes on your fitness such as improved posture, increased muscle activation in the buttocks and thighs, and increased calorie expenditure among others. One brand of shoe produced by a company called MBT is based on the walking habits of members of the Masai people (known for their perfect posture and lack of low back pain) who were observed walking barefoot over soft earth and sand. The curved bottom of the MBT shoe was designed to create an unstable walking base meant to mimic the natural environment of the Masai. All this begs the question : Are these claims accurate or even true?

     The American Council on Exercise recently released two studies comparing the benefits of "fit shoes" from three companies (MBT, Reebok, Skechers) with traditional running shoes from New Balance. These Studies concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims that fit shoes help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories, or improve muscular strength or tone compared to traditional shoes.

     As of March 2011 only two randomized controlled studies exist analyzing the effects of these or similar shoes. The only claims supported in these studies are some pain reduction over time in patients with moderate osteoarthritis in the knee or low back pain.

     Claims have also been made about the safety of these shoes. People have reported an increased risk of falls or ankle sprains wearing these shoes. One 2009 study specific to the rocker bottom type shoe did conclude that they may increase falls risk. However no current studies support claims that all of these shoes are unsafe or increased pain. 

     Although these shoes may have some benefit for individuals with low back or knee pain (due to the effects of cushioning and shock absorption), they cannot be recommended for the other fitness claims at this time.   

References

The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine Summer 2011 "In Motion" Newsletter Hunter, M MD and Dowling, J MD "Toning shoes may not be as beneficial as advertised." 

Albrecht B.C  and Woodhull-Smith WM. Rocker bottom soles alter the postural response to backward translation  during stance. Gait and Posture 2009 Jul:30 (1):45-9