Do Toning Shoes Actually Work?

There is an ongoing debate about toning shoes and whether they actually work. Opinion is divided; however the weight of scientific data suggests that toning shoes do actually have a positive effect on the body, and increase toning whilst promoting weight loss. Medium to long term studies highlight the benefits which can be gained from wearing the shoes as a lifestyle and exercise choice. Where the shoes fail is on the short term studies, such as those completed by the American Council on Exercise. They found no benefits from their tests conducted over 15 minutes; however in the case studies conducted on Skechers Shape Ups over 6 weeks in one study, and 8 months in a second, the longer length clearly demonstrated that over the longer term the effects of the shoes can be felt.

MBT Shoes have been on sale since 1996, and they are one of the most highly regarded on the market. The design of the shoes was not developed for toning, but rather for the health benefits which the rocker sole design offers. Their shoes, and the rocker sole design, have been tested over many years, and have been widely reported to be of great benefit to those suffering from painful foot, knee and joint conditions.

New Balance toning shoes, despite joining the toning shoe market a little more recently, offers a similar design, although more understated than both Skechers and MBT. The rocker sole has the same benefits, however New Balance studies report an 8% increase in weight loss, calculated from an 8% increase in oxygen consumption when exercising in the shoes. This is more dubious, and is not backed up with independent research so you have to take the manufacturers word for it, and let’s be honest, they do have a vested interest in their own shoes working. I’m not saying their tests are no good, but one can understand why some people are skeptical.


Featuring a different design to the rocker sole, Reebok have developed instability pods in the shoes, which add instability to the walking gait, activating the muscles in the legs and buttocks increasing toning by up to 28% in the gluteus, and 11% in the calves and hamstrings. Their studies have demonstrated that the balance pods activate muscles for longer and increase the range of muscles utilized when waling in the shoes, with variations on the same theme in their Traintone and Runtone series for the gym, and for running and jogging. Again there is no independent evidence, but wearers do report that the shoes do have an effect.

FitFlop sandals are widely credited with starting off the toning craze, when they released their toning sandals in 2007. They may not have been the first toning shoes on the market, but they certainly got the public interest going. The chic and stylish sandals are a fashionable choice in their own right, with the added benefits of extra toning whilst you walk. The shoes were developed initially as a way of trying to shift cellulite and to help reduce weight, and to turn dead time into a toning session. Developed with the help of the London Southbank University, the shoes are the product of biomechanical studies and have been clearly demonstrated to improve posture, increase muscle activity, reduce foot pressure concentration and comfort. The benefits of the shoes have been independently corroborated by Salford University and they have, with the possible exception of MBT, the greatest positive research and customer feedback of any toning shoes or sandals. It’s probably why they are still selling so well, whilst interest in many other brands has waned. FitFlop sandals ease joint pain and tone the lower body up to 30% more than standard shoes, with one test subject increasing muscle activation in the gluteus by 51%.

Whilst the studies continue and add some science to the debate, what really counts is how the shoes perform on the feet of the millions of men and women who have switched over to toning shoes. The praise for the shoes is considerable, with glowing recommendations from exercisers and sufferers of painful joints and few would argue at the comfort they offer.

Whilst some debate continues over the actual percentages of toning offered by each shoe, few would argue their use as a healthy living choice and all agree that getting men and women out of the house and walking for fitness has immeasurable benefits for long term health. Of course the major downside of the shoes is that they add instability to the walking gait, and as such can increase the chance of injury for anyone with balance issues. If you are sure on your feet however, they appear to be a great choice with a long list of wellness benefits.