Nov 17, 2009 6:26 pm US/Eastern
Fitness Shoes Claim To Help You Shape Up
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
MBT, Reebok, Sketchers are all getting in on the action. MBT calls them the anti-shoe that is good for the body.
Jennifer Stanley has been selling MBT's to women and men for years. "It just motivates you to get up and walk."
Skechers, calls them fitness footwear. They say you can shape up without ever stepping foot in the gym. They have a whole line of shape-ups from walking shoes to shoes to wear to work.
Jennifer Weiderman describes the science behind the design. "These shoes you put them on, use them in daily life, firm muscles in posture and if you use them regularly you will see results."
She says a kinetic wedge from heel to toe simulates walking on sand and works muscles harder, so you burn more calories. "The shoes have a rocker bottom so they actually force you to stand-up straight."
In Shape-ups you are supposed to walk heel to toe and do a sort of rolling motion. You're supposed to bend your knees and spring off every step to keep your balance and tighten those abdominal muscles.
Roxanne and Maria Moreno traded in their regular walking shoes for the Skechers Shape-Ups to test them out. "It doesn't feel like I'm wearing a sneaker. It doesn't feel like you have to find your balance," said Maria.
Skechers says clinical studies back up their claims: at least 45 minutes a day in the shoes and you'll get a better backside, muscle tone and better posture.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hamid Mir thinks the claims may be a bit overstated, but does say if people wear these, they need to be careful -- especially on uneven surfaces. "I can see some potential problems and sprain there ankle."
Roxanne and Maria say they could feel a difference even after just one week. "When we're walking, I could really feel it in the legs and calves," said Maria.
These fitness shoes don't come cheap, they cost anywhere from $100 to $250 a pair.
And remember, if you have problems with balance or orthopedic issues, these probably aren't the shoes for you.
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