Getting to the sole of 'toning shoes': Local podiatrist offers advice on footwear fad

By Emily Droege E-E Staff Reporter
Monday, September 27, 2010 12:30 PM CDT

While the newest fad for getting fit may sound as simple as slipping on new shoes, one local doctor cautions that results from so-called "toning shoes" can vary widely.

In recent years, the footwear market has exploded with an array of toning shoes, also known as fitness shoes, which claim to promote muscle toning by making leg muscles work harder.

According to Bartlesville podiatrist Dr. James Webb Jr., such shoes can either have positive or negative effects, depending upon the age and physical condition of the potential purchaser.

For example, Webb said that if properly utilized, the shoes may help some with heel problems and relieve heel pain. However, he also pointed out that because of how the shoe is designed, instability is a main concern for those who have poor balance and may be vulnerable to falling.

"There are risks for elderly people who have trouble balancing as they can be susceptible to falling while wearing these types of shoes," said Webb.

He explained that the structure of shoe is designed with a "rocker bottom sole," meaning that the shoes are purposely unstable and designed to facilitate a motion from the heel to toe.

"This results in a rocking motion to create a degree of instability and makes you use certain muscle groups that you normally don't use in walking shoes," he said. "They can help improve your posture and cause you to use more of your muscles, as long as they're used in the right way."

Despite the rising buzz over toning shoes, Webb pointed out that the general concept of a shoe with a rocker bottom sole has been around for several decades. Soles of this type have generally been prescribed to those with foot and ankle pain or arthritic conditions.

Webb also noted that the shoes should be utilized in the same fashion as any other piece of athletic training equipment and viewed as an addition to an exercise program.

"Because the type of shoe is targeted towards certain muscle groups, it's important that people don't use them excessively or use them for an extended period of time, like walking three miles on the first day you get them," he said. "They should be worn for a short amount each day, like 15 to 30 minutes, as a way to break them in."

Failing to take proper safety precautions and overusing the shoe has the potential to lead to injuries such as sprains, according to Webb. He also recommends that those interested in toning shoes should wear them at least 10-15 minutes in the store before buying.