Bad news for Shape Ups

Actually, this has been obvious since day one:

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/10/14/will-toning-footwear-get-you-in-shape/shaper-sneakers.html

Recently, researchers from the American Council on Exercise decided to put the toners to the test. They recruited subjects; laced them up in EasyTones, Shape-ups, and MBTs; and put them on treadmills. Then they used electromyography to measure the muscle activation in their calves, quads, hamstrings, buttocks, back, and abs. The researchers found no significant increase in muscle activity when comparing toners to normal sneakers.

"There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help wearers exercise more intensely, burn more calories, or improve muscle strength and tone," the report found.

They also look at the "barefoot running" fad and other shoe technologies. It's not an in-depth article, but it's a good read to cut through some of the marketing BS.

Being an old guy, I've seen this stuff come and go. Much of the what is being touted for the shape up type shoes and the Vibram shoe was also used in the 1960s to promote "earth shoes".

The fact is that there is no single answer for everyone--whether it's shoes, running surface, stride length, etc, etc. The issue is further confused in that changing one's pattern usually results in a short-term "feeling" that is often interpreted as "improvement". However, the actual "change" or "stimulus" is not that great and so the body quickly adapts to the new motion--if you're lucky. (For many others, the "adaptation" is an injury).

One also must always keep in mind the power of auto suggestion and the placebo effect, which play big roles in how the "benefits" of many fitness-related products are perceived -- not just shoes, but foods, supplements, etc.

One last thing: Keep that quote about the shoes experiment in mind when you see machines that promise "cardiovascular and strength benefits at the same time" or machines that have little diagrams or lighted areas highlighting muscle groups that are being "toned". Once again, the stimulus is not great enough to actually achieve the results advertised.