Toning shoes

JennS19
JennS19 Posts: 642 Member
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
So I'm curious, are these worth the money? If you own a pair do you really like them or not? Would you buy them again if given the chance? What do you like about them and what brand do you have?

Thanks!
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Replies

  • MannAmanda
    MannAmanda Posts: 50
    I tried some one and walked around the store a bit. They felt weird. I didn't like them so I didn't spend the money. But that's just me. Maybe you will like them.
  • karilynn27
    karilynn27 Posts: 190 Member
    I have a pair of Sculpt and Tone Fila's and I LOVE THEM. I also boiught a pair of the Reebox's version too. They are awesome and I really feel a difference when I work out! Totally worth it! I also went to rack room shoes and got mine on sale.
    I would't get the sketchers brand because they look totally weird and are shaped like a cradle. Weird. I also didn't like the way they fit and feel. The reebox look like a real running shoe and you cant tell that they tone you.
  • CassieLEO
    CassieLEO Posts: 757 Member
    I just bought a pair of Reebok Runtones today! So far, so good! I am not a fan of the clunky looking toning shoes, but these look pretty sharp! I have been wearing them around the house, and I dont notice anything awkward about them. I spoke to the sales guy at ****s Sporting goods and he said these are better for walkers and runners than the regular Rebok Toning sneaker (I forgot the name of it) because some people have reported Ankle Rolls while running and power walking in them. I went with these because they dont have the ball thingy right in the middle of the foot.
  • fitoverfifty
    fitoverfifty Posts: 192 Member
    I think they're a waste of money......maybe they work for some people because now they are walking, just because they have the shoes?

    They think of new stuff just to get you to spend money.
  • bunnysone
    bunnysone Posts: 486 Member
    I wear vibram five fingers. They are the closest thing to walking around in bare feet so give the ultimate result.

    Takes a little while to get used to them, but they become second nature. BRILLIANT for working out in the gym, walking and supposed to be great rockclimbing and boating, but I havent tried that yet!
  • missmmaynes
    missmmaynes Posts: 79 Member
    I have Sketchers toning shoes. I love them! I walk kids to and from school and I can actually feel it in my legs and butt after I get home. I wouldn't rely on them as the only exercise to do but I think they are interesting enough to have bought them.
  • thedestar
    thedestar Posts: 1,275 Member
    I have the Skecher's Shape-Ups and I really like them. They're very comfortable! I don't know that they tone all the parts of my legs and bum, but I definitely feel it in my calves! I want to get the sandal version for this summer!
  • CassieLEO
    CassieLEO Posts: 757 Member
    And to me, even if it only works a little bit, it is worth the money!!!! I am so excited to be getting into shape!!
  • violynist
    violynist Posts: 61
    My Sketchers Shape-ups definitely worked on my butt. 100% no question. I only had a butt like that before when I was doing squats at the gym. The first time I wore them for a long time my legs were super sore, so I know they worked.

    I wouldn't say they work for weight loss, and they are unstable.

    But if you want more butt muscles, go with them.
  • FearAnLoathing
    FearAnLoathing Posts: 4,852 Member
    I have some sketcher shape ups,I wouldnt but them thinking the are going to tone everything up they dont.I bought them because I was working at wal mart at the time on my feet for 8 hours.I can say they really helped with me foot an leg pain.So to me they were worth it.
  • Sarahr73
    Sarahr73 Posts: 454 Member
    I have read he reviews on them, I was planning on getting a pair, and now I won't waste my money on them. They keep you off balance with the air pockets in the bottom. Those air pockets are designed to last about 6-9 months. Someone said they actually called the company (sketchers I believe) and the rep told them they only last that long. Many people have said their air pockets deflate or break within the first 6 months, more at about 9 months. I would say if they go on a great sale and you still want to try them, get them. But don't pay the money they are asking at full price.
  • woja9640
    woja9640 Posts: 450 Member
    I have a pair I bought at Payless Shoes for $25 and while I am not sure if they work... I have toned up my thighs and *kitten*. I no longer have "thunder thighs" as much as I used to, my *kitten* doesn't create a little shelf, and my calves feel toner.

    It's your choice on whether YOU think it's worth it. Personally, I say if you can find the right pair, for the right price, every little bit helps LOL.

    Good luck to ya. :bigsmile:
  • ChelDM
    ChelDM Posts: 145
    I wear Avia I-Tones...They are the equivalent to Sketchers Shape-Ups but I paid less for them and I absolutely love them to death...even over my cross-trainers and although I have walking sneakers..I wear my I-Tones nearly all of the time...I can feel them working while I walk and when I first got them I was actually sore for a couple days...They are wonderful at toning the calves, shins, and buttocks...I swear by them.

    I have some expensive trainers and yet I only paid $20.00 for these at Ross and I love them far more than the others.

    Hope this helps.
  • cindywhitney
    cindywhitney Posts: 25 Member
    I have the reebok runtones and love them...I didn't necessarily get them for the toning aspect, but I had been having more and more pain in the balls of my feet and wanted more cushion. They are great! I don't use them much for running (I have a different pair I've designated for outside), but are great in step class and weight lifting classes. I noticed a little more soreness around my calves and shins the first couple workouts, but I don't notice it anymore. I have a couple friends who have the reebok easy tones with a larger round cushion on the ball of the foot and they don't like them as much---they have to be really careful not to roll their ankles, esp. doing lunges and side to side aerobic work.457035.png
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  • CassieLEO
    CassieLEO Posts: 757 Member
    I have read he reviews on them, I was planning on getting a pair, and now I won't waste my money on them. They keep you off balance with the air pockets in the bottom. Those air pockets are designed to last about 6-9 months. Someone said they actually called the company (sketchers I believe) and the rep told them they only last that long. Many people have said their air pockets deflate or break within the first 6 months, more at about 9 months. I would say if they go on a great sale and you still want to try them, get them. But don't pay the money they are asking at full price.

    The thing of it is, running shoes are only good for about 500 miles. SO, If you are exercising by running, walking, etc, you will wear them out a lot sooner than 6-9 months. When I used to run and walk a lot years back shoes lasted me a average of 4-6 months...
  • goatstew
    goatstew Posts: 50
    I bought the Sketcher's Shape-Ups at Costco for a good price. They have a range of toning shoes, the most intense ones are pretty weird looking, but the ones I got are extended fitness, designed for all day, all around wear. So I don't feel self conscious wearing them to the store, or around town. In fact, they're kind of cute for tennis shoes. I like them. I think every little bit you do to help you get healthy counts, so owning a pair of fitness shoes may not be the solution to all of your problems, but it is a step in the right direction. NO pun intended.
  • toots99
    toots99 Posts: 3,794 Member
    I got the Reebok Runtones and while I don't think they have changed or toned anything. they are easily the most comfortable sneakers I've ever owned.

    And you can get them at Marshall's for $50, which is a lot cheaper than they usually are at other stores.
  • jforddesign
    jforddesign Posts: 14 Member
    I had a friend try them and he ended up gaining weight...the stupid things were so uncomfortable that he just sat on the couch.
  • believetoachieve
    believetoachieve Posts: 675 Member
    I read a study somewhere that said those types of shoes aren't any more effective than a "regular" pair of shoes. If you're working out regularly, I can't imagine how air-filled shoes would help (in comparison to a proper strength routine with squats, lunges, weights, etc). I think you'd only "feel" a workout in these shoes if your muscles are very weak/out of shape to begin with. If I find the study, I'll post it :smile:
  • klmeenan
    klmeenan Posts: 2 Member
    I bought mine due to knee and back pain. They take time to get used to and you can't use them for a regular work out. I mainly feel the difference when walking on inclines. Totally worth the money to me as I can now walk often due to the cushioning.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I have MBTs and fitflops and I don't like either. I can't drive or walk offroad in either of them, which is hopeless for me as I live basically in the middle of a field. They are probably fine if you live in a flat city.
  • toots99
    toots99 Posts: 3,794 Member
    I had a friend try them and he ended up gaining weight...the stupid things were so uncomfortable that he just sat on the couch.

    Well you can't really blame the SHOE for that. :tongue:
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I have a pair of Fila ones that I got for ~$20 on sale & with a coupon at Kohls. They are very comfortable, but not good for anything but walking. I only wear them when I'm walking on flat surfaces, like shopping or walking on sidewalks. And if I have aches & pains from other exercise, they make my legs, back and feet feel better.
  • believetoachieve
    believetoachieve Posts: 675 Member
    This isn't the exact study I was looking for, but it'll do for now!

    "“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.”"
    - Wall street journal report on a study conducted by the American Council on Exercise
    http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2010/07/21/american-council-on-exercise-study-finds-toning-shoes-dont-work/

    The actual study by ACE (written by 4 PhD holders):
    http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/toningshoes072010.pdf
  • jabbogurl
    jabbogurl Posts: 193
    I have a pair I bought at Payless Shoes for $25 and while I am not sure if they work... I have toned up my thighs and *kitten*. I no longer have "thunder thighs" as much as I used to, my *kitten* doesn't create a little shelf, and my calves feel toner.

    It's your choice on whether YOU think it's worth it. Personally, I say if you can find the right pair, for the right price, every little bit helps LOL.

    Good luck to ya. :bigsmile:

    I also got the ones from Payless, the ones that have the balls on the bottom and are similar to Reebox. I could feel a difference after walking around in them. I wouldn't spend $100 on a pair of them and of course, as others said, you do need to do other exercies, but I wear them when I know I will be walking a lot, like at the theme parks or camping or shopping
  • cnb4845
    cnb4845 Posts: 4
    I bought the payless version of the Sketcher's Shape-Ups. I like them. I don't know if they really work like they say they do, but I do feel it when I am walking. I work retail, and I like to wear them to work and they are pretty comfortable. I wouldn't spend a lot of money on them, but if you plan to walk a lot, it might be something worth looking into.
  • viansa
    viansa Posts: 16 Member
    I have the New Balance version of toning shoes. They are more of a balance board sole and don't have air pockets. I love them regardless if they improve toning or not. They are by far the most comfortable pair of tennis shoes I've ever owned. Though they specifically state they are for walking, not running. But they are beautiful, feel great and make me happy :bigsmile:
  • RyLaneB
    RyLaneB Posts: 60 Member
    I am on my second pair on the Reebok Easy Tones, I love them! I am a waitress and not only do I feel the difference in my muscles, but they really make a big difference in how my legs feel after a night on my feet on cement floors. They feel strange at first but it didn't take my long to get used to them. My mother in law has the Sketchers shape ups and she said she can even feel a difference in her posture when she is wearing them.
  • marji4x
    marji4x Posts: 144 Member
    The guys over at Fat2FitRadio were also talking about these shoes one week and they looked into them and found the same facts that there's no evidence they do more than just buying a heavier pair of shoes might do. It tends to get people walking more, though.
  • AnneGenevieveS
    AnneGenevieveS Posts: 441 Member
    I've been told they are really good for your feet if you are walking a lot, but I haven't tried them. I wanted to try them, but was wondering the same thing: if they work or not?
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