Toning shoes?

kaaaaaaa
kaaaaaaa Posts: 29
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone know anything about the Sketcher's Shape-Ups, Reebok SimplyTone, or New Balance Rock & Tone? (or any others I didn't mention!) Do they actually help tone, and are they comfortable? Lol I'm buying my Fitbit in a couple weeks so I know I'm going to be walking a LOT more. Will I have a problem just wearing my regular sneakers? What kind of shoes should I get for walking (eventually running but once I lose some more weight, I'd feel stupid running in public right now -_- lol ) Thanks

Replies

  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,985 Member
    Don't waste your money. Go do actual exercise instead.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I've read that they are actually bad for your feet, as they change the way your normally walk. I would just go with a regular pair of running shoes, especially if you plan to take up running in the near future. :smile:
  • JamieDD
    JamieDD Posts: 175 Member
    I've got a pair of Sketcher's Shape-Ups...don't really think they work like "they" say. I just wear them because they are comfy. I do know that wearing them my knees don't hurt as much when I walk.
    HTH

    ETA: If you have horses DO NOT wear them in the barn....manure "eats" up the foam in the sole. I'm on my second pair because I ruined the first pair. :grumble:
  • marie_2454
    marie_2454 Posts: 881 Member
    One of my friends has them (I can't remember the brand, maybe Rebok?) and she absolutely loves them! But, not for their so called "toning" ability. When she bought them she didn't even know that's what they were and when she saw an ad for one she asked (jokingly lol) why her *kitten* didn't look like that. She's a nurse and is on her feet all day and swears they are the most comfortable shoes, but the toning thing is a total load of crap.
  • toots99
    toots99 Posts: 3,794 Member
    Reebok Run Tones are THE most comfortable sneakers I've ever had. They don't tone anything, but being a waitress on my feet all day? Love them!
  • rextcat
    rextcat Posts: 1,408 Member
    comfy for walking, or if you tend to "stomp" when you run,:smile: but the toning comes from you getting your butt up and moving it around:wink:
  • nnylee
    nnylee Posts: 811 Member
    I heard somewhere that the toning part is a bit of a scam, but I don't know whether or not they're decent normal shoes.
  • KristinLeAnn252
    KristinLeAnn252 Posts: 136 Member
    I have the Reebok Easy Tones and absolutely love them. Now, I don't think they ACTUALLY are some kind of miracle and I can't attribute my weight loss or anything specifically to the shoes themselves but I can tell you my legs have been more sore lately (could be my workouts though). However, regardless if they "work" or not, I would totally buy another pair because they are so comfortable and my feet NEVER hurt even after standing up/walking around at work 7+ hours a day.

    Hope this helps :)
  • katydid25
    katydid25 Posts: 199 Member
    From my personal experience, I wouldn't waste your money. They don't do anything for toning, but are comfortable if you're just looking for a comfortable shoe to wear. They were recommended to me by a friend who swears by them, but they give me horrible shin splints and was told by friend who works in sports medicine I was pushing tendonitis - both of which were caused by those darn shoes. I will never purchase them or recommend them to anyone!!

    Edit: I suppose I should mention I had the Reebok Run Tones
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    I seem to recall that there was some kind of lawsuit around one of these shoes? Or am I just imagining that?
    I would treat them like any other shoe - if they are right for your feet, go for it.
  • zafferFL
    zafferFL Posts: 402
    I've heard that they work really well when you wear a power balance bracelet as well.

    Seriously, don't waste your money. I'm offended that brands like Reebok cite "studies" that these have any benefit.
  • Natihilator
    Natihilator Posts: 1,778 Member
    As someone with chronic back pain, I would stay far, far away, I could see them doing a lot more harm than good. I tried one on at the store it felt like the bottom of my shoe was curved like a rocking chair, so weird.

    Look up 'Marketing Gimmick' and you'd find a picture of these shoes, in my opinion.
  • Kany
    Kany Posts: 336
    I bought a pair of the Reebok easy tone and I do not recommend it. I've lost my footing a couple of time while wearing it and they are definitely not made for running. I walked for over 3 hours with the easy tone one day and I somehow injured my left knee area, hamstring for a good 2 weeks. I couldn't straighten my leg or stretch. I don't know if it was from the easy tone but it started hurting the day after the walk. At first I thought I was sore but then it lasted over 2 weeks and I could hardly walk.
  • irishnightowl81
    irishnightowl81 Posts: 6
    I was actually told by three drs and my pt therapist to get a pair of these. Because it helps to straighten your posture and it also helps your back and many other things. I had a problem with the shape ups because they were so bulky so i found the sketchers Liv shoes and i love them! They are so light and comfy and if anything i walk more because they feel good. I dont see any harm in getting toning shoes if you are going to be walking more. also think about getting a pair of trail shoes from niki hiking burns many more calories! if you have any questions feel free to send me a message. I also was worried about these shoes and waiting because i was afraid it was a scam
  • zafferFL
    zafferFL Posts: 402
    I was actually told by three drs and my pt therapist to get a pair of these. Because it helps to straighten your posture and it also helps your back and many other things. I had a problem with the shape ups because they were so bulky so i found the sketchers Liv shoes and i love them! They are so light and comfy and if anything i walk more because they feel good. I dont see any harm in getting toning shoes if you are going to be walking more. also think about getting a pair of trail shoes from niki hiking burns many more calories! if you have any questions feel free to send me a message. I also was worried about these shoes and waiting because i was afraid it was a scam

    Being barefoot helps your posture.
  • Xiaolongbao
    Xiaolongbao Posts: 854 Member
    I know people with knee problems who swear by them (the sketcher ones I think) and I know other people with knee problems who gave up wearing them because they felt it was aggravating the problem.

    I think it depends on you.

    However I don't think they do any magic to your actual tone/shape.
  • qtiekiki
    qtiekiki Posts: 1,490 Member
    I have a pair of reebok easytone; I got them on sale for $40. They don't do anything, and you can very well twist your ankle if your footing isn't stable. There was a lawsuit against reebok for false advertisement, and there is a 25 million dollars settlement, so go file a claim if you own a pair. You probably won't get the full price back though.
  • xTattooedDollx
    xTattooedDollx Posts: 426 Member
    I haven't tried them but with working with local hospitals, nurses and Dr's I've seen them be banned from hospitals because they are unsafe.
  • bojamashell
    bojamashell Posts: 61 Member
    I have a heel spur, which makes it difficult for me to walk. On a check up, I told my doctor that I hadn't been walking as much because it hurt from my heel spur. I also have 2 bulging discs in my lower back. She suggested I get the Skechers Shape Ups. I asked if they really toned because I doubted they did. She said no, but they'd be good shoes for me because the curved bottom allows me to walk with minimal impact on my heel, in turn-would get me moving more (which is what's going to "tone" me). I bought the Skecher Liv because when I tried on the Shape Ups, I felt like I was walking on platforms and wasn't comfortable. The Liv has the same curve, just a thinner sole. I love mine. They don't tone, but they are comfortable for me and I get moving more often.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Reebok paid out $ 25 million in a class action lawsuit - so, I'm guessing these don't work.

    If you like the style, the fit, the comfort level ...... go for it.
  • LJCannon
    LJCannon Posts: 3,636 Member
    :drinker: I am on my 3rd pair of the Skecher Shape Ups and I LOVE them!! But as others have said, it is because they are comfortable and the "Toning" comes from You Working Your A** Off!! Not from a magical pair of Wonder Shoes!!
    ANY Shoe that is comfortable and that you enjoy moving in will be the "Right One" for you.
    :wink: If you do choose the Shape Ups or Toning Shoes, be sure to shop around or wait for a Sale. I have NEVER paid Full Price for mine.
  • dinosnopro
    dinosnopro Posts: 2,177 Member
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  • jrodx2
    jrodx2 Posts: 203 Member
    I wear the Reebok Simply Tones while I bartend but not because they tone, just because they hold up to standing long periods of time and are really comfortable. Yes, there is a class action lawsuit that is currently going on against them for false advertising with the whole "toning" aspects of the shoes. Apparently there is no real proof that any of the shoes actually tone anything. If you're looking for toning, get working out! If you're just looking for a comfy shoe for long days on your feet, they're great!
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I have a heel spur, which makes it difficult for me to walk. On a check up, I told my doctor that I hadn't been walking as much because it hurt from my heel spur. I also have 2 bulging discs in my lower back. She suggested I get the Skechers Shape Ups. I asked if they really toned because I doubted they did. She said no, but they'd be good shoes for me because the curved bottom allows me to walk with minimal impact on my heel, in turn-would get me moving more (which is what's going to "tone" me). I bought the Skecher Liv because when I tried on the Shape Ups, I felt like I was walking on platforms and wasn't comfortable. The Liv has the same curve, just a thinner sole. I love mine. They don't tone, but they are comfortable for me and I get moving more often.
    My dad has heel spurs and someone recommended these kinds of shoes to him for just that reason. For any other purpose, they are pretty much a waste of money. I also know someone who twisted her ankle very badly wearing a pair of them while doing aerobics. :noway: Buy a good pair of walking shoes instead.
  • spynoodle
    spynoodle Posts: 404
    I live in San Francisco and walk everywhere. Comfortable shoes are essential!

    I bought a pair of the Reebok Easy Tone shoes. They were so uncomfortable I had to turn back home and change them after about 5 blocks into a 9 mile walk. I knew they weren't going to work for me.
  • pixlamarque
    pixlamarque Posts: 312 Member
    I used to have some because they were the only shoes I found at the time that fit me well. I exercised in them and injured my hip and was not able to walk properly for weeks, much less exercise. I had to go to the orthopedic doctor and get xrays, etc. They are not good for any type of exercise. After my experience, I went to a real running store and got fitted properly for running shoes. They did cost me about $30 more, but they are wonderful and I can use them everyday. I ended throwing away the toning shoes after only about 5 uses because of the injury, so to me they were a very expensive mistake.
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