Are Toning Shoes Too Good to be True?

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: February 8, 2012

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Although most us know that in order to lose weight there needs to be more energy expended than consumed, it is still tempting to look for that next quick fix or trendy diet that promises unbelievable results. At first glance, the popular toning shoes look like a promising way to tone up your body without any additional exercise. However, as with many items along this vein, they seem too good to be true. Here is a summary of what the shoes claim to do as well as what they really do to promote muscle growth and weight loss.

The Claim of Toning Shoes: Manufacturers that produce these popular toning sandals and sneakers say that the unstable base to their shoes will help the wearer tone up. The idea is that the muscles will need to work harder in order to walk or even to stand upright, leading to a greater amount of calories burned throughout the day, as well as a boost in the metabolism due to the stronger and larger leg muscles. Some even claim that they will help the wearer burn significantly more calories while walking or running compared to traditional sneakers.

The Reality of Toning Shoes: Unfortunately, this shoe claim really is too good to be true. While it is true that the unbalanced base requires your body to adjust and call on different muscles, the net result is that other muscles are used less as well. Wearers will burn the same amount of calories regardless of their footwear. In fact, some toning sandals can even cause pain in the shins or calves because of the unsteady base. While this discomfort may lead you to believe that you are burning more calories, their weight loss claims have been disproven.

Overall, toning shoes might look attractive but won’t help you to lose weight. Speak to the staff at your local weight loss center in Phoenix for more realistic ways to reduce body fat and tone up.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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