On July 30, 2010 the USA Today newspaper published an article called A revolutionary sneaker, or overhyped gimmick? Basically the article was questioning on whether this new trend of toning sneakers to hit the market (Sketchers, MBT, Ryn) is all that good for us. Doctors were quoted as saying that the sneakers can mess up our gait, which according to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is described as a manner of walking.
Now I will say that yes, those toning sneakers like the ones made by Sketchers or Ryn DO change the way you walk. But isn’t that the point? I mean, I can remember when I was in elementary school gym class and our gym teacher was constantly yelling at us to walk “heel, ball, toe”. When I wear my Sketchers Shape-Ups or my RYN shoes (yes I have both and I have to tell you, RYN’s are better IMO), I feel like I stand up straighter and I am able to finally walk heel, ball, toe every time I take a step. Not only do I walk better, but my back and knees feel better too.
Alison Drury of Louisiana is quoted in the USA Today article as saying that she is “…afraid to ever put those shoes on again”. Those shoes being the Sketchers Shape-ups. She claims that her first time walking a mile in them she rolled her ankle and it broke. I have a problem with her blaming her broken ankle on the shoes. First of all, Sketchers TELLS their customers to wear the shoes around the house for a little bit before going out to walk in them so you get use to the rocking motion of the shoes. Second of all, people roll their ankles all the time who don’t wear Sketchers Shape-ups or any other “toning” shoe. Shoot my husband always does and he doesn’t have a pair. It just happens.
So what do I think of the shoes? Being that I have two pairs from two different companies, I am a huge fan of them. Do I think they will make my ass smaller just by wearing them? Of course not. But do I believe they will help (notice I said help) tone muscles? Of course! But like everything else, there is no miracle shoe or miracle pill or miracle drink that will make you lose weight…everything in moderation and in combination with a work-out plan will. And yes, I believe that wearing shoes that help you to walk properly and stand up straighter will help in toning those muscles that we all so desire to have toned.
Please remember that this is just my opinion and you could possibly have a differing opinion, but I do prefer the RYN shoes over the Sketchers. However, I suggest trying them on for yourself to see how you like them. But if you have issues with balance, make sure you are comfortable walking in the shoes. I would hate to see another person fall and blame it on the shoes rather than their own inexperience with a shoe they are not familiar with.
I have bad knees and I got the sketchers shape-ups. I love them; I can walk a lot farther without knee pain. But, I wouldn't say that I have noticed any muscle toning.
I haven't brought my self to paying for a pair for myself yet but I have bought a pair for my mom for her birthday. I walked around the store in them a bit and felt really strange. Its so true that you need to practicing walking in them first but as you pointed out Sketchers tells you that. as I told my mom She's still practicing around the house and won't do her stair in them.
I think they are just making needless babble. People will and have tried them out and we'll make our own opinion. I'm still thinking on buying a pair as soon as hubby gets back to work
I also prefer Ryn shoes, due mostly to their stability. I have seen way too many people rolling in or out as they walk in Skechers.
I have the Sketchers sandals and I can't say I notice much of a difference…not that I was expecting too, though.
I agree with you on the rolling of the ankles, I have a hard enough time staying on my own two feet. Ha!
I'd like to try a pair of RYN, but they are pretty pricey…and I don't know if I'd want to spend that on shoes I may or may not like.
I have a pair of L.A. Gear toning shoes and I love them. They are the most comfortable shoes I've worn, and I'll be going back to get another pair soon!
I've never tried either of these types of shoes, but have heard that a lot of people love them.
I would like either as long as they work! LOL
There is always some quack out there claiming everything is bad for you.
I have not tried a pair of these yet and I really need to! Anything little helps!
I was watching something about that on Dr. Oz (I've only seen his shows twice). They don't really help with working out but they are supposed to help you balance and improve posture. Guess that was so in your case too.
I've been wanting to try the rocker bottom shoes.
I have to agree. Using my Ryn shoes has improved my stance while walking and is helping me walk more. I can feel the difference in the muscles after walking in them.
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nice post. thanks.