An article in USA Today helps to answer that question. The Shape Up/toning shoe craze has multi- dimensions that apply to women as the 90% consumer base to buy in on the hype. Not only are some of the major brands a major investment but these shoes could harm more than they help. Google search results showed the top search suggestion for Shape Ups was a lawsuit by 38 yr. old a woman that had developed hip fractures over a few months of use. She was a waitress and figured that she is already walking and could tone up while wearing the rocker bottom shoes to work every day. Because the shoes change the way a person walks, this action can also exacerbate an underlying problem. Surgery to implant screws was the result for her. There are more lawsuits that follow such as a broken ankle for falling in the shoes and so on.
As women we wear all kinds of shoes that change the way we walk, but these shoes are with the promise of ‘toning’ without adding exercise. Sketchers charges $120 and claims "Get in Shape Without Setting Foot in a Gym," The article quotes: “Johns Hopkins, Wendy Shore, says consumers would get the supposed health benefits of toning shoes and save money if they skipped buying the shoes, then "bought one less bagel a day — and walked an extra block." Common sense does not need to be marketed or celebrity endorsed.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2010-06-30-toning-shoes_N.htm
Debi Bowers (KIN 338 May Intersession)
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