Corroborating these comments recently , The American Council on Exercise ( ACE ) produced a study with the finding that “ toning shoes don ’ t work as promised ,” and stating that a certain amount of skepticism towards shoe brand advertising is deserved . The ACE , an organization that certifies fitness professionals , has released what it believes is the first independent study on toning shoes . Results from a University of Wisconsin study showed no evidence to support the claims that rocker soled shoes help wearers exercise more intensely , burn more calories or improve muscle strength and tone . “ Toning shoes appear to promise a quick-and-easy fitness solution , which we realize people are always looking for ,” says ACE ’ s Chief Science Officer , Cedric X . Bryant , Ph . D . “ Unfortunately , these shoes do not deliver the fitness or muscle toning benefits they claim . Our findings demonstrate that toning shoes are not the magic solution consumers were hoping they would be , and simply do not offer any ( additional ) benefits that people cannot reap through walking , running or exercising in traditional athletic shoes . There may be one positive effect these shoes offer ,” continues Bryant , “ is the motivation factor . If these ( rocker soled ) shoes are serving as a motivator for individuals to walk or get moving more often , that is a good thing , even if they don ’ t produce the dramatic toning and calorie-burning results people think they are getting .” o
( A full summary of the study ’ s findings can be found on ACE ’ s “ Get Fit ” website at www . acefitness . org / getfit .)
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