“Shape Shoes?”

Let’s face it- human nature has pretty much always dictated that we as human beings jump at the chance for maximum rewards with minimal cost. And why not? This attitude has produced great thinkers and inventers who have developed the technologies which have greatly improved our quality of life. Case in point: the new line of “fitness shoes” including FitFlops, MBT ( Masai Barefoot Technology), and Skechers Shape Ups among others.
The premise behind most of this new footwear is that the shoes have a deep seated heel cup as well as a rocker-bottomed sole so that the shoes alter the normal gait pattern with walking. They inevitably force you to compensate by activating muscles to burn calories and lose weight. The results claimed by some of the manufactures are indeed pretty spectacular. They’re said to improve posture, tone thigh and calf muscles, strengthen abdominal muscles, boost metabolism, and even get rid of cellulite.
Most of the online testimonials that I’ve looked at have been positive so far. At the same time, several of these products have just come out, so there hasn’t been time for the long-term effects to become apparent. All the same, there are still some serious questions which come to mind. Any time you alter the natural, normal pattern of walking, even for the well-intentioned purpose of burning extra calories, it makes the foot and entire lower extremity compensate in ways which may put the feet and entire body at risk. This is especially true for older individuals or those with balance issues since after all, the “benefit” of these shoes is that they throw you off balance.
MBT was one of the earliest companies to market its products and in doing so, only sold shoes after they had been custom-fitted and the customer had been extensively educated on how to wear the products. Newer lines like Skechers, on the other hand, are available for sale online and thus available to anyone with or without potential pre-existing health concerns.
Yet another issue involves the philosophy and marketing behind these shoes. Many of the original developers were inspired by visits to 3rd world countries where they had observed locals walking barefoot with low-protruding heels and no back problems. Thus, many of the shoes also claim to alleviate lower back pain. However, it begs the question: since many Americans are overweight and live vastly different lifestyles from those in the 3rd world, I’m not so sure the comparison is apples to apples. At the same time, much of the hype has promised a great workout without ever needing to step foot in a gym. For those truly looking to get in shape, this is clearly a poor fitness plan.
All that said, I don’t mean to trash these products completely. They may provide exactly what your body needs. Of anyone, your podiatrist is the best person to assess your specific foot type and health risks.

Advanced Foot Care
Robert E. Kuvent, DPM
3225 S Alma School Rd
Chandler, AZ 85248
480.917.2300
http://yourfeetfixer.com