A new study by the American Council on Exercise says these special kicks don't boost muscle activity compared with other sneakers. But celebs such as Heidi Klum and Katherine Heigl seem to love 'em, and the manufacturers stand by their claims — so we decided to do a weeklong road test of four popular brands ourselves.
Here's how they measured up, plus expert input from Patrice Winter, a physical therapist at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.
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Skechers Shape-ups SRR: Resistance Runner, $145
Real-World Results
COMFORT LEVEL: 4 stars
The consensus from testers: very cushy!
WORKOUT POTENTIAL: 3 stars
"My legs got a workout — especially climbing stairs," one of our testers said.
CUTENESS FACTOR: 1 star
An editor's daughter asked, "Why are you wearing boy shoes?"
EXPERT OPINION: Fine for walking, but talk to your doc before running in them, says Winter: "The rounded sole could cause you to overstretch the calf or hyperextend the knee."
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Reebok EasyTone, $99
Real-World Results
COMFORT LEVEL: 4 stars
"The supportive soles felt great on my arches," one tester says, "and I loved the bounciness."
WORKOUT POTENTIAL: 4 stars
Our testers swore they felt major burn in their hamstrings and butt.
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CUTENESS FACTOR: 2 stars
Meh. They just look like regular sneakers.
EXPERT OPINION: Start slow, since the soles are like walking on half tennis balls, Winter says. "If you wear these and don't have a strong core, you could hurt your knees and hips."
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MBT Fora, $245
Real-World Results
COMFORT LEVEL: 2 stars
One tester said wearing them was like "walkin' on sunshine," but her ankles were sore the day after.
WORKOUT POTENTIAL: 3 stars
"I took a 10-minute walk and felt it in my calves, quads, and butt the next day."
CUTENESS FACTOR: 1 star
Two words: moon boots!
EXPERT OPINION: "If you're prone to twisting your ankles, you may have challenges with the rounded sole," says Winter. Don't wear them for more than a few hours at first.
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FitFlop Pietra sandals, $60
Real-World Results
COMFORT LEVEL: 5 stars
One editor's plantar fasciitis foot pain disappeared after wearing them for just a few days.
WORKOUT POTENTIAL: 1 star
No one felt like they were getting any kind of special workout while walking.
CUTENESS FACTOR: 4 stars
Definitely the most stylish "toning" shoes we've seen.
EXPERT OPINION: "They have good arch support and toe grippers, and that makes them much healthier for your feet than regular flip-flops," Winter says.
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