Toning Shoes Take First Hit For Deceptive Advertising

Podiatrists have been saying that this fad of toning shoes is just that...a passing fad. We have said that these toning shoes only build instability and, for many, can potentially cause more problems than they solve. Yet people continuously buy into the advertising claims that these shoes increase the muscle tone of their legs and butt.

Last week, the Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement with Reebok for deceptive advertising relating to their line of toning shoes, including the EasyTone walking shoes and flip flops and the RunTone running shoes. The FTC specifically had issue with unsubstantiated claims made by Reebok relating to these shoes.

Reebok claimed that wearing their toning shoes would increase tone and strength of the muscles of the buttock by over 25% and by over 10% in the calf and hamstrings. It turns out that these claims were not quite backed up by solid scientific evidence. In fact, the company is now barred from making any claim that is not substantiated by scientific evidence, including their strengthening and toning properties, health and fitness benefits, or misrepresenting scientific studies. Reebok was ordered to pay $25 million in customer refunds.

This decision and penalty may well be the first sign of the toning shoe fad calming down. Certainly it will make the shoe industry take notice, especially with other high profile toning shoes by Sketchers, New Balance, and others with similar claims. If you are wondering if your toning shoes are doing you any good, or if they're doing you harm, schedule an appointment at our Houston podiatry office to find out.