Muscle toning shoes seem like a great idea, but do they really work? When combined with a regular exercise program, the answer is yes.
You will recognize muscle toning shoes by their rounded, slightly thicker sole.
A variety of manufacturers make them, but basically they all offer these benefits:

• Less stress on the knee, joints and the back
• Improved gait and straighter posture
• Activate long-neglected muscles
• Tone and work out your abdominal and gluteus muscles
• Burn more calories while standing and walking than other shoes

Muscle toning shoes date back a couple decades to the time when Swiss engineer Karl Muller found relief for his chronic back pain.
While on vacation, he spent a great deal of time walking barefoot on soft ground.
Upon investigation, he found that back pain and arthritis were almost non-existent among Masai tribal members in Africa - people who are known for walking barefoot over long distances.
Muller recognized that this tradition, which runs counter to Western culture, accounted for less back pain.
Based on his research, Muller got to work developing a different shoe - one that mimics walking barefoot on uneven, soft ground.
In 1996, he came up with the MBT shoe, standing for Masai Barefoot Technology.
His shoes were also called "anti-shoe" because they have a positive impact on the whole body - whereas other shoes solely address the feet.
By 2003, MBT Shoes hit Western markets and have since sparked a number of brands, such as MBTs, Skechers Shape-Ups, Springboost, Orthaheel and Sano by Mephisto.
MBT The anti-shoe, MBTs have a patented curved sole, as opposed to the flat sole of most shoes.
A "Masai Sensor" is located beneath the heel, which mimics walking and standing on uneven ground.
This artificial natural instability forces you to maintain your balance and encourages you to use your core muscles.
When you step off, the midsole requires you to take a rolling movement with every step.
All of this combines to give you a better walkout than other shoes.
After walking in MBTs, you will find your entire body has had a workout.
They will strengthen your muscles, improve your posture and take the pressure off your joints.
Skechers Shape-Ups Skechers are known for their fun, modern look.
Skechers Shape-Ups combine their sense of style with the benefits of muscle toning shoes.
As the company touts, they help you "shape up while you walk.
" They have a kinetic wedge insert that absorbs the shock of walking on hard surfaces, a rolling bottom sole and dual-density midsole.
The result of exercising in Shape-Ups:

• Better muscle tone in your legs, back, buttocks and abdominal muscles
• Less body fat
• Better circulation and aerobic conditioning
• Increased exercise tolerance
• Improved posture

Springboost Springboost muscle toners are based on years of experience with high-performance athletes.
As a result, the shoe was developed to enhance performance in a range of sports.
They are a cross-sport shoe that was designed to help athletes run faster and jump higher - all while using less energy than other shoes require.
Their benefits include:

• Better posture
• Improved blood circulation
• Increased ankle stability
• Enhanced workout of all muscles

Orthaheel Podiatrist - foot doctors - were involved in the design of Orthaheel's muscle toning shoes.
They were designed to give you natural foot function.
They come in a host of styles: athletic shoes, sandals and slippers.
Each has a built-in orthotic and is flexible and lightweight.
Research shows that Orthoheels can also reduce pronation - a condition in which the weight is borne by the inside of the foot and causes pain in the heel and ankle.
Sano by Mephisto The Sano by Mephisto is a walking shoe that was built to absorb the shock that walking can have on your body.
This model offers more compression than other Mephisto shoes.
It was designed to:

• Give those long-ignored muscles a workout
• Improve overall physical conditioning
• Tighten abdominal, thigh and buttock muscles
• Enhance circulation and improve posture

Earth Shoes Earth shoes have a distinctive look that comes from its "negative heel technology," which positions your toes 3.
7 degrees higher than the heel of the shoe.
Combine this with an anatomic arch support and special cushioning, and you have a shoe like no other.
The benefits of wearing Earth shoes include:

• Create a leaner body mass
• Enhance your walk
• Better posture
• Improved breathing
• Burn up to four times more calories with every step

No matter which shoe you wear, remember that they will not work unless you get moving.
Regular exercise, combined with muscle toning shoes, will improve your endurance, cardiovascular health and your posture.
Best of all, they will make you aware of how you are standing and walking.