Get in Shape from the Feet Up with Toning Shoes

The latest craze in footwear is toning shoes that actually get you in shape from the feet up. There’s no need for a gym or a fancy exercise routine. All you have to do is walk to reap the benefits of calorie burning and muscle toning.

Easy and versatile, toning shoes come in a variety of styles, ranging from sneakers and flip-flops to regular shoes, sandals and boots. So no matter what your outfit, there is a toning shoe to match and a good selection of brands to choose from.

Sneaker-Type Toning Shoes

Sneaker–type toning shoes are made by companies such as New Balance, MBT, Skechers, Reebok and Avia.

On the women’s side, the New Balance WW850 is a nice option that looks like a regular sneaker. There is no tell-tale curving or sloping sole that is common with most toning shoes. Instead, New Balance’s Tru-Balance Sole technology is a special system of components that is designed to create natural instability that mimics being on a balance board.

The WW850 has a C-Cap midsole made of compression molded EVA. It has a solid rubber outsole and an ABZORB insert for shock absorption. The upper is synthetic and mesh. The WW850 comes in gray with pink and white, black with pink and gray and blue with gray and white.

Men’s options for sneaker style-toning shoes include MBT Shoes’ Sini design. Available in denim and  mesh,  drizzle nubuck and mesh, white nubuck and mesh and black leather, the Sini is a stylish blend of sport and style that is perfect for walking and fitness activities.
The Sini features MBT’s patented Masai Barefoot Technology, which is based on a unique multi-layered sole that changes flat surfaces into uneven ones.

This gives users the feel of walking barefoot.  By challenging balance in this way, MBT shoes change the way you use your muscles, toning your legs and feet and also improving your joints and spine. MBT is one of the pioneers of the toning shoe and their Sini Design is a great way for men to stylishly reap the benefits of their toning technology.

Toning Sandals and Flip-Flops

For warmer weather, there are many different styles of toning sandals and flip flops for both women and men. Two fashionable ones are Orthaheel’s Women’s Seatrek sandal and their Men’s Ryder thong. Both feature Orthaheel’s podiatrist designed technology with a biomechanical Tri-planar Motion Control footbed and a deep heel cup. This helps to support and realign feet back to their natural neutral position.

The Women’s Seatrek sandal is a sleek little number with asymmetrical straps and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure. It has a rubber outsole that grips the ground and a faux cork-covered EVA midsole that is lightweight, shock absorbent and cushioned. The Seatrek comes in silver or pewter.

The Men’s Ryder thong is engineered to give toes extra wiggle room. The sandal features an adjustable strap and a contoured footbed. The Ryder is both lightweight and water resistant and has a rubber outsole with wave tread for extra traction. It comes in Chocolate or Black Polyurethane.

Toning Boots

For toning in winter weather, Skechers Shape Ups’ Women’s Elasticity boots are the perfect blend of fashion and function. These suede and faux fur boots come up to your calves and are a cozy, comfortable and incredibly stylish way to tone your beach legs during the colder months. The Elasticity comes in chocolate brown or black. They feature Skechers’ Kinetic Wedge soft foam midsoles to absorb shock. When walking, the feeling is as though you are walking in sand.

Men have an equally fashionable yet functional boot option in MBT’s Tisa ankle boot. Made of breathable full-grain leather, the Tisa has elastic goring for easy on and off wear. This bootie also has an antimicrobial dry and cool mesh and foam insole for breathability. The outsole is rubber for excellent traction. The Tisa comes in black or toffee.

Toning Shoes

Sneakers, sandals and boots are great, but if you just want a simple pair of toning shoes for everyday use, Earth’s line of footwear is incredibly comfortable and effective. Earth designs their shoes with Kalsø Negative Heel Technology. This positions your toes 3.7 degrees higher than your heels to strengthen and tone your body and improve your posture.

For women, Earth’s Inhale Microfiber Mary Jane is a casual shoe that is comfortable yet stylish. The Inhale is made of lightweight microfiber and the Kalso-Lite Soles are flexible. The collar is made of padded elasticized neoprene and the cross straps are adjustable. The Inhale is also vegan certified and comes in black or rose.

For men, Earth’s Tova – Khaki Microfiber shoe is a sporty little number that is perfect for casual activities. The Tova has vibrant contrast stitching embellishing its nubuck toe cap. The shoe laces up between oversized metal eyelets. For added comfort, the Tova has a padded collar and tongue.

With so many different styles of toning shoes available, men and women can find a pair to fit any fashion in any season. Toning shoes make fitness simple, since all you have to do is walk to reap the benefits. Why not take advantage and get a pair today? They are all you need to get in shape from the feet up.

Brad Roland is a freelance writer who writes about a variety of topics and brands such as toning shoes .

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