Fitness shoes are used to improve the effectiveness of your workouts. Designs often include a heel set lower than the toe and a weighted base. Purported benefits of fitness shoes include increased calorie burn, toned muscles and improved posture. However, if you have any heel or Achilles tendon problems, you should avoid using fitness shoes for your workouts, advises Dr. Jeffrey Ross, a spokesman for the American College of Sports Medicine.
FitFlop
The company not only produces a line of fitness sandals, but shoes and boots as well. The premise behind the shoes is that you spend more time using your muscles with each step you take. A shock absorbing heel puts less stress on the joints while a low-mid heel creates instability to make you move your legs more during movement. Men's, women's and kid's styles are available and sold through the FitFlop website.
Skechers Shape-Ups
The Shape-Ups were one of the first widely available fitness shoes sold in stores. Skechers has expanded the line to include types designed specifically for walkers, runners, hikers and casual users. The bottom of the shoe rolls when you walk as a way to tone and tighten abs, legs and back. Extra padding allows you to still feel comfortable and not put stress on the joints. The Shape-Ups are available in both men's and women's sizes.
Reebok EasyTone
The EasyTone sneaker includes two pods to add some resistance as you step. The pockets of air promote instability to help work the muscles in the butt and legs. Foam cushioning helps keep your walk comfortable. EasyTone was designed for walkers because using them to do instable exercise, such as basketball and tennis, may lead to injury. RunTone and TrainTone styles are available for runners and gym training. The fitness shoes were first marketed to women only, but Reebok later released versions for men as well.
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