Many patients have asked me, “Will these shoes strengthen my legs?” My reply, “It is the person who wears them, not the shoe.” Everyone is always looking for the easiest way to get stronger or burn more calories buy using the least amount of effort. Reebok International Ltd. came to an agreement with the Federal Trade Commission over what the government said were “over-hyped advertising claims” by Reebok that a pair of its specialty shoes could tone leg and butt muscles better than regular shoes.
One TV commercial claimed that Reebok’s EasyTone shoes tone your butt up to 28 percent more than regular sneakers, just by walking. Not so, said the FTC and it announced that it reached a $25 million settlement with Reebok. That money will provide refunds to consumers who bought Reebok toning shoes or toning apparel. The FTC wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science.
shoes retail for $80 to $100 a pair. The Los Angeles Times reports that the FTC investigation found that Reebok could not back up the claims it made in its advertisements.
In a statement, however, Reebok stood by its shoes, saying “Settling [with the FTC] does not mean we agreed with the FTC’s allegations; we do not.” Reebok added: We fully stand behind our EasyTone technology – the first shoe in the toning category inspired by balance-ball training. We have received overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from thousands of EasyTone customers, and we remain committed to the continued development of our EasyTone line of products. Our customers are our number one priority, and we will continue to deliver products that they trust and love.
But, as part of the settlement, Reebok can no longer make claims that toning shoes and toning apparel are “effective in strengthening muscles” and result in a certain percent of more toning unless “the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence.”
Working as a Physical Therapist, specializing in foot and ankle rehabilitation, on a daily basis I recommend shoes to my patients. I will always stand by my Asics and New Balance running shoes.
These “toning” shoes are not a magic pill; it is the walking that will make a difference in your life, not the shoe. If you have questions about proper shoes please visit our website at www.footdoctorsnj.com. So, we guess this means it’s back to the Stair Master!
By: Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP
Tags: Affiliated Foot and Ankle Center, EasyTone technology, howell, physical therapy, reebok, shoes, toning shoes, valerie gregory
