I get lots of emails about new fitness products and gear, but I don't always have time to review them all. One recent email caught my eye touting the Reebok EasyTone sneakers. These shoes, according to the blurbs, "incorporate stability balls under the heels and forefoot to create a natural instability to force muscles to adapt and encourage toning." The email also stated that the shoes make you feel like you're walking on a soft, sandy beach, providing "28% more gluteus maximus muscle activation, and 11% more calf and hamstring activation."
After some searching, I haven't been able to find any studies backing up their claims and, frankly, a shoe (no matter how fabulous it is) isn't going to change your body. That doesn't mean the shoe isn't good for other reasons but, if you're looking for major weight loss or toning, you're better off saving your money and hitting the gym for some cardio and strength workouts.
