What are “toning shoes”?
Toning shoes, which are also known as “wellness shoes” or “rocker bottom shoes” – are sneakers with rounded, unstable soles that increase the front-to-back rocking motion of the foot.
Many makers of this type of shoe advertise and claim that the toning shoes increase muscle strength in the legs, slim the calves and legs, improve one’s balance and jumpstart one’s metabolism.
Given the minimal effort shoe wearers need to make to see such amazing benefits, it is no wonder that the market for toning shoes has increased steadily. The shoes, made by various manufacturers (MBTs, Skechers Shape-ups, Reebok Easy Tones, Keds Sport, New Balance, Crocs) appear to offer consumers an “easy fix” to reach a healthy level of fitness.
However, exercise experts have conducted a study that concluded there is no evidence that wellness or toning shoes are any more beneficial than traditional athletic shoes. Some medical experts have stated that toning shoes may carry significant risks. Consumers are at a greater risk of stress fractures, falling, and fall injuries due to the inherent instability of toning shoes. Age, health issues (such as diabetes, vertigo, and neuropathy), and a weak center of balance make these shoes especially dangerous for some wearers. Health care workers and food service workers have been targeted by the manufacturers of these shoes, and at least one worker alleged serious hip injuries following months of use.
Types of Injuries Caused by Toning Shoes
Wearers of toning shoes activate different muscles than those used when walking in a normal fashion. While toning shoes originally were created as part of therapy for people with weak ankles, they are now being marketed to consumers with claims that the shoes will increase muscle strength, slim one’s legs, and burn more calories than traditional athletic shoes.
However, the inherent instability of “rocker bottom shoes” can increase the wearer’s risk of stress or fall injuries. Injuries from the use of rocker bottom shoes can include the following:
- Strained/inflamed Achilles tendons;
- Slips and falls;
- Broken bones;
- Sprains;
- Strains;
- Natural gait disruption;
- Stress fractures.
Toning Shoe Brands
The popular brands of toning shoes include the following:
Meet the Team
Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC is a national law firm with offices in Baltimore, MD, Columbia, SC, and Asheville, NC. In addition, the firm also has a smaller satellite office in New York City.
The toning shoe injury lawyers at Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC are committed to assisting the firm’s clients obtain maximum recoveries for injuries sustained with defective or dangerous products. The firm’s injury lawyers have received “AV” status (highest rating for ethical and professional excellence) by Martindale-Hubbell®.
For more information about the firm’s successes and recoveries obtained on behalf of its clients, please review the firm’s verdicts and settlements page.
Contact Our Toning Shoes Injury Lawyers Today
If you have sustained an injury due to toning shoes, you may have a legal claim that deserves compensation. The legal team at Janet, Jenner & Suggs, LLC may be able to help you protect those rights. The firm has offices in Baltimore, MD, Asheville, NC, and Columbia, SC as well as a satellite office in New York City. Act quickly to protect your legal rights. Call 1-888-4-MED-LAW or contact the firm online immediately.
