You may recall that last summer one of our blogs highlighted research that contradicted the benefits purported by several manufacturers of toning shoes. As a reminder, researchers at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse conducted two studies, one evaluating exercise responses to walking in traditional athletic shoes compared to some of the more popular brands of toning shoes and a second looking at the differences in muscle activation¹.  Both studies found no significant differences in either exercise response or muscles activation between any of the shoes. 

One of the shoes studied was the Reebok Easy Tone whose manufacturers claimed had been proven to lead to 28 percent more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11 percent more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles, and 11 percent more strength and tone in the calf muscles than regular walking shoes.  Last month, in its ongoing effort to thwart overhyped advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed charges against Reebok International Ltd. for its false claims. In response, Reebok has agreed pay $25 million as part of a settlement agreement, which will be used for customer refunds. 

Although they admitted no guilt, under the settlement, Reebok is barred from:
• making claims that toning shoes and other toning apparel are effective in strengthening muscles, or that using the footwear will result in a specific percentage or amount of muscle toning or strengthening, unless the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence;
• making any health or fitness-related efficacy claims for toning shoes and other toning apparel unless the claims are true and backed by scientific evidence; and 
• misrepresenting any tests, studies, or research results regarding toning shoes and other toning apparel.

This case is a reminder that before we invest in a product, shoes or otherwise, it is important to evaluate the validity of that product. One of the best ways to do that is to look for scientific research that has gone through the peer-review process. Peer-review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals with the related field. Peer-review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance, and provide credibility. Be leery of products that promise quick improvements in performance; contain a secret component (technology, ingredient, etc.); advertise by testimonials or have or athletes/celebrities as their spokesperson; have poorly controlled or nonexistent research; exaggerate some truth; and are expensive. For further information check out How's that Work-out Working Out?  Tips on Buying Fitness Gear -- a resource developed by the FTC to help consumers evaluate the legitimacy of advertising claims of fitness gear.

For a summary of the Reebok settlement or to apply for a refund to go Ftc.gov/reebok and remember if it looks and sounds too good to be true—it probably is!

¹Porcari J, Greany J, Tepper, S, Edmonson B, Foster C, Anders M. (2010, July 21). Will toning shoes really give you a better body. Accessed August 8, 2010, from the American Council on Exercise Web Site:  http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/research.aspx.