As a person who is both cynical and reasonably active, I was dubious of the toner shoe concept from the beginning, yet overwhelmingly intrigued. Not, however, intrigued enough to get a pair of the giant, chunky shoes that are generally marketed as toning shoes.
Then I happened to be at an event where I was introduced to the New Balance Toning Shoe. Looking at it, you’d never know it wasn’t your average running or walking shoe. Wearing it, you feel just that little extra twinge of effort that you put into walking in it.
Do I truly believe a shoe can make you get into better shape? After wearing these non-stop for about a month, I do. Pick your jaws up off the floor, I don’t think I’ve found some sort of miracle shoe, but the extra boost you get from wearing these did a few things for me.
First of all, I was inspired to walk everywhere. I walked to work and back, over two miles each way. I walked to the bar. I walked back. Every time I took a step, I felt like I was doing double duty, and so I felt inspired to walk even further.
Second of all, these shoes were cute! The white and pink (also comes in black and pink) made me feel stylish, like I was constantly to-ing and fro-ing from the gym or walk dates with my friends, even if I was really heading to the corner store for more beer.
Lastly, that tiny little extra bit of effort in walking meant that I never forgot to think about my body. I stood up a little straighter. I skipped taking seconds on pasta. I chose fruit over cheetos. Whatever it was, I was very health minded when these shoes were around.
These are great shoes for taking on a trip, and I’d bring them anywhere I plan on walking around (they were extremely comfortable to walk in), but even more so they are great shoes to get ready for a trip. To get those walking feet on, to watch your weight before heading to the beach.
I don’t know if the technology involved actually did anything to lift my bum or tighten my tummy, but I do think that these shoes did their job of making me a healthier person.
Linky love: Buy the New Balance Toning Shoe on Amazon