The last time I bought a pair of trainers, laser hair removal was only for the rich and famous, I lived with my parents and Ayia Napa was ‘the’ place to be in July. Yes, it’s been a long time since I’ve shown any interest in the running shoe and, like most women, that time came only when it became painfully obvious that my once speedy metabolism was slowing down and everything that was once tight and firm now looked like something that should not be allowed out in public. As much as the mirror’s reflection hurt me, I wasn’t going to obsess about it by signing up for a personal trainer or killing myself on the treadmill; instead I would walk my way to a tighter rear… with magic shoes.
There aren’t really any magic shoes that can slap all that’s wobbly into perfect shape but there are shoes that promise to make it easier. These include EasyTone by Reebok, a brand that is suddenly making a huge comeback since it was sidelined in the 90s by Adidas and Nike.
Walking in these new shoes supposedly encourages toning through increased muscle activation that is caused by ‘balance pods’ that are built in the heel and forefoot. These balance pods create a natural instability that is required to make the key leg and glute muscles burn calories and begin toning.
All this information is very insightful but at up to €110 a pair (from Famous Sports shops islandwide), do they work? Since I was clearly in need of a sensible pair of walking shoes, I actually bought a pair, after researching reviews and prices. Most of the reviews I came across were by women who do not attend the gym religiously and certainly won’t wave away a French fry. They have jobs, kids and just about enough time to take a 30-minute walk every evening. They need all the help they can get.
As soon as you slip the EasyTone trainers on, one thing you will notice is how light they feel on the feet; walking in them comes effortlessly and you end up gliding along, which doesn’t feel like exercise at all.
The first day I went for a 30-minute walk and by the end of it, I wasn’t feeling any different; no aches, no pains, no ice packs required. However, I did notice that the walk was surprisingly easier than other times I had been round the same circuit; I felt lighter while walking with the balance pods. I continued wearing the EasyTones for a week, on and off, and even though they completely disagree with most of my outfits, they look great with a t-shirt and leggings, so I could get away with wearing them on a casual day at work; this also meant that I was exercising my legs while walking to the kitchen to make tea, to the photocopier or to the kiosk.
I must admit though that only when I wore them often and tried walking with a tight tummy and proper posture did I feel their full effect: they really do work the rear, hamstrings and glutes but don’t expect them to change your body. If you’re in need of toning or weight loss, get on a treadmill; wearing the EasyTones will only help you along the way.
Seeing that it is summer and trainers are out, Fitflops are what you’ll be needing to keep up. Chunky and orthopedic, you’d think Fitflops would be a fad that would sizzle out and die but since 2007, when they were first launched in London, they have been so popular, 18,000 pairs were sold in just three days!
Today, even Oprah is a fan and the completely uncool black and red style has elaborated into a huge fashion accessory; you can now get the glittery Electras that cost €65 (from Famous Sports shops islandwide) or even the Aurelia, which channel the Roman sandal-style trend and not only would you be bang-on trend, you’d also be getting a mini-leg and bottom workout.
Two years in development and leading scientists – or rather biomechanics – came up with a patent-pending sole made of multi-density material that mimics barefoot walking. This ‘wobble board’ effect claims to challenge the foot more than ordinary trainers and creates extra tension in the leg and bottom muscles, causing them to work harder. More or less the same theory as behind the EasyTones.
Nearly three million pairs have been sold globally since 2007 because they manage to destabilise the foot and make you step more naturally and activate the slow-twitch muscle fibers in the legs, known as fat burners.
While I’m still skeptical regarding their ability to help us lose fat and inches off our waists, regular users have a more positive attitude. Mia from the UK said: “I can confirm they do engage the gluteus maximus muscles on heel strike, they aid in keeping a better posture when walking and standing and help to control the foot and rotate the hip and knee. Take it from someone who has suffered severe muscular skeletal injuries and imbalances.”
43-year old mother of three Maria Iacovou said: “I love them. They are very comfortable and I wear them all day. I actually have two pairs and switch to my more dressy pair with diamante stones when I go out. I do feel they work your bottom although I haven’t noticed any muscles developing. But they only work if you’re walking in them and not just pottering around.”
It would be silly to put all your hopes and dreams of having Gisele’s bottom into a pair of shoes unable to distinguish the difference between a very good marketing tool and reality. Having said that however, hats off to the creators of these shoes because we now have shoes that look both great and do our posture and feet the world of good.
