Toning Technology

• Reebok developed a toning technology called "balance ball technology" to tone three key muscle areas: the glutes, the thighs and the calves. Reebok designers looked at how balance or stability balls work by creating instability and designed shoes to create a similar "microinstability." By placing "balance pods" on the heel and forefoot of their athletic shoes, Reebok forces you to correct the instability with each step, allegedly toning your muscles.
  
  

Similarities

• Reebok released two models of shoes using the toning technology, the EasyTone and the SimplyTone shoes. Both models use balance pods on the soles of the shoes to create microinstability. Reebok markets the EasyTone and SimplyTone shoes for walking, claiming they provide a toning advantage over traditional athletic shoes.
  
  

Differences

• Reebok EasyTone shoes use "moving air technology" that causes you to transfer your weight while responding to the instability created by air pods. Reebok SimplyTone shoes use foam pods on the bottom of the shoe instead. Though softer, the SimplyTone foam pods provide a similar experience. SimplyTone shoes cost $20 to $30 less, as of time of publication.
  
  

Effectiveness

• Reebok conducted research on their EasyTone shoes showing a "toning advantage" of a 28 percent increase in activity in the glutes and 11 percent in the hamstring area. Reebok did not test the SimplyTone shoes. Dr. Edward R. Laskowski, co-director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center, says, "Despite the claims, there is no convincing evidence that wearing toning shoes will make your legs more toned or cause you to burn extra calories." Laskowski does think toning shoes encourage people to walk more because they believe the shoes provide extraordinary results. "If you increase your activity as a result, you'll benefit your overall health," he concludes.