Did you know that toning shoes actually may not provide additional fitness benefits and could even cause a wearer injuries? If you believe that you got hurt because you were wearing toning shoes, you should contact our products liability lawyers right away.
According to SportsOneSource, buyers spent over $1 billion on these shoes last year, which its manufacturers claim provide a better walking experience while helping tone the thigh, calf, and buttock muscles. However, the use of toning shoes has also resulted in reports of injuries.
Consumer Reports says that in its analysis of the Consumer Product Safety Commission database SaferProducts.gov, as of May 22, 2011, 36 people reported toning shoe injuries—more than for any other product in the database, which was just started in May. While most of the toning shoe-reported injuries were minor (foot, hip, or leg pain, and tendonitis), 15 of the injuries were broken bones. Some of the injuries required surgery.
The American magazine’s medical experts say that although toning shoes do force wearers to exercise muscles normally not used when walking, their “rocker-style” bottoms that are designed to create instability can also lead to fall accidents, turned ankles, and other injuries. Also, the American Council on Exercise, which conducted its own testing last year, found that there is no evidence to support claims that toning shoes actually help burn calories or strengthen and tone the muscles. The council also wondered whether wearing toning shoes for too long could alter user’s walking gait mechanics.
Elderly seniors experiencing balance problems are most likely to get hurt from toning shoes. However, seeing as 46 is the average age of those who submitted reports to Saferproducts.gov, younger people are not necessarily immune to toning shoe injuries.
Skechers, Avia, Danskin Now, and New Balance are some of the brands that sell toning shoes. American Apparel and Footwear Association Executive Vice President Steve Lamar has said that the shoes are exercise products and that wearers should follow the instructions on how to use them correctly. That said, if the directions provided are inadequate, there is no accompanying warning of injuries and risks, or the shoes have a design defect, the shoes manufactures could be held liable for products liability if someone were to get hurt.
Are toning shoes unsafe? Reports of injuries raise concern, Consumer Reports, May 25, 2011
Toning shoes: toning unclear, injury risk real, ABC Local, May 25, 2011
A revolutionary sneaker, or overhyped gimmick?, USA Today, June 30, 2010
Related Web Resources:
American Council on Exercise
Safer Products, CPSC
Contact our defective clothing lawyers about your toning shoe-related injuries.
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