There are all sorts of different shoes, but one popular new type is made for those who want to tone their legs, thighs, and butt while doing their normal day to day activities. Skechers Shape Up shoes were the first shoes to incorporate a special shape and materials to help burn calories and tone better than normal shoes. If you want to get your body in shape while you're simply standing around and walking, check out a pair of these hot shoes.

Have you heard that Oprah was spotted wearing a pair of these a couple of months ago? It's true -- Skechers Shape Up trainers are shown to improve blood circulation and posture, strengthen back, abdominal, leg, and calf muscles, and give you a gentle but firm workout all day long. All you have to do is stand or walk. The unique design of the soles simulates walking on sand. Since sand is soft and uneven, your foot sinks in a bit when you walk on it. That means the muscles your body uses for balance, namely the calf, leg, butt, and abdominal muscles, have to work to keep your body upright. In the same way, Skechers Shape Ups keep these muscles in use all day long. That means you get an easy workout by just standing and walking.

Since Skechers came out with their toning shoes, many other brands have copied the idea. Many people find the shape of the soles looks somewhat funny with the Skechers shoes. New Balance now offers toning shoes, which they call their "True Balance" line. This consists of the New Balance 850 and New Balance 1100 shoes. These shoes have a similar function to Shape Up shoes, in that they keep the wearer slightly off balance so that leg muscles are used more often. The New Balance true balance shoes have been shown to burn more calories and tone better than regular walking shoes.

Reebok also has an eye on this market with their Reebok Easytone shoe. Easytones contain special pads in the soles to improve leg toning while walking, jogging, or running. They also look stylish and come in several colors.

Skechers Shape Up shoes are perfect for women who want to tone their lower body while working around the house, and also those whose jobs require them to stand for long periods of time. They can help back pain, burn more calories, and strengthen leg muscles all while walking or standing. If you're looking for a new pair of shoes, you owe it to yourself to check these out.

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