Cinderella bursts through your door , happy as a lark because her pain went away shortly after she purchased magic , glass “ rocker ” slippers from your facility . Logically , you share Cinderella ’ s success story with others to justify their potential purchase and a non-scientific claim is born , also known as anecdotal evidence . Depending on one ’ s penchant for hyperbole , the claims may get somewhat embellished with each new patient . “ It ’ s pedorthic magic !” did a stair workout in normal shoes .” This comment directly conflicts with earlier claims from manufacturers and other individuals that ready-made or off the shelf rocker shoes act as “ exercise footwear ”. Dr . Hamill went on to say that “ The biggest benefit of these shoes is that it ’ s causing them to walk and doing any exercise is helping people . However , if they could motivate themselves to walk in any shoe they would see similar results .”
Prince Charming , who manufacturers the magic rockers also decides to repeat the “ new evidence ” in his ads and not surprisingly , the talking heads in the media blow it totally out of proportion . “ Cinderella is not only cured , she ’ s so toned that Victoria ’ s Secret is close to an endorsement deal . This blonde bombshell is reportedly dating a ‘ Charming ’ fellow ! Apparently , all you need is a pair of glass rocker shoes to live happily ever after !”
Eventually because of the hype of readymade rocker shoes , some doctors have even begun to make recommendations and now even some pedorthists have started to believe these “ magic ” shoes are the greatest thing since sliced bread . Then , some party-pooper comes along to state that the science doesn ’ t support the excitement !
Recently , a panel of pedorthic experts heard arguments on both sides of the controversy and presented evidence at the North American Pedorthic Congress in Orlando , FL . One member of the panel , Bob Schwartz , C . Ped ., reminded everyone that many footwear styles , including most athletic shoes , have extra toe spring which equals variations of a toe rocker . Another panelist , Arnie Davis , C . Ped ., illuminated the attendees about the intricacies of custom rockers and their use for specific pathologies . Biomechanical considerations and questions of the audience were contributed by Dr . Justin Wernick ,
DPM , while Shane Hayes , C . Ped ., in addition to offering comments on the above subjects shared these two outside opinions :
Based on recent research findings , which have not been published just yet , Dr . Joseph Hamill , a leading world expert on lower extremity biomechanics had this to say on the topic : “ The medial lateral instability shoes have less of an effect on muscle activation than if an individual
At first blush , these new kicks seem like the most magical footwear since Dorothy ’ s ruby slippers . But consumers are right to ask whether the shoes are based on sound science or marketing gimmickry .
Newsweek ’ s , John Tucker penned an article titled , Sole Technology , an excerpt borrowed from that article stated the following :
“ The shoe market has recently been glutted with a new wave of “ toner ” sneakers promising a better body
“ The medial lateral instability shoes have less of an effect on muscle activation than if an individual did a stair workout in normal shoes .” simply by walking . At first blush , these new kicks seem like the most magical footwear since Dorothy ’ s ruby slippers . But consumers are right to ask whether the shoes are based on sound science or marketing gimmickry . With price tags ranging from $ 100 to $ 245 , are they designed to firm up bottoms or bottom lines ?”
“ Recently , researchers from the American Council on Exercise decided to put the toners to the test . They recruited subjects ; laced them up in EasyTones , Shape-ups , and MBTs ; and put them on treadmills . Then they used electromyography to measure the muscle activation in their calves , quads , hamstrings , buttocks , back , and abs . The researchers found no significant increase in muscle activity when comparing toners to normal sneakers . “ There is simply no evidence to support the claims that these shoes will help
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