I've done an article on MBT shoes, which are cited as reducing fat and cellulite, but today I discovered something very interesting: Earth Shoes. Also known as Negative Heel Technology shoes. These shoes, so named for a heel which slants downward, have actually been around for ages. Well, since 1966, at least.

I'm surprised I'd not heard of them before, and they are surely better to look at than the MBT shoes. I wouldn't mind owning some of these even if they didn't provide health benefits. And being Eco-friendly, I'm sure Greenies wouldn't mind having a pair either.

A Danish woman, Ann Kalso, was visting Brazil when she noticed the particular indentations where people had walked in the sand. Being a yoga instructer, she associated it with a specific yoga position, and had an idea for a new kind of shoe. These shoes became very popular in the 60s and 70s, especially with hippies. I suppose that was mainly for their looks and natural materials, but one of the things these are supposed to do, is reduce, and perhaps even banish, cellulite. The company ended up going out of business at one point, but it has actually resurfaced and they are becoming popular all over again.

Supposed health benefits:

• Eliminate back pain by way of naturally correcting body posture.
• Improve your breathing
• Tone your thighs
• Allow you to increase your calorie-burning, thanks to continuously walking on a slight incline.
• Simulate your muscles gently and effectively.
• And, of couse, "walk away cellulite with every step"

I'm not crazy about the sparkly stuff, but the sandal isn't bad as far as cellulite shoes go. These are much nicer looking than the MBT versions, for sure. And they don't look bizarre from the side.

Cost $129

These are very hippy looking, aren't they? I suppose they look ok with jeans, but please God don't wear these with shorts. These also happen to be Vegan certified (or whatever you call it) so the PETA peeps can wear these.

Cost $119

Believe it or not, I kind of like these. Yeah, they're a bit.. well.. you know, but they have character. I'd wear these with some sexy jeans, maybe, to try and give them a boost of sauciness. Not sure it would work, but I like them.

Cost: $129

As you can see, they make boots as well. These kind of look like they belong on Yukon Jack's girlfriend, but if you live in Iceland or somewhere, they'd probably look appropriate. They remind me a bit of Ugg boots - I could see Pamela Anderson wearing these.

Cost: $159