Over the past few years there has been number of companies launching shoes and other footwear that claim to help people get fit. These companies usually say that their shoes have some type technology that gives the wearer a workout even during a leisurely walk. Plus, more intense or beneficial  workouts, are said to be had while wearing these shoes. Also, the shoes claim to have other health benefits such as better posture, better breathing, and more toned muscles.

One of the most notable fitness footwear  companies (SwissMasai) makes a shoe called the MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology). The MBT, called the anti-shoe, was created by Swiss engineer Karl Muller in the late 90's. During his trip to Korea, Muller noticed that walking barefoot on rice paddy fields helped to relieve his back pain. He also discovered that in Eastern Africa the Masai Tribesmen walked barefoot and had little or no back pain. Muller wanted everyone to experience the benefits of walking barefoot on natural terrain so he invented the MBT. The Swiss Masai website says that MBTs " creates a natural instability underfoot, which stimulates and exercises the body's supporting muscle system." MBTs claim to improve posture and joint injuries, reduce hip and knee stress, and activate muscles.

I remember first seeing the MBTs (probably in 2000) in a Bliss catalog and it was described as a fitness shoe that was receiving rave reviews from models, actresses, and fitness gurus. The shoe was not exactly attractive then but now there are all type of styles and colors and they even have a boot that is kind of cool. I have not personally tried the MBT but I have always wanted to-I just could not afford to fork over $225 plus for a pair shoes. However, with the downturn of the economy I have been seeing "deals" for about $125.

MBTs are available for women and men. 

The Fitflop, which exploded on the scene this year, is another shoe or sandal that claims to give wearers an workout while they walk. The Fitflop websites says that their sandals use a micro- wobbleboard technology ( patent-pending) that simulates walking barefoot but with more cushion. The website also lists 7 benefits of wearing Fitflops which includes working "bum" muscles and trimming and toning legs.

Fitflop sandals range in price from $49.99 to $59.99 which is not a bad price and I was planning on buying some this summer. I just never did. Maybe I will get some next summer.

Fitflop has launched a shoe ($80) and a boot ($125) which are available for orders at Bliss. And women are already going nuts for these.  

Another fitness sneaker called Springboost uses dorsiflexion to help wearers achieve optimal results during their workout and athletics. The Springboost website says that "The footwear technology Springboost developed allows one to jump higher, run faster while using less energy." There are also sports/activity specific shoes available such as the b-volley for volleyball which helps the wearer to jump higher. And there is the B-Walk Nordic with helps walkers achieve better posture. Some of the benefits that Springboost shoes claim to give wearers are "better blood circulation" and "increase in explosive power." The average price for a pair of these sneakers is $140.

Springboost shoes are available for women and men.

For $150 you can get a pair of Miyata Muscle Trainer shoes which have internal weights (2.2 to 3 lbs) which makes this shoe about 4 times heavier than regular sneakers. The Miyata claims that the internal weights will help you to burn about 300 calories in just 30 minutes.

Miyata shoes are available for both men and women. 

Earth Footwear is an eco-friendly shoe company that offers a variety of shoes from athletic to casual to boots and more. Their footwear use Kalso Negative Heel Technology that, as says the website, "shifts your weight back, helping you burn calories while strengthening and toning your body." Earth shoes range in price from $49 to about $200. Plus you can find special deals on websites like Amazon.

Earth shoes are available for both women and men and there are also vegan options.

I have been interested in trying a pair fitness shoes for some time now but I guess I have been a little too cheap. The going price for most of them are over $100 and I am one of those people to likes get a lot of stuff for my money. That is probably why I have been such a cosmetics and body product junkie most of my life. The Fitflops are reasonable though. I will definitely at least give some of these a test drive in the store. Plus they might be worth it if they do what they claim.

I must also mention that although most of these companies started out making athletic shoes, most of the have now created many casual styles  that feature the same technology as their predecessors.