Sketchers Has Really Stepped In It This Time

We have all seen the commercials. The sexy women with the great rear ends bounce around as the voice over guy tells you that you too can have a body like this if you would only buy Sketchers Shape-Up shoes. No dieting or gym required...just plunk down your money and wear the shoes in your normal day and presto! Well, not so fast. As I wrote in an earlier blog this nonsense is totally unfounded. Any independent study of the Shape-Up shoes, or rocking type shoes by other copycat companies, proves that these shoes do absolutely nothing to help you burn more calories or have your leg muscles work more. In fact, some recent studies show that there is increased pressure on the ankle and knee as well as the hamstrings and these shoes can actually lead to injury. If that were not bad enough, now Sketchers is in the news for marketing these shoes to 7 year old girls. This disgraceful attempt to make money by playing on the insecurities of pre-teen girls has many parents fed up.
A class action lawsuit is pending against Sketchers for false advertising and misleading the public with false health claims. I for one am happy to see this. Many of my patients ask me about these shoes and when I give my opinion they are disappointed. They are looking for the magic bullet. Like your mother always told you...if it seems to good to be true it is. If you are dealing with foot pain you should see a podiatrist who is trained in the treatment of feet and ankles. If you are looking for a good shoe to exercise in, you should wear a well fit shoe that passes a few simple tests. See my earlier blog on how to pick the right shoes for you. If you are looking to lose weight, exercise and diet are the only way to effectively do that in the long term. Don't believe Joe Montana, Wayne Gretzky or Kim Kardashian. They are paid to lie to you!


Committed to your health,

Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com

Simply No Evidence for Toning Shoes

We have all seen the commercials. Joe Montana sells the Shape-Up shoe for Sketchers and various models bounce around with tight shorts showing off the great butts they supposedly attained simply wearing a toning shoe. Sorry, but you mother was correct...if it seems to good to be true, it probably is. I hate to be the one to burst your bubble but all the slick marketing aside, a recent study by the American Council on Exercise found "simply no evidence" that the shoes aid in more intense exercise, burn more calories or improve strength and tone. I will repeat that...there is no evidence that these expensive shoes do ANYTHING that they advertise. Nothing. As a foot doctor I am asked about these shoes all the time. My response was always the same, I don't think that the shoes will hurt you, but they are definitely not any kind of miracle. If you want toned legs and a toned butt there are no short cuts. Decrease you caloric consumption, eat a a healthy diet and perform a balanced exercise program in standard athletic shoes. I know that is not exciting. I know that I can't sell that with commercials of retired athletes...but it is true. Hey these shoes will make you lose some weight...in your wallet. Save your money and go exercise.

Committed to your health,

Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com