Types of Shoes With Curved Sole

Shoes with curved soles, also known as toning or rocker shoes, are designed to provide more support than regular shoes. Because of the curved bottom, the wearer has to work harder to maintain balance, helping provide better posture, promote weight loss, tighten and strengthen muscles and improve blood circulation, according to Skechers, maker of the Shape-up. Shoes with a curved sole come in walking, running, hiking, formal and casual styles.

  1. Walking

    • One of the advertised benefits of toning shoes is that you can tone your body without having to exercise. One brand, MBT --- Masai Barefoot Technology --- designs its shoes to simulate walking in sand. The curved sole of its toning shoes is mostly designed for walking and slower exercises. The walking shoes have a lower profile and a thicker curve in the sole.

    Running

    • Toning shoes made for jogging or faster movements look more like traditional gym shoes. Reebok's EasyTone have three air pockets on the sole to promote balance and toning while jogging. The first Skechers Shape-ups were first designed only for walking, but the company has added "Liv" and "XF" to its collection, specifically designed for faster-paced workouts, including running.

    Boots

    • At the time of publication, toning boots are only available from MBT. Made of leather, these boots have the same curved sole as the shoes, but have a stylish and modern design for everyday casual wear. The boots are available in both high- and mid-rise. Reebok also sells a high-top vintage-style shoe with EasyTone technology.

    Sandals/Dress

    • All brands provide the toning technology in sandals, available in many styles and colors. The sandals are simple and have a low, curved sole for a slight toning effect while walking. Dress shoes such as "Oxford" and "Mary Jane" style shoes have also been infused with toning technology to provide subtle toning while at work or dressed formally, sold by both Skechers and MBT.