Shoes That Work Your Calf Muscles

Toning shoes claimed a $275 million share of the shoe market just in the first four months of 2010, proving that the American public loves shoes that multitask, toning calves while you walk. The shoes imitate the experience of walking on sand, forcing the wearer to stabilize her steps, which inevitably firms calf, back, abdominal and buttock muscles all at once. While the companies who developed these shoes cite extensive research backing their claims, some critics and doctors remain uncertain of their results. Nevertheless, six of the top 10 athletic shoes, as of May 2010, were toners, touting their popularity with the public.

  1. New Balance Rock and Tone Trainers

    • New Balance released its Rock and Tone Trainers in June 2010, advertising the shoe's appearance and comfort level as a more standard athletic shoe compared to other brands of toner shoes. Even though the shoe has a lower rocker sole, it is purported to work calves and buttocks up to 27 percent more than the standard shoe while improving posture. New Balance states that the rock and tone trainers increase the wearer's walking gait, relieving pressure to joints and increasing calorie and oxygen consumption by 8 percent.

    FitFlop Sandals

    • Tested at the University of Salford and approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association, the FitFlop Sandals have a sole reportedly proven to absorb up to 22 percent more shock than a normal shoe, relieving pressure in the feet and joints. The manufacturers claim the calves and buttocks are worked up to 30 percent more while minimizing aches in knees and hips. The sole is structured from a "Microwobbleboard" patent-pending technology with a high-density heel, low-density wobble center, and mid-density toe cap. This technology helped some wearers find relief from chronic foot and spine issues such as sciatica, degenerative disc disease, restless leg syndrome and osteoarthritis.

    Skechers Shape-Ups

    • Skechers Shape-Ups athletic shoes boast a rolling textured sole with a foam insert and dual density midsection. Skechers maintains that the shoe firms calf muscles as well as the abdominal and buttock regions, while also improving posture, strengthening core muscle groups and increasing calorie consumption. The scientifically tested sole structure also helps to alleviate stress to knee joints and the back. Some customers even reported relief from chronic pain stemming from foot spurs, knee replacements and plantar fasciitis. Skechers states that Shape-Ups were especially designed to increase comfort level for workers who stand on their feet for long hours, such as teachers, waiters and nurses. Because the curved soles are designed for low-impact workouts, Skechers doesn't recommend wearing them for intense aerobics.