Tone up shoes help with back ache from scoli?

[trcylynn]

Hey,

I have read that some of these tone up shoes (Sketcher's tone ups- not sure if that's the name, and Reebok easytones) work your legs butt and even back. Some reviewers are saying that they moderate back pain they had normally does not happen while wearing these shoes.

Anyone here heard anything about these shoes (good or bad)?

Thanks!!

[RitaR]

I have heard ab out these shoes. Seen them on TV and in the stores, but i haven't tried any on and haven't heard from anyone who has tried them. They look weird. I'd probably fall off of them because some of them look real high, thick.

[rohrer01]

If they aren't to $$$$, I'd like to try them for my daily walk. If I do, I'll let you all know.
:p

[foofer]

I think Skechers and Reebok are a knockoff of MBT shoes, masai barefoot technology. MBT's are incredibly expensive, but I've heard only great things from many friends who bought them. You can't run in them though, but do any of us run?

I would guess that the knockoffs would be just as good. Here's a link to an MBT question, similar to yours:

http://www.wanderingeducators.com/marketplace/apparel/do-mbt-shoes-really-work.html

Amy

[tonibunny]

I love MBTs, and I've found they are great for helping with back pain, especially if you have a long fusion! They have a cushioned heel which prevents the force of impact as your heel strikes the ground. I'm fused from T1-L4 so my two remaining discs take all the pressure, and I feel these shoes make a big difference.

[mamamax]

Thanks for the input Tonibunny. I can't believe this post appeared today - I just looked at these shoes earlier while at work and was going to post an inquiry here to see if anyone had tried them.

Think I'll get a pair. They even have one design that is kind of like a merry jane shoe, which would be great for the office.

They can be ordered online here: http://us.mbt.com/Home/Collection.aspx

[tonibunny]

Ooh it is nice to see they have a lot more styles now! I bet we don't get that much choice here in the UK though. The shoes I've got are really ugly as heck, but I wear them under long bootcut jeans so you can't see them anyway.

People often say they can't walk far in MBTs without their calves killing them, but I took to them straight away and have been on five mile hikes in them :D I haven't worn them for a while and my calves have got tight again - I can't do the Downward Dog yoga pose at the moment because of this (fusion T1-L4 isn't a problem though!).

[mamamax]

Tonnibunny - you may be in luck - here's the UK web page:

http://uk.mbt.com/default.aspx?lang=en-GB

Looks like they have an office in London. Most reviewers say the same thing you did. I ended up ordering from zappos.com because the prices were a little better - got two pair for the price of one - well, almost ;-)

Also - Zappos suggests ordering 1/2 size larger than normal. Looking forward to more pleasant walking.

[debbei]

I love MBTs, and I've found they are great for helping with back pain, especially if you have a long fusion! They have a cushioned heel which prevents the force of impact as your heel strikes the ground. I'm fused from T1-L4 so my two remaining discs take all the pressure, and I feel these shoes make a big difference.


Really Tonibunny? I figured that since I can sometimes be a klutz, even just taking a walk, I might fall off them and hurt myself. Does it take a while to learn to walk in them? There was a girl in my zumba class wearing those shoes and I couldn't believe she didn't keel over jumping around with them on. :)

[tonibunny]

Hi Debbei, I put them on in the shop and was immediately able to walk in them with no problems at all - I think this is unusual though because even the salesgirl was impressed! My other friends who have them (who don't have scoliosis) do say that they took a bit of getting used to.

I think if you went and tried some on in a shop, you'd be able to tell right away if they were something you'd be able to get used to or not :)

[mamamax]

While waiting for my MBTs to arrive, I've been looking for more information on them. Came across this:

http://www.ten-point.co.uk/index.php?page=Spotlight_on_MBTs_and_Scoliosis

And Toni - the store in the UK is having a sale!

http://www.ten-point.co.uk/cms/MBT_Sale

The Lami-red is cutsie :-)

[tonibunny]

Ah they are fab Mamamax, but I already have two pairs :D I also have 70+ other pairs of footwear and my boyfriend has banned me from buying more. I have moved onto handbags instead ;)

I hope you get on with the MBTs as well as I do! :)

[mamamax]

Toni - you made me giggle .. I do know what you mean. A ton of shoes in my closet as well but I refuse to be banned :-)

I hope I like them too - the authorized distributor I ordered from offers a refund if not satisfied for any reason. I've talked to a few people at work who have them and the verdict is split 50/50. Half love them and the other half have not given them a chance outside of wearing them for a few minutes. Go figure. Anyway, they come with a DVD instructional thing.

I liked the Ironman article (even though it wasn't referenced), anxious to give them a try and I do hope I take to them as well as you did.

If it works out I plan to get a dog. Something I've wanted to do for years but have held off on it due to the walking thing. Bracing has made that much better - hope the shoes are the icing on the cake. If so - a Wheaton Terrior is in my future :-)

[dailystrength]

Thanks for that discussion, folks! I am due for a new pair of sneakers, and perhaps I'll look into these. My lunchtime walking partners have them and they are also split 50/50 as to liking them.

[rohrer01]

Hey all! I got a pair of Bogo's for $34.00 at K-Mart. I walked a mile in them first thing with no ill effects. I'm sure it'll take a couple of weeks or more to see if there will be any REAL effects, but it can't hurt. Right now, I'm trying just about anything. :p

[jrnyc]

hmmm... think i'm gonna try a pair in NYC when i go in...i need to try them on cause i have really bad feet from toe oeprations...long story...but i need WIDE toe box on sneakers and shoes...have several pairs custom made shoes...they cost in the thousands of $$..ugh!!
these things gotta be less than that, right?! :rolleyes:

jess

[rohrer01]

Jess,
They had the Bogo's in regular and wide. I'm not sure if they are wide enough to accomodate your toes, but for $34.00 it sure couldn't hurt to try them on.
;)

[mamamax]

Thanks for that discussion, folks! I am due for a new pair of sneakers, and perhaps I'll look into these. My lunchtime walking partners have them and they are also split 50/50 as to liking them.

Received the MBTs on Friday & have been wearing them ever sense - the sneaker definitely is as advertised. Excellent shoe and worth every penny .. I've had cheaper look a-likes before, there is no comparison. The combination of bracing and this shoe is just wonderful for me. I had also ordered a merry jane style, they will be going back as they just don't work as well but the sneaker model is tops!

[rohrer01]

:( I hope my Bogo's work. It's all I can afford right now.

[jrnyc]

thanks, rohr...but my feet are very narrow :rolleyes:
heel is like a quadruple A...rest of foot is triple A...but toes need wide just cause i had many foot surgeries (dont ask...arthritis twisted the toes...surgeons tried to straighten them...they twisted again))....thus...several pairs of custom made...for mucho money!!

i am going to try them on in a store in NYC that i looked up...that way, i will know if the toe box is wide enuf for me...

thanks again..
jess

[dailystrength]

Thanks for the tips, Rohrer and Mamamax!

[rohrer01]

The actual name for my shoes is TheraShoe. I just happened to get them on the Bogo sale at K-mart, but the shoe nor the box says Bogo on them. They claim to be accepted by the Acadamy of Therapeutic Footwear. I still am not used to them. Sometimes they really throw me off balance and I look like a drunken sailor (sorry to all you drunken sailor's out there :D) walking in them. They have a rocker as in rocking chair type design and are supposed improve your posture, exercise your core (tummy, I think), glute and leg muscles, help you walk with improved gait and reduce shock to back, hips, knees, and feet.

Well, my conclusion after using them for over a week now is that I need more PRACTICE in them. Because the center of the shoe is thicker, I tend to step harder which makes me feel like I am INCREASING the shock to my back, hips, knees, and feet. After a while, when I tend to take larger steps so that my heal comes in contact with the ground first, then the shoe seems to "roll" and the impact decreases. It is definitely going to take some getting used to. I haven't noticed any exercise induced pain (the good kind) from them, yet. Maybe I need more time in them.

I'm definitely NOT giving up on them, I've only had them a week, like I said. My dear hubby noticed the funniest thing about them, that is purely coincidental I'm sure. If you look at the bottom of this shoe, there is a design on the bottom that looks like a scoliotic spine. So now he calls them my scoliosis shoes!:p I've gotta have a sense of humor! I, too, have too many pairs of shoes to count. I kind of have to sneak them in and hope that he notices slowly. He always notices right away and says, "Another pair of shoes?! How many shoes do you need?" This is coming from a man that has a pair of work boots (he's a mechanic), a pair of pseudodress shoes, a pair of sandals that he RARELY wears, and slippers. That's it! He wears his pseudodress shoes everywhere. It drives me nuts! Oh well, I gotta love him. He puts up with my shoe obsession.

So for all you shoe fanatics out there, be careful with your therapeutic shoes at first. I might just be a clumsy person, but I'm sure I'm not the only clumsy one out there. And just an FYI, I do NOT wear heals for that reason. :D

[rohrer01]

Just an update on the progress of my TheraShoes. I am noticing that my tummy is getting tighter. I'm not a heavy person, but had one c-section, which destroyed my tummy muscles. I can't feel them, therefore it makes it hard for me to hold them in. I am now holding them in automatically. It has to be from the shoe. A strong tummy is good for the back. So at least it's a start!:p

[mamamax]

Just an update on the progress of my TheraShoes. I am noticing that my tummy is getting tighter. I'm not a heavy person, but had one c-section, which destroyed my tummy muscles. I can't feel them, therefore it makes it hard for me to hold them in. I am now holding them in automatically. It has to be from the shoe. A strong tummy is good for the back. So at least it's a start!:p

I am noticing the same thing - looks like the rocker technology is a good one for some of us :-)

[tonibunny]

I'm really glad you are both finding these shoes beneficial! It would be brilliant if they can help you build your core stability Rohrer, and if that in turn helps your back pain :)

[idilia4]

Is anybody familiar with Z-Coil shoes? I purchased a pair about a year ago and it helped me a lot with my back. I had to walk on my tiptoes before I bought them. My back was really bad from my feet/ heels hitting the floor. After I wore them for awhile it got much better. I stoped wearing them because I felt a little better and also because they look funny.
I will try the Scetchers since they look better.

[rohrer01]

Is anybody familiar with Z-Coil shoes? I purchased a pair about a year ago and it helped me a lot with my back. I had to walk on my tiptoes before I bought them. My back was really bad from my feet/ heels hitting the floor. After I wore them for awhile it got much better. I stoped wearing them because I felt a little better and also because they look funny.
I will try the Scetchers since they look better.

If people say your shoes look funny, you can say that you are just starting a new trend. My therashoes don't look all that weird. I've been wearing them everywhere I can and am finally getting used to them. It's amazing how bad my balance is. I wonder if it has anything to do with the actual scoliosis? I stand straight and my shoulders are now even, compared to five years ago I had a higher left shoulder. I even mowed the lawn in my shoes today. Now, sadly to say, they are grass green. I way overdid it and I'm pretty much hurting from top to bottom. I'm gonna try to get some shut-eye. Good night all!:)

[rohrer01]

I had someone notice a big difference in my tummy, so I know it's not wishful thinking. The shoes really do work! :p

[jsully]

I have the Sketchers and have been wearing the to work (12 hours) a day for 4 months. I do not notice much difference in pain but I do work long days.

[cbeem]

I may have to try a $35 fix for my back AND my tummy! LOL!!! It sounds too good to be true. Yeah, at $250 those others just seem too much of a risk. I bought Danskos a while back, and every time I wore them, my back was KILLING me. I finally realized the shoes that I hoped would help my back issues were killing me. They sit, gathering dust, at the bottom of my closet (with, MANY other pairs of shoes too!).

I'm one of those nuts that actually wears heels at work though. :) I don't know...makes me feel better...not the back, but ME. Anyway, I carry them in and change. And, I usually kick them off in my office, but slip them on before I teach.

But I'm not above a $35 experiment! :)

Thanks for the tips!

[cbeem]

Oh, and Rohrer...

In my heels, I took a TOTAL header in class a couple of weeks ago. A$$ over teacups as they say! 30 students in the class...me, FLAT OUT on the floor. And, I don't think I'm a klutz! Maybe I really need to try those Kmart specials! :)

[rohrer01]

Oh, and Rohrer...

In my heels, I took a TOTAL header in class a couple of weeks ago. A$$ over teacups as they say! 30 students in the class...me, FLAT OUT on the floor. And, I don't think I'm a klutz! Maybe I really need to try those Kmart specials! :)

Sorry you took a fall! I think my scoli makes my balance off kilter even though it isn't that bad compared to most people on here. I actually LOVE my $35 Therashoes. I'm finding I'm wearing them everywhere, not just for walks anymore. I must say it took me a couple of weeks to learn to walk in them without looking like a total idiot, and I still trip occaisionally. But I am finding them very comfortable now.

When I used to sit down, my c-section lower area used to pooch. I was sitting on the bed and my hubby out of the blue said your tummy is so flat now. Made me feel like a million bucks! I still haven't gotten sore from them and have increased my daily walking to about two miles. So for $35 what can it hurt. Just be careful, cuz scoli does throw off your balance anyway. I've notice that the last several doctor's visits when they make you go barefoot and walk on your heels, I haven't been able to do it without almost falling over. This was even before the shoe. I'm not quite sure what it means. :confused: Anyway, enjoy your new shoes!

[dianeh]

I bought Reebok easytones and use them on the treadmill and any other walking I do for exercise. I love them. It's been about a year and my back feels better and my legs and butt really are tighter. Now I need something for my upper body. I really wanted the pink ones but couldn't get them-looked all over and that's what they advertise! I also bought Fit Flop slippers for around the house and they really work too. Those I got in pink but they get dirty easily. I also have a pair of Fit Flop flip flops which I just bought and they also are comfortable and provide a lot of cushioning under the feet.
dianeh

[cbeem]

So...Kmart near me didn't carry Therashoes. The Reebox and the Skechers were the same price and the Skechers looked to me like more "roll" on them. I don't know. Anyway, I thought if the point is that I don't come down so hard on my heels, go for the Skechers. I also called my mother-in-law, and she has them and loves them. So, I invested a hundred bucks. :) I'd pay a lot more to be pain-free, right?!

So far, they feel a bit weird in the arch of my foot, but I'm wearing them inside for a day or two and deciding whether to keep them or not. :)

Thanks so much for the advice, friends!
Cristy

[jrnyc]

gosh...i wish i could walk 2 miles wearing ANYTHING on my feet...which are bad from many surgeries...but i cant walk anymore...my back hurts so badly, and lately the sciatica down my left leg, which rarely used to bother me, has gotten bad and it now goes up to my left hip! :( i am thrilled if i can walk my sweet little maltese a couple of blocks...some days i cant even do that...

jess

[rohrer01]

So...Kmart near me didn't carry Therashoes. The Reebox and the Skechers were the same price and the Skechers looked to me like more "roll" on them. I don't know. Anyway, I thought if the point is that I don't come down so hard on my heels, go for the Skechers. I also called my mother-in-law, and she has them and loves them. So, I invested a hundred bucks. :) I'd pay a lot more to be pain-free, right?!

So far, they feel a bit weird in the arch of my foot, but I'm wearing them inside for a day or two and deciding whether to keep them or not. :)

Thanks so much for the advice, friends!
Cristy

If I could afford the Sketcher's, I probably would have bought them. But I am lacking in the $$ department right now. I think it will take you time to get used to them. I hope you like them!

[rohrer01]

gosh...i wish i could walk 2 miles wearing ANYTHING on my feet...which are bad from many surgeries...but i cant walk anymore...my back hurts so badly, and lately the sciatica down my left leg, which rarely used to bother me, has gotten bad and it now goes up to my left hip! :( i am thrilled if i can walk my sweet little maltese a couple of blocks...some days i cant even do that...

jess

You poor thing! I hope they can get your surgery soon and that you sciatica gets resolved. I know that really hurts! I had an epidural and that helped quite a bit. I know your back pain is probably way past that treatment. I'm sorry that you are in so much pain. It seems that is what we all have in common here, for the most part. :(

[dailystrength]

I put on my co-workers Danskos the other day and could barely walk as I found them much too hard- I am now wearing LL Bean Java Mary Janes daily and they are so comfy! I wear them with skirts too and even dancing. I am starting my own style - gotta do what works. Of course the heels still come out for special occasions.

[rohrer01]

I RARELY wear heels. I look like a gangly teenager in them. No gracefulness here! I can't straighten my legs out when I walk...it looks really stupid! Flats are okay by me, my hubby isn't that much taller than I am (Well he would be if he didn't slouch so he could say that I was as tall as him). Don't know WHY he does that. It annoys me. BUT when/if I can ever get my surgery done, I really WILL be taller than him. LOL Then maybe he won't slouch so much! And I know for a fact he is slouching because his spine is as straight and perfect as it can be. He slouches at the hips. :confused:

Back to the topic of shoes. I think that the Therashoes are probably cheap because they don't have as much "rocker" in them. Good thing, cuz it took me a loooong time to get used to them. In time I'll get the more expensive ones, but I know I will have to work up to it. I really did walk like a drunken sailor when I first got my shoes. it was hilarious. I tripped several times, but thankfully never fell. That would kind of defeat the purpose!:eek:

[dailystrength]

Wow, thanks for the Therashoes plug. I looked them up online and they have good reviews, and I'm due for a new pair of sneakers. Here I come, KMart! :)

Speaking of flatter abs, my boss has commented on my toned abs and I give that credit to my balance ball chair. I have lost five pounds since I started using it. Not bad!

[cbeem]

Seriously women...flatter tummies with just a pair of shoes and sitting on a ball?! I could do that! LOL!!!

I've been wearing my Skechers for a couple of days now. I LOVE them. I really do feel like my back isn't in such pain. Oh man...if this could really make a difference, I'd be so freakin' happy!

[jrnyc]

thanks, rohr...yeah, i need the surgery now...denial is kinda fading :rolleyes:

i watch people with straight backs and no bad discs now...i wonder how it feels to be strong like that(relatives, friends)...not to say they cant have other problems...maybe worse ones...but i stare at their backs sometimes...just wondering what that is like...to have a good back...cause i cant really remember...i try to remind myself how many worse problems there are in the world, so i can be grateful for the problems i DONT have!
i want to make time my next trip to NYC in May (botox shots) to try on a pair of those shoes...see if i can find a pair with a wide toebox...i have messed up toes from surgeries...but narrow feet elsewhere...hard to fit!

glad for you, cbeem...hope the shoes keep doing their magic! but i have a question...i know that MBT shoes stretch the calf muscles...but does anyone know what else they do....or how? i looked on the internet...but cant figure it out...the ones i saw were $168...so i'd kinda want more info before i bought 'em....


jess

[tonibunny]

Hi Jess, the MBT shoes constantly challenge your balance, so your muscles have to be active all of the time to keep you steady - this includes the muscles in your legs and bum, and your core stability muscles in your abdomen. Sitting on a gym ball does the same thing for your abs too, and you can maximise the effectiveness of that by "engaging" your pelvic floor muscles as you sit on it.

[jrnyc]

hmmmm..doubt that i could handle that...i have enuf trouble walking without any "funny" shoes! :)
maybe i'll try some different ones on in NYC next month...there's a shoe store on the upper West side of Manhattan that has alot of "healthy" shoes...

thanks for the reply...

jess

[tonibunny]

Yes, it's a bad idea if you're worried about being unstable on your feet to begin with.....I think most "tone-up" shoes work in a similar way though, with a curved/"rocker" sole, so do be careful to try some out and find out if you'll be OK with them.

If you just like the sound of a shoe with a soft heel that cushions the impact of your heel striking the ground, I have a great pair of Dr Scholl boots (which actually look nice too!) which do this whilst having a normal, flat sole. So, it is possible to find shoes like this :)

[jrnyc]

mmmmm...for years i have needed custom made shoes, cause my feet are so messed up...very few shoes not custom made fit me...especially since i need a wide toebox but very narrow everywhere else...like AAA and AAAA heels! :rolleyes: for example, the only sneakers i can wear are Saucony...they have the toebox and rest of sneaker in the proportion i need.

jess