A Health and Wellness Test Walk

The Comparison Test:

As of late, you may have noticed a trend toward health & wellness in the footwear industry. New Balance, MBT and Skechers are three top sellers in the game, thus we are putting them to the test so you don’t have to do it yourself. These brands claim to manufacture shoes that will improve your posture, circulation, muscle tone, strength, etc. We want to give a first-hand perspective from a buyer’s standpoint. Here goes nothin’:

First up: The New Balance Rock & Tone – WW1442SB (MSRP $84.95)

First thing that I notice is that the laces seem a bit too long, like maybe I could lasso some cattle with them. Aside from that, the appearance is relatively sleek and this shoe has the look of a normal athletic style.
· The less prominent rocker sole seems to be less effective than other styles. This may not be a bad thing if you are looking for something that will not stand out like a sore thumb, but still has some toning benefits.
· Looks the best of the bunch, but not nearly as effective.
· Digs into my right heel
· Fits like an ordinary tennis shoe, except if you lean back you can feel the slight rocker sole
· Wide widths available
· Bottom Line: If you are looking for a tennis shoe that has a little something extra, this shoe is perfect. The rocker sole is not very prominent and you can get away with wearing them like any normal athletic style.

Second: MBT Moja – White (MSRP $239.95)

The MBT is the Bentley of this category. The materials are superb, it looks great and the rocker is felt immediately in my muscles and in my pocket book. If they all cost the same amount, I would go for the MBT every time.
· The rocker is much more noticeable than the New Balance.
· Benefits noticed immediately in my calf muscles and posture.
· This style forces me to walk faster.
· I feel like this shoe propels me into every step.
· Instability is noticeable -- this is great for training the often neglected muscles in the joints.
· Width runs a tad wide.
· Standing still you feel as though you must rock back and forth, constantly.
· Feels similar to walking on a treadmill set to an incline.
· Materials feel much better and the shoe seems of a higher level of quality.
· Bottom Line: If you have the money to spend on the MBT’s, go for it. They are amazing.

Skechers Shape Up – Jumpstart – White, Silver, Pink (MSRP $109.95)

If you are deciding between the New Balance and Skechers and really are looking to see results, spend the extra $20 for the Shape Ups. The rocker sole is much more conspicuous and you can definitely feel its benefits, whereas the Rock & Tone seems to be just like a run-of-the-mill tennis shoe with a little something extra.
· Feels like I slipped my foot into a down feather comforter.
· Comes with two sets of laces – one set pink, one set white.
· Comes with an instructional DVD, which explains the benefits of this shoe.
· Definitely makes your foot look fatter… this shoe is the opposite of sleek.
· Does not feel like it is made of the same quality materials a the MBT.
· I do not rock forward as much as in the MBT.
· Much more girly and glittery.
· Feel as though they are not doing as much as the MBT, but is way better than the New Balance. · Bottom Line: This style is for the woman who wants to get some real results but does not want to drop the big money for the MBT. Skechers did a great job of getting many of the same benefits of the MBT into an affordable package.

…And the WINNER is: Ultimately, we decided that the MBT style is the best of the three. Although most expensive, this shoe will tone your muscles, improve your posture & circulation, supposedly give you more energy, etc. Therefore, the MBT is well worth the cost and in the long run will give you superior results.