Medical Reports: Footwear

WSVN-- It's the newest trend: fitness footwear shoes that are supposed to help you get fit even if you're just taking a leisurely stroll. 7 News decided to check out several of these so-called super shoes.

First, the flip flops known as Fit Flops. The makers of the summer sandals also have a fall collection of boots and clogs. The creators claim a micro-wobble technology inside the shoe will engage more muscles, reduce back and joint pain and improve posture.

Paula Peterson: "They rock back and forth. You have to kind of like use your muscles to get up and over."

Next, the Shapeup Shoes by Sketchers.

Paula Peterson: "The shoe is designed with a kinetic wedge. The bottom of this shoe has properties that will put you in proper alignment, and your muscles have to work harder."

They look like regular sneakers, but the company says they work by keeping you off balance while you walk. Their study shows you will peel off the pounds too.

Paula Peterson: "We've also done a study over six weeks where the average weight loss was three pounds."

Paula Peterson, 43, says she's had success with her shapeups.

Paula Peterson: "I started to lose inches. I'm up to like 25 pounds now and going strong."

Student Gaby Soria has been wearing hers for two months.

Gaby Soria: "Definitely, I feel it here in my core, like I do a pilates class when I'm at school, and it kinda feels like you're working the same muscles."

And finally, there's the Easy-Tone shoe by Reebok. The company says balance pods built into the sole of the shoe create instability with each step you take to make your muscles work harder.

Gaby Soria: "You definitely have to work to walk. Otherwise, you feel like you're going to fall, you really have to balance yourself."

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. George Theodore says the benefits of core strengthening are real.

Dr. George Theodore: "Because it has unique features, and it works different types of muscles and probably has a higher energy requirement to wear, it tends to burn more calories. You're leading to some modest weight loss."

But he says it's not just the shoes.

Dr. George Theodore: "Weight loss is a multi-factorial issue. It involves things like an appropriate diet, appropriate exercise, and this is just one small key part of it."

Christine Cruz: "Doctors emphasize you should not use any of the shoes if you have a neurological problem or condition that affects your balance."

The cost of these shoes average about $100.