Cellulite affects most women of all shapes and sizes. The market is flooded with an array of firming creams, skin-tightening serums, "miracle" workouts and diet aids that promise to reduce the telltale signs of cellulite. In recent years, another product has emerged that claims to offer great cellulite-reducing results with almost no extra effort: the cellulite shoe.
Cellulite shoes generally work by using a negative heel design. Unlike a traditional shoe, a negative heel places the ball of the foot higher than the heel. There are several benefits to this design: the slightly dorsiflexed position of the ankle allows the calf muscles to lengthen (ideal for habitual high-heel wearers), and the motion of walking with the negative heel is similar to walking uphill. The effect is subtle, but over a long walk, it is noticeable and effective. Many wearers report feeling greater circulation and a better leg and core workout when walking in negative heel shoes.
Masai Barefoot Technology
One of the most popular lines of cellulite-reducing shoes, the MbT range uses an unusual rocking sole to stimulate muscle activity. As well as training balance, burning additional calories, improving pelvic floor strength, and boosting circulation, the shoes are marketed for their cellulite-fighting capabilities.
The MbT shoes have a distinctive look, with thick, curved soles. They are available in several designs – from the fairly unobtrusive to the downright quirky. As well as their regular sole design, MbTs come in a more advanced, high sole model, great for wearers who are ready for an extra challenge.
Chung Shi Shoes
A newer addition to the cellulite shoe market, Chung Shi offers a rocking sole in two models, Balance Step and Comfort Step, for just the right amount of unstable challenge. The designs of the Chung Shi shoes are generally more low-key than the MbTs, with dress shoes and sneakers that don't draw undue attention to their unusual sole.
Earth Shoes
These 1970s icons have been resurrected and have become popular for their simple negative-heel design. Earth shoes look much like any flat shoe and come in a very wide range of sandals, Mary Janes, casual lace-ups, and boots. Vegetarians and vegans will appreciate their dedicated range of animal-free designs. They can also be more affordable than the rocking MbTs or Chung Shi shoes.
Wearing Earths gives an effect similar to walking on a treadmill with a slight incline – the feeling when compared to a flat surface is subtle, but over distance, the shoes do have an effect.
So Do They Work?
Wearers expecting a miracle cellulite cure will, unfortunately, be disappointed with anti-cellulite shoes. Nonetheless, when combined with regular walking – the only thing that will activate the shoes' effectiveness – wearers do find that the shoes help to increase circulation, give a more intense workout and build strength in the buttocks, legs and core. It takes dedication and effort, but wearing these anti-cellulite shoes can improve fitness and body shape – and every little helps when working to combat cellulite.
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