NYTimes Suggests Science Behind Ass-Toning Shoes is…Well, Ass

Remember that whole epic fail of an ad campaign in which Reebok aired ridiculously sexist ads (see below) claiming their EasyTone shoes could “make your boobs jealous” of your legs and ass?

Well the NY Times has exposed the science behind the shoes, and pretty much dismisses these claims as bunk.

“To support the claims, the shoemakers each offer company-financed exercise studies suggesting that the shoes produce a higher level of muscle engagement, at least in a controlled research setting.
But the studies don’t show whether more engagement leads to meaningful changes in muscle tone or appearance over time. Nor is it clear whether the high level of engagement continues once the walker becomes accustomed to the shoe.”

Further, the claim that the shoes offer muscle toning is backed by a single, unpublished study involving just five people.
In fact, it looks like the most effective thing these shoes do is act as a placebo:

“The real effect may come from simple awareness that they are wearing a muscle-activating shoe, causing them to walk more briskly and with purpose.”

Yeah, I’m pretty sure I can do that without throwing down a hundred bucks for a pair of sneakers. Looks like Reebok needs to Re-Back their claims.
Sorry- I tried to resist the urge to pun, but the silliness of this entire ad campaign sort of begs for my ridicule. I’ve got more. How about this one: EasyTone? More like SleazyTone. Also, my boobs may not be jealous of my ass, but my ass sure is jealous of Reebok…it’s used to being the only one full of shit.
Ok, I’m done now. I apologize for the crudeness, and perhaps more importantly, the corniness. But hey- it’s Friday folks! So if you share my silly mood, add your sneaker puns to comments