7 Healthcast: Super shoes

Can a pair of sneakers really slim you down? One company says, yes they can!
 
Jennifer Weiderman, Skechers Shape Ups
"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."
 
The "Shape Up" shoes designed by Skechers - look like regular sneakers, but the company says they work by keeping you off balance while you walk.

Forcing you to align yourself strengthens your core.

Skechers say their studies shows you'll peel off pounds too.
 
Jennifer Weiderman, Skechers Shape Ups
"We'd done a study over 6 weeks and the average weight loss was 3 pounds".

Paula Peterson, 43, of Boston says she's had success with her shape ups.
 
Paula Peterson, lost weight with Shape Ups
"So after about a month, I started to see a difference. I started to lose inches and am up to taking off 25 pounds now and going strong".
 
Gaby Soria, a 20-year-old student from Jamaica Plain has been wearing hers for two months .
 
Gaby Soira, Jamaica Plain
"I definitely feel it in my core, I do Pilates when I am at school, and it kind of feels like working same muscles, and my abdominal region has tightened and I can see it in my jeans they fit differently."

And Kelly Axelrad, a Mom from Brookline likes her results so far.
 
Kelly Axelrad, Brookline
"I've seen an improvement actually, I used to try and go to the gym, now I just walk in the shoes and I have noticed that they are definitely toning me up,"
 
Doctor George Theodore of Mass General Hospital says the benefits of core strengthening are real.
 
Dr. George Theodore, orthopedic surgeon
"Because it has unique features, and it works different muscles, and has a higher energy requirement than a regular shoe it tends to burn more calories and when you burn calories you will see modest weight loss."
 
But he says it's not just the shoes!
 
Dr. George Theodore, orthopedic surgeon
"I think weight loss is multi factorial, it involves an appropriate diet, appropriate exercise and this is one small key part of it."
 
Now again, you still should follow a sensible diet plan and always consult a physician before starting any exercise routine.

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