Avia Women's A9995 Avi-Motion iShape Toning Shoe

This is my second pair of Avi-Motion shoes. About four years ago I got a great deal at at a department store on their last pair, $29.99, and just my size. I didn't buy them for their "toning" feature but because they were comfortable and good looking. I love them. I am still wearing that old pair and I walk two miles every morning and they have held up very well. I decided to order a second pair so I have them when my old pair starts looking shabby. To keep them clean I just remove the insoles and throw them in the washer and sometimes give them a little time in the dryer. They are the best walking shoes I have ever had and I have been walking daily for over thirty years.

I must admit, I was a skeptic when I first heard about these--toning while you're walking, don't all shoes do that? Isn't that part of the purpose of walking?As a 25+mile a week runner, my skeptism grew, however, after recently recovering from a broken ankle, I was desperate to make the most of my doctor-perscribed short workouts, so I went on a limb and tried these. After a week of daily use (45 minutes tops), I could not only feel the difference but SAW the difference. My female co-workers kept commenting on how shapely my legs were looking and were asking which workout class I was going too.It's been almost two months now and I'll tell you what: my thighs are slimmer, stronger and have some really nice muscle definition! As a distance runner I occasionally have knee or hip pain, however, walking in these--no pain whatsoever, in fact, I would argue that walking in these a few days a week has helped lessen the pain in my knees and hips.Now I haven't tried the Sketchers or the Ryka versions of these Toning Shoes, but I would swear by these!Two things to note:The first time or two that you wear these, just know that they are a little different to walk in, not difficult just differentThese are meant to walk in, jogging/running is awkward and somewhat uncomfortable; as they are not meant for running, I'm completely at peace with this!They also come with a little computer DVD.

Using this product in an unusual fashion..... After ankle shattered and main bones that comprise the joint were splintered (talus, sub-talus, tibia, fibula), the end result is a total ankle fusion and a 1 inch reduction in leg length. I now walk flat footed on the right side with short steps. The physical therapist (Dr. Eugene) encouraged me to buy these sneakers. He thought the rocker bottom could simulate the work previously done by the ankle; allowing me to walk rather than stutter step.After a week I still had a difficult time moving while wearing both rocker bottom sneakers. We decided to use the rocker shoe on the challenged foot only and wear a standard sneaker on the "good" foot. It seems to be working. I am having success learning to walk and building the mechanics into muscle memory.Also important for some to know, the rocker bottom sneaker has an insole that is higher from the ground than a standard sneaker. For me, it sorta works because I have the leg length difference.

For the last couple of years, I've been wearing Reebok hightops. A size 9 wide foot with high arches, it's only been over the last year or two that I've found myself adding inserts so I don't feel like I'm just standing/walking on concrete. I've no doubt that part of the problem stems from my now spending hours at a time standing. (Welcome to retail.)I've been wearing these Toning Shoes (size 9) for about 2 weeks and they give the soles of my feet the additional cushion they've been screaming for when I'm at work. Yes, I've added inserts too and one foot (wider than the other) gets an additional insert for the ball of the foot. So far; so good.These Avia shoes, however, will not be the ones I'll use when walking for several reasons:-they are not very flexible-they are not light-walking sites have recommended "distance" walkers use running shoes-I'm afraid that the instability of the shoe (the design of the shoe is get one to work those muscles to counteract the shoe's instability) is, over time, going to do more damage to my hips and back.Thanks to a local running shoe store with a very patient sales person, my choice of shoe for "distance" walking was the Saucony Progrid Ride 4 in size 9, and for day to day walking Nike's Pegasus 28 in size 9.5.Yes, different shoes because I'm asking my feet to do different things and I want to keep them happy.

Love these! Have been wearing this style since they first came out abut 5 years ago. I walk many miles in them and also wear to the Gym. Originally bought in a dept. store and very disappointed that I couldn't find them again. My daughter, also an avid Amazon shopper, suggested I try Amazon. I have since purchased about 6 or 7 additional pairs and currently have 3 pairs still in boxes as "back-ups". I'm working on a lifetime supply!!! Best athletic shoes I've ever owned!