We caught up with Holly before her appearance on Oprah tomorrow to get her thoughts on our new rock&tones, and did we get them soup to nuts. Being a fitness expert, Holly is obviously interested in how, why and what therock&tones work. Everything from the technicals to where she wears them, our question and answer session generated enough information to make anyone a toning shoe expert.

Q: What is “rock&tone”?
A: rock&tone is New Balance’s first entry into toning footwear. At its simplest; it is a rounded bottom shoe that allows your feet to move in a more natural way that optimizes muscular involvement and caloric expenditure. At its most exciting and interesting, it is a concept in footwear that will show you a whole new way to use your body. The New Balance rock&tone shoe features a rounded sole unit made of a soft, lightweight cushioning material (Acteva Ultra LITE) that is incredibly comfortable and shockingly effective.

Q: How does rock&tone work?
A: New Balance rock&tone causes your feet to move differently in the ideal movement (i.e. heel-to-toe) pattern to create a stronger, more functional body. With every step you take in New Balance rock&tone shoes, the heel to toe rocking motion demands a greater range of front to back motion and can increase muscle use up to 27%. Also, the soft material in the sole unit simulates walking on sand, making your muscles work harder which can lead to up to an 8% increase in calorie burning over traditional walking shoes.

Q: What are the benefits of wearing rock&tone shoes?
A: When you walk in New Balance rock&tone shoes, you can tone muscles from your legs (calves, quadriceps, hamstrings) to your core (glutes, hips, abs) and can inspire increased calorie burning. It’s a workout in a shoe — simply by walking as you normally do throughout your day in rock&tone, you can give your entire lower body a strength-training workout. This can cause up to an 8% increase in total calorie expenditure! Even more important is that rock&tone can help your body help itself. rock&tone can inspire your body to activate the muscles that it’s designed to use. In addition to the strength-training you can receive, you can also teach your body to be more functional. You can move better AND burn more calories.

Q: How do you know rock&tone shoes work and what is the history of rocker shoes?
A: Rocker bottom shoes have been used extensively in the pedorthic and rehabilitation communities for years. They change the way you strike the ground causing an improved plantarflexion (toe-pointing) and dorsiflexion (foot-flexion/toes up). New Balance has tested rock&tone in their Sports performance lab and discovered that there can be an increase in muscle activation up to in 27% and an increase in calorie burn up to 8%. But the proof is in your own experience. A 30 minute brisk walk can demonstrate the degree of stimulus from the shoes. You likely will feel an undeniable activation in your high hamstrings where they meet the glutes. These shoes were intentionally built with a soft and thick midsole. While results may vary, this has been proven to make your muscles work harder during activity thereby increasing your total calorie burn.

Q: How is your product different from those others currently on the market?
A: While rock&tone provides similar benefits to other shoes on the market, they have two key benefits over other brands: 1) they look amazing—even a little hip and 2) they are incredibly comfortable. rock&tone don’t look like an orthopedic or traditional “toning” shoe— they look more like normal shoes. Beyond the mechanical benefit of these shoes, there is a comfort level that is hard to match, plus they are so lightweight!

Q: Is there something that these shoes offer that consumers can find elsewhere?
A: In my experience I have found rock&tone to be the most comfortable rocker bottom on the market. In fact, this might be hands down, the most comfortable shoe of any kind that I’ve ever worn. I also feel they are the most visually appealing since they offer a subtle aesthetic that doesn’t scream “toning shoe”. No one knows that I am getting a workout when I wear these shoes. I won’t sacrifice comfort and ease-of-wear just to get a toning benefit from a shoe. Other brands are hard to wear and not as comfortable or as lightweight as rock&tone.

Q: How long did it take for you to see a difference in toning, tightening, etc?
A: As soon as I received my New Balance rock&tone shoes, I wore them while cleaning and hanging around the house, running errands and grocery shopping, and taking the dog for a walk. The more exposure your body has to the shoes, the more quickly you can start to feel the effects. Personally, I noticed an immediate response; I could feel definite action in my hamstrings and glutes—exactly where I like to feel a workout. I knew right away that the rock&tones were working—and working really well.

link : http://www.newbalance.com/performance/walking-toning/holly-on-b-rock-and-b-tones/

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To be honest, I am very fashion conscious and spend immense amount of my earnings on trendy clothes and shoes. Whenever I shop an expenive outfit, I end up buying a matching pair of footwear as well.It is well said that a man can be judged by the shoes he wears. Good shoes certainly make a style, a statement.

Today we present 35 contemporary and quarky examples of footwear. But as there is an old saying, “Fashion is a tyrant from which there is no deliverance; all must conform to its whimsical.” You will understand its real meaning once you browse through the whole post.

Beautiful Footwear Designs

Nike Sneakers made from Paper

Flat Folded Shoe Is Like Easy Origami

wire sculpture: wire heels (3d)

Monkey shoes

Pant Shoes

CLOWN Shoes

Orgami Shoes

Snake Shoes

Louis Vuitton Shoes

Sofa Shoes

Wheel-Chair Shoes

Spider Shoes

Fall out Shoes

Men Shoes

Wood-lent? Shoes

Pure Gold High Heels

Hand Carved Wooden Sneakers

Edible Shoes Made of Bread

Gameboy Boots

Car shoes

Mobile shoes

Horn heel

Bow shoes

Monster Shoes

Eugene’s Weird Shoes

Weird Shoes

Cup Shoes

Gameboy Boots

Baby Shoes

Bata Shoes

Joker Shoes

Onitsuka Tiger shoe

Ladder Shoes

Zipper Shoes

hip-hop Shoes

By Bhanu Ahluwalia from www.noupe.com/inspiration/35-ingenious-examples-of-footwear.html

This is a good explanation on the hot shoe category, rocker sole shoes.

Dr. Suzanne Levine gives some tips on how to get your feet in shape for summer. Be sure to comment and subscribe! Let us know what kind of tips and videos you want to see next!!

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It is only when you care for your shoes will you be able to take care of your feet. Different kinds of shoes need proper care so that they last long. Shoes come in patent leather, suede, canvas, plastic and fibre material. Sometimes a combination is also available. For example some designs include calf skin leather with animal print in cloth. Expensive shoes have to be taken care of. Since men wear shoes for longer periods they should have al least two pairs. One pair can be kept in the sun for airing while the other is in use. Regular polishing and dusting also help the shoes to remain in a good working condition. Leather shoes are sturdy and last longer if they are kept with great care. They should not be used during the rainy season.

Water spoils the leather and shoes get fungus and are not wearable after repeated contact with rain water. In fact leather shoes should be kept away packed in cardboard boxes and removed only after the rains have stopped. Sometimes dirt sticks to the soles of the shoes. They should be scrapped out so that the soles remain well balanced. For very good quality leather shoes protective spray is available that can be applied every few months. Waxing and using past-base polish also are recommended. It gives a longer shelf life to the shoes. The use of shoe trees is also good as it helps in retaining the original shape of the shoes. Leather shoes can be resoled or re-heeled also. Don’t hesitate to revamp the shoes. The older the shoes, more comfortable they will be. Don’t forget that if you buy one pair, you may not get another pair easily.

Apart from leather shoes the next pair that needs caring is canvas shoes. Those who are fitness freaks know what it is to keep the body in the good running condition. The same also applies for the shoes. Running or jogging shoes also need good care. Working out in the gym is easy as apart from sweating noting else happens. Good airing at the end of a gruelling exercise regime is recommended. Canvas is a common material that is used for shoes, tents, artist boards, sails of boats etc. Apart from simple canvas shoes there are high absorption jogging shoes that protect feet.

Every shoe should have good pair of laces, soles and toe space. Canvas spray is available to keep these shoes clean. These shoes can be washed and kept to dry in the sun also. Just because canvas shoes are cheap and can be thrown away they need not be used roughly. If they are taken care of the feet are snug and do not get hurt. Excessive mud can be removed after a hike, stones can be removed and they can look spick and span. Wearing socks can also be helpful. As one perspires, the soles start smelling. Socks absorb the sweat and keep soles free and shoes less smelly.

Referenced from bizhat.com