Dominating the news at the moment, particularly in America, is the whole concept of toning shoes and the health issues that could be caused; and with over a billion dollars spent on toning shoes last year alone, the new health concerns could be a worry for many. However, as a new concept, are the complaints surrounding these toning shoes just a part of the growth process and an incredibly small minority of the people choosing to wear them?

The health warnings have been sparked due to several reports of people sustaining injuries from wearing them. With the shoes being sold as an advert for a stylish shoe that makes it far easier to get in shape, the question has arisen as to whether people are being hoodwinked into buying a shoe that isn't actually as good for you as it may appear.

On the other hand, many brands selling toning footwear, including FitFlop, have spent many years developing their designs to create shoes that are comfortable, casual shoes that effortlessly tone parts of the body through everyday walking and so on. In fact, FitFlop's technology of the Microwobbleboard™ even boasts a high density shock absorption feature in the heel which absorbs a further 22% of shock created through the walking movement, easing joint stress.

However, particular concern lies in the instability of the shoes, as these are the features that help to tone. The concern is then the unstable factor that wearers could find when walking, which could lead to further injuries, particularly if one already suffers from balancing issues.

Toning shoe brands defend this by saying that consumers are warned of the instability of their products and are asked to follow instructions that inform them that the products should only be worn for short periods of time initially to allow the body to adjust to them.

The brands defensive insistence of the need to adjust to their footwear can be illustrated by one of the worst footwear offenders for injury – high heels. Let's say someone buys a pair of heels for the first time and proceeds to wear them all day, everyday; the likelihood of injury would be vast as one simply wouldn't be physically adjusted or used to this type of footwear.

Ladies walk differently in heels to flat shoes, which is just the same with toning shoes except their instability is for toning purposes, not just fashion! Looking at the issue from this angle, you can't help but feel as though the world is going 'Health & Safety' mad; what's next, injuries caused from wearing roller skates because of the lack of control new wearers have over wheels?

All joking aside there is clearly an issue to have caused such a media storm as the toning shoes appear to have. And it doesn't help that fuel has been added to the fire with the release of tone-up shoes for young children – a step too far admittedly. A child's body is still incredibly susceptible to injury and growth deformities at this early age...and one wouldn't really think they should require a 'toning' technique at that age!

For now, customers considering toning products should follow the clear instructions set out by brands and allow their body to adjust to the footwear before prolonged use.