Reebok’s Easy Tone shoes were once the talk of the town. These shoes promised to tone your muscles and give you a better workout as you went about your day. However, in 2013, Reebok announced that they would be discontinuing the Easy Tone line. So, what happened? Why did Reebok decide to nix this popular line of shoes?
The answer is not as simple as you might think. There were a few factors at play, including changing trends in the fitness industry and a lawsuit over the shoes’ claims. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Reebok discontinued Easy Tone and what it means for the future of fitness footwear.
Reebok discontinued Easy Tone due to lack of scientific evidence to support its claims. Easy Tone claimed to tone muscles with its unique sole technology. However, after a lawsuit and settlement in 2011, Reebok had to stop making these claims. As a result, the product lost its appeal and sales declined, leading to its discontinuation.
Why Reebok Discontinued Easy Tone?
Reebok’s Easy Tone line of shoes was designed to help women tone their legs and buttocks while walking. The shoes featured a unique sole design that promised to engage more muscles during each step. However, in 2011, Reebok discontinued the Easy Tone line, leaving many customers wondering why.
The Rise and Fall of Easy Tone
Reebok introduced the Easy Tone line in 2009, capitalizing on the trend of fitness shoes that promised to tone muscles without requiring extra effort from the wearer. The shoes were a hit, with sales reaching $1 billion by 2010. Customers loved the idea of getting a workout while going about their daily lives.
However, in 2011, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) challenged Reebok’s claims that Easy Tone shoes could tone muscles more effectively than regular shoes. The FTC found that Reebok’s claims were not backed up by scientific evidence and ordered the company to pay $25 million in refunds to customers who had purchased Easy Tone shoes.
After the FTC ruling, Reebok discontinued the Easy Tone line. The company shifted its focus to other types of fitness shoes, including the popular CrossFit line.
The Problems with Easy Tone
While customers loved the idea of the Easy Tone shoes, there were some problems with the design. Many customers complained that the shoes were uncomfortable to wear, with some experiencing foot pain and blisters. Others found that the shoes did not provide enough support for their feet, leading to injuries.
In addition, the sole design of the Easy Tone shoes made them difficult to wear on certain surfaces, such as slippery floors or uneven terrain. This limited the shoes’ versatility and made them less practical for everyday use.
The Benefits of Easy Tone
Despite the problems with the Easy Tone shoes, there were some benefits to the design. The shoes did engage more muscles during each step, which could lead to increased muscle tone in the legs and buttocks. For some customers, this was a significant benefit that outweighed the discomfort of wearing the shoes.
In addition, the Easy Tone line included a range of styles, from sneakers to sandals, making it easy for customers to find a shoe that fit their lifestyle and personal style.
Easy Tone vs. Other Fitness Shoes
While the Easy Tone line was popular for a time, it faced stiff competition from other brands and styles of fitness shoes. Many customers found that other shoes, such as those designed for running or CrossFit, provided better support and comfort than the Easy Tone shoes.
In addition, the fitness shoe market is constantly evolving, with new styles and technologies being introduced all the time. This makes it difficult for any one shoe to maintain its popularity for long.
The Future of Reebok
After discontinuing the Easy Tone line, Reebok focused on other types of fitness shoes, such as the CrossFit line. The company has also expanded into other areas, such as apparel and accessories.
Reebok continues to innovate and create new products that appeal to fitness enthusiasts. While the Easy Tone line may have been discontinued, the company remains committed to helping people achieve their fitness goals in comfortable, stylish shoes.
Conclusion
Reebok’s Easy Tone line of shoes was popular for a time, but ultimately faced challenges in terms of comfort, support, and scientific backing. While the line has been discontinued, Reebok remains a leader in the fitness shoe market, constantly evolving and creating new products to meet the needs of customers. Whether you’re looking for shoes to wear during a workout or while running errands, Reebok has a range of options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Reebok discontinue Easy Tone?
Reebok discontinued Easy Tone due to a lack of scientific evidence supporting its claims. The company claimed that the shoes could help tone leg and buttock muscles, but a study by the American Council on Exercise found that there was no significant difference in muscle activation between walking in Easy Tone shoes and regular athletic shoes.
Additionally, Reebok faced a lawsuit in 2011 over its claims that Easy Tone shoes could improve muscle tone and burn calories. The company settled the lawsuit for $25 million and agreed to stop making unsupported claims about the shoes’ benefits.
Despite the discontinuation of Easy Tone, Reebok continues to produce a variety of athletic shoes and apparel designed to support fitness and performance.
Were there any safety concerns with Easy Tone shoes?
There were no safety concerns specifically related to Easy Tone shoes. However, like any athletic shoe, it is important to choose the right shoe for your activity and foot type to prevent injury.
Some people may have experienced discomfort or blistering from wearing Easy Tone shoes, but this is not unique to this particular shoe. It is important to properly break in any new athletic shoe and ensure that it fits well before engaging in prolonged physical activity.
Is there an alternative to Easy Tone shoes?
There are a variety of athletic shoes on the market designed to support toning and fitness goals. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of any shoe in toning muscles is still a topic of debate among experts.
When choosing an athletic shoe, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, support, and fit. It may also be helpful to consult with a fitness professional or podiatrist to determine the best shoe for your specific needs.
Can I still purchase Easy Tone shoes?
Reebok no longer produces Easy Tone shoes, so they are no longer available for purchase through the company’s website or retail locations. However, it may be possible to find them for sale through third-party sellers or resale websites.
It is important to note that any claims made about the effectiveness of Easy Tone shoes are not supported by scientific evidence, and it may be more beneficial to choose a shoe that is designed for your specific activity and foot type.
Are there any other products similar to Easy Tone shoes?
There are a variety of toning shoes on the market, but it is important to note that the effectiveness of these shoes in toning muscles is still a topic of debate among experts.
When choosing a shoe, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, support, and fit. It may also be helpful to consult with a fitness professional or podiatrist to determine the best shoe for your specific needs. Additionally, incorporating strength training exercises into your fitness routine can also help to tone muscles.
In conclusion, Reebok’s decision to discontinue Easy Tone was a result of various factors. The market demand for toning shoes decreased, and the brand faced tough competition from other companies. Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission’s settlement with Reebok over false advertising claims affected the brand’s credibility.
Despite the discontinuation of Easy Tone, Reebok remains a reputable fitness brand. The company has shifted its focus to other product lines, such as CrossFit and running shoes. Reebok continues to innovate and offer high-quality products to its customers.
Overall, the discontinuation of Easy Tone was a strategic move for Reebok. The brand recognized the changing market trends and made a decision that was best for its business. While it may have disappointed some customers, Reebok remains committed to providing top-notch fitness products that meet the evolving needs of its consumers.
