This is probably only my 2nd review ever for any product, but I felt I needed to share my experiences with others with similar feet problems. I've been having foot heel pain for the past year and it's progressively gotten worse. I thought I shattered my heel bone the pain was so bad but it looks like I have Plantar Fasciitis resulting from my flat feet. I've tried all types of shoes, New Balance, Nike, Thick sole boots and the Sketcher I shapes. The sketchers felt good at first but my pain never went away. I had begun to just accept that this is how it's going to be from now on.
Not even looking for them, I found the Avia Toners on sale so I tried them on. I immediately noticed that my heel that has the most pain did not hurt when I walked. It's just the opposite; the rocking on the super high spongy arch actually made it feel good to walk. There is so much cushion I can't feel the floor impact what so ever. I've had these shoes over a month now and can you believe I'm playing basketball twice a week again. However, I would not recommend playing full speed in them as the crescent shape underneath may result in you rolling your ankle.
I know it's the shoes that helped me as when we went out to a nice restaurant I had to put on my nice pair of Dockers. These shoes are also cushioned nicely but I barely made it back home due to the pain. Now, I know these shoes helped my condition, but they are so much more comfortable than anything I've ever owned in the past. All shoes should be designed to conform to the arch like these. There was another post on this site that gave a negative comment for quality. So far mine are as good as day one and I wear them even when I'm doing some lite construction work outside.
BTW, I just ordered two more pairs in-case these are ever discontinued.
Hope this helps someone...Rich
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The AVIA I Shape shoe is a little weird when you first put it on; the arch support is a bit high, causing your foot to be at a different angle than most other shoes. It takes a bit of time to get used to it; after a while (I have had the shoes for a couple of months now) your foot grows accustomed to it, and you don't even notice. What I like about these shoes is that when I play table tennis a lot for two to three hours at a time on a cement floor (it is hard on my feet and knees), these shoes mitigate the negative effects of the hard floor to a large extent (they aren't perfect, but they are the best I have found). The shoes are well made (good quality leather, good craftsmanship--but made in China like everything else). I don't know how well they work muscles in your feet (they are advertised to give your feet muscles some exercise), but I find them comfortable, well made, and good grip soles. I now have two pair of them (I am always afraid when I like something it will be discontinued).
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I purchased these exact toning shoes 2 years ago and walk the same route approximately 4 miles a day. These wore very well, held up fantastic and worked as advertised. When I saw the need to replace them, of course I came to Amazon to buy them. I received the new pair right before Christmas and by New Years day, the right heel rubber had separated from the sole. Amazon was first rate in sending out a new pair with return shipping on the old. As of today, 1/24/12 the rubber on the heel of the replacement pair is almost worn through. I don't know if the materials used has changed but it seems the quality of these shoes have been compromised in the last 2 years. As far as the rating system, Amazon would get 5 stars from me for their excellent customer service. UPDATE 1/30/12 Not only are the rubber heels almost worn through, I've now discovered both soles are starting to crack side to side in the back third of the shoe. If you are an avid walker, I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND these shoes due to their lack of durability
Honest reviews on AVIA Men's I Shape Toners
I work in a hospital and I must say these are the most comfortable shoes i have ever owned. I placed Dr. Scholls gels in them and wow it was like my feet smiled.
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This is my second pair, as a nurse I am on my feet for eight straight hours and I feel that the shoe is helping me walk. It feels great on, it is not heavy but it gives good support to the foot in both forward and lateral motion. It is unfortunate that they have stopped producing this shoe for men.
