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Jul 18, 2007 4:00 pm US/Eastern
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Health: Posture Improving Sandals
by Stephanie Stahl
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Summertime means wearing sandals. Now there's a way to keep your feet cool and help prevent back pain at the same time.
Medical Reporter Stephanie Stahl explains how the newest shoe designs can keep you standing tall.
"These are the only sandals that I can wear," said Dorit Dyke.
"I love wearing these shoes," said Yvonne Musterman.
They're not wearing them because they're fashionable -- but because they're supposed to improve posture.
And experts agree standing properly can help ward off an aching back.
"My posture is straight and I'm not hunched over," said Musterman.
She's never had serious back pain, but knew she didn't stand as straight as she should.
So she tried the specialized shoes called MBT's.
"I do stand a lot straighter. You pretty much have to the way these shoes are made," said Musterman.
The manufacturer says the secret is in the sole, it is cushioned and shaped like a rocker.
"This is going to redistribute pressure and kind of elevate the rear foot a little bit so that you're standing where your body naturally would and help your body maintain that erect posture," said Steve Freyer with MBT.
Another option, Yoga sandals -- originally designed for the spa and pedicures.
The company says separating the toes helps evenly distribute the body's weight.
"The actual design of the shoe makes a huge difference in the way that I stand, walk and move. Everybody has told me that they notice a difference in my posture," said sandal fan Dorit Dyke.
"The way the toes are spread, your weight is dispensed equally, so it helps quite a bit that way," according to Yoga Sandal spokesperson Ben Fredriksen.
Spinal surgeon Brian Subach says posture is important for your overall health.
He agrees spreading force across the foot and placing support below the heel is important for spinal alignment.
"To say that you can actually improve or restore posture to normal -- simply by footwear -- I think that's a bit of a stretch," Subach said.
Although, doctor Subach does say, if the Yoga Sandals are used along with exercises for strength and flexibility, they can be helpful.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)