Do “toning” sneakers actually build firmer muscles?

In the quest for a fitness regime that can just fold into your regular routine, “toning” sneakers may seem like an excellent fit — just don a pair of the curved-sole shoes and while “you go about your busy day” you can “burn more calories, tone muscles and more.” In fact, some of the manufacturers of such fitness footwear even point to a pile of studies analyzing everything from reducing the appearance of cellulite to boosting metabolism. Yet, do these claims add up? Do toning sneakers make walking a better workout?