Following the rules of basic science, when you work harder, you expend more energy. Therefore, adding weights to your shoes works much like adding weights to your ankles — you need to work harder to make it that next mile, or even minute. Additionally, in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, heavier shoes did alleviate muscle fatigue during the break phase of running. While it might seem like adding weight is a no-brainer, there are a few other things you'll want to consider.
First of all, there's not much research on how much boost those weights in your shoes will give you. Plus, the weights may cause extra strain on the joints of your ankles and feet, making you walk or run slower, which is obviously not the goal. Another downside of weighted shoes is the comfort factor. The weight is buried in the sole, so they aren't going to be extremely comfortable on your feet.
Likewise, they don't have a lot of stretch, bend, and give when you walk in them, which can suck the fun right out of your evening stroll. Just because weighted shoes might not be the solution you were dreaming of, to pump your fitness up to the next level, doesn't mean you're all out of options, though. There are a few other effortless ways you can increase your workout without it feeling like work.
