Fitness trends come and go, but determining if you should invest your hard-earned dollars into the latest trend takes some investigation and thought. Common sense should always win out. Just like your mother probably told you, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". The latest trend, fitness shoes, incorporates a negative heel (lower than the toe) and instability to create a rocking motion. They claim to burn more calories and create an optimal "backside", which is of course a big market-driver for swim suit season. But, should you spend the estimated $100-$240 for a pair of these unusual looking shoes?

To read this month's column, go to http://www.ncpad.org/fitt/fact_sheet.php?sheet=824 .