Equestrian Footwear?

I'll admit it.  I am constantly trying to find an equine application for all things non-equestrian that I encounter during my daily routine.  Who can't find TONS of horsey necessities at the grocery store, Target, or Home Depot?  Even my husband knows that Lowe's or OSH can produce tack, feed, or barn items.

But really, athletic shoes?  How are they even slightly useful for the equestrian other than for the obvious?

I bought a pair of Sketchers' Shape-ups over the weekend and finally wore them to work on Wednesday.  I have to say, they may well do what they claim!  I spent the day working very hard to stay balanced.  I kept tipping forward and back as I struggled to stand up straight.  The tendons on the outside of my knees were actually a bit sore by 3:30. 

I have concluded that these are the PERFECT shoes for dressage riders.  The glossy, twenty-page insert that came with my shoes even says so!  According to Sketchers, walking regularly in Shape-ups may ...
Improve posture (there's the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle alignment)
Strengthen the back (for holding up those horses heavy on your hands)
Tighten abdominal muscles (perfect for slowing your pace)
Firm buttock muscles (for the sitting trot)
Tone and firm thigh muscles (better leg position)
Reduce knee joint stress (cheaper than the MDC Stirrups that I bought)
Firm calf muscles (keeps the toes forward and heels down)

If they really can do all of this, I might even show in them!

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