Few of us can resist the temptation of trainers that promise to improve your posture, core stability and promise you legs like a supermodel.
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Chung Shi trainers have a negative heel, which means that the centre part forms the deepest part of a curve. When the trainers are placed flat on a surface, the heel is almost two inches above the ground, at a 20 degree angle.

The range features a reflexology bar which lies across the sole under the arch of the foot. This combines with the missing heel to re-educate the wearer to walk with a rolling motion from heel to toe. The effect is rather like walking over the ridges of wet sand on a beach when the tide has just gone out.

Chung Shis are similar in some respects to Masai Barefoot Technology trainers (MBT), but are less chunky and look like they’ve been designed by someone that understands that as much design time and materials cost needs to go on the upper as the sole unit.

Once you’ve mastered walking, the shoes promise not only to improve posture and help with back problems, but also to help with weight loss, increase the rate you burn calories, improve your blood circulation in the feet and legs and provide a reflexology finger pressure foot massage.

Having been devoted to my MBTs, I’m pleasantly surprised by the all black, relatively sleek, pair that I’ve been testing. Not only do they look better - the MBTs caused my mother to almost choke laughing, since I’m more usually to be found in 5” heeled boots – but the negative heel and reflexology bar make walking a much more conscious exercise. It’s like doing calf raises as you move. I’m aware of standing taller and straighter, rather like having a pilates instructor silently prodding you as you stroll along.

I can’t claim to have lost 5lbs over the weekend, but it will probably take more than a few walks with the dog. Sadly no-one seems to have come up with trainers that help you lose weight while you sit in front of a computer. There’s a definite gap in the market, I’m sure.

Chung Shi offer a decent range of options, from walking boots, through to travel trainers, and options for men and women. The design and materials are uniformly excellent, with the exception of the sports sandals, which, like all sports sandals are a triumph of function over form.

Chung Shi footwear is available in women’s sizes from 3.5 to 7.5 and men’s from 7.5 to 12. Prices are around £125 - £160. Stockists can be found at www.chung-shi.co.uk