The pulse

Dimple duty I gave up on anticellulite creams around the same time I stopped wearing miniskirts. So when I heard about Masai Barefoot Technology’s flab-fighting sandals ($235), I was skeptical. But because hope springs eternal—and because I’ll do just about anything to avoid the gym—I took a pair of the sneakers for a spin (the sandals pictured here are a new, more summer-friendly, option). The multilayered, elliptical-shaped soles are designed to challenge rather than just cushion your feet, creating a feeling of imbalance on flat surfaces that forces you to engage your butt, quads and hamstrings with each step. Thus, you strengthen and tone your legs and increase circulation, simply by walking. They felt funny at first, like I was walking on tiptoes, and I tripped several times. When I took them off, I noticed the backs of my legs felt tighter, like I just did a squat workout. After a few days of wearing them around, I snuck a view of my backside in the mirror. Alas, the lumps and bumps were still there. It looks like I’ll be wearing these around for the rest of the summer. Available at Bliss Spa, 644 N Lake Shore Dr at Ontario St (312-201-9545, www.blissspa.com).—Jaydine Sayer