I THINK all of us on diet and fitness plans are hoping that someone will come up with a radical invention that will instantly and magically prompt weight loss, slim thighs and improved fitness, just like that. Preferably without us having to move a muscle to achieve it!

But, thus far, no one seems to have come up with anything better than, yep, eating less and moving more.

So, I have been continuing my training schedule for the Great Manchester Run in May, pounding the treadmill and the streets of Manchester, with the thought constantly in mind that no pain means no gain.

But, then, I was offered the chance to try a pair of shoes that are said to help tone and shape your body, activate all sorts of neglected muscles and protect your limbs against injury - just by walking about in them.

Could it be the miracle I was hoping for? Sounded too good to be true, but, hey, I thought it would be worth a try.

And so I headed to John Lewis at Cheadle, where experts were fitting punters with these MBT shoes - dubbed the "anti-shoe" because they do the opposite of what normal shoes do.

Walking barefoot

The MBT stands for Masai Barefoot Technology - the clunky-looking footwear is supposed to distribute pressure evenly across the whole foot, a little like walking barefoot across rough land, like Masai warriors do.

MBT trainer Kevin Shepherd was on hand when I went to choose mine, and talked and walked me through wearing the things - which do feel a little odd at first.

I told him I was training for the 10k run in May, and he reckons that though most people choose to walk in the MBTs, you can also run in them. So, off I headed with my MBTs to give them a good workout.

After a lengthy walk I did feel the effects of the shoes, as they do seem to work the oft-neglected muscles in the rear of your legs.

But when I tried to run in them I admit I felt less like a powerful warrior, and more like a baby rhino trotting across the Masai Mara. Methinks it is going to take a bit more practice to give me gazelle-like grace.

So, can an item of clothing help improve your fitness?

The jury is out on this one after just a couple of weeks, but I'm sure the MBTs, combined with my training, are helping to get my body geared up for the challenge ahead. But can an item of clothing help you lose weight? Well, I've just heard about a new "Sweatz Vest" that is supposed to help you burn off even more calories as you run ... and I can't resist giving it a try.

:: Dianne is part of an M.E.N. team training for the BUPA Great Manchester Run. Catch up with their progress each week.