B-DOOING!

I'm bouncing around the office and I feel 8 feet tall.

No, I haven't been given a pay rise.

I'm trying out a craze called Kangoo Jumps; a cross-training shoe with a spring system built into the sole.

The idea behind them is that you limit the amount of pressure on your joints whilst gaining the cardiovascular and fat fighting benefits of running.

The recent news that expensive running shoes may not be quite as beneficial as we first thought has made us question what we're told.

But with research that shows every footfall whilst running causes an impact equal to 2.5 times his or her body weight and impacts on the bones of the foot and causes potential long-term damage to the knee, shins and muscles - what is a girl (or boy) to do?

It seems Kangoo Jumps could provide a solution.

When they arrive in the office, I pull them on, buckle them up like you would a roller blade, and bounce around the floor in the editorial department.

It takes a while to get used to them because there's so much spring in my step - and it's not the wisest move trying them indoors surrounded by computers and people.

Also because they are add quite a bit of height, it feels weird towering over everyone.

After five minutes of "showing off" I feel exhausted, and let my colleagues have a go.

The response is great, and we all end up out-of-breath but very excited.

The true test comes when I take them to the beach.

I decide to carry them down to the promenade, rather than risking rolling down the hill.

It takes me a few minutes to get to grips with them, and stop bouncing around like a excitable puppy. When I decide to run, it takes a few leaps to find my stride, but when I do it feels as if I'm travelling at some speed.

The trouble is, Kangoo Jumps aren't meant for speed because the faster you go, the more you lean forward and the less effective they become.

You also have to stride with confidence because they definitely get people staring.

The key to maximum benefit is to take it slower and focus on your muscle groups. Even jumping on the spot gives you the same feeling of exertion that you get when skipping; only it's a lot more fun.

Kangoo Jumps tend to make a lot of claims in their marketing spiel, a lot of it I'd agree with when it comes to the fun aspects.

But I'm worried Kangoo Jumps will just be a fad.

For someone who loves running, but has suffered injuries, or is in rehabilitation, then Kangoo Jumps are great.

They also act as an alternative exercise, as they work a variety of muscle groups.

But whether they can be used as a replacement to running? I'd have to say don't expect miracles.

They're about as comfortable as plastic roller blades, so your feet will end up hurting, and you don't quite get that same feeling of satisfaction at the end.

They're fun, they'll grab attention, and they do tone you up.

I just don't fancy Kangoo Jumping alone. If a group of friends decided to splash out on a pair though, it could be a real laugh.

For information visit kangoojumps.com - prices are quoted in American dollars and start from $169 for children and $229