Kinoki Foot Pads have shown themselves to be pseudoscientific by nature of the vague claims the product makes, in addition to the fact that the product is demonstrably useless. The ad claims the pads will make the user feel revitalized and invigorated, though such feelings are highly dependent on the individual and not only affected by "toxins" in one's body.

In addition, this video shows that the pads turn brown simply by having water poured on them. Regardless of this fact, the product (or products similar to it) is still sold, often receiving praise from its users.

It's difficult to find anything resembling a legitimate scientific claim concerning the product. Some of the toxins the pads allegedly remove are necessary trace elements in the human body, and the "Elemental Analysis Hair" graph is essentially unlabeled. Even the analogy to trees is, in many ways, nonsensical. Assuming the independent study is legitimate, the pads seem to be able to remove a percent of some substances, but it doesn't show the actual amounts. The percent change may be negligible.

None of the claims are impossible to support. One can measure the change in "toxin" levels, and individuals can report whether or not they feel more energetic. This doesn't add any legitimacy to the product though. The ad simply lacks the amount of data to be able to purport any benefit of the pads.

The appeal of such a product can be rather clear. In general, people want to feel more energetic, and within this group of people, there is a sizable group that is mesmerized by all the wonders of ancient Oriental medicine. By combining "ancient Japanese reflexology" with an "independent study," many will believe the product to be entirely legitimate.