It's not a myth! Yes the color will change without feet. HOWEVER, you will NOT get the mucky, bubbly thick floating brown scum and a lot of black granules at the bottom, and all the thick stuff in the water if you don't have feet in there. This footbath works and it is a miracle. Try it and see, do your own experiment with feet in and out of the water like I did. You'll see. Plus your health will improve tremendously.