Skechers “Shape Ups” Shoes – Do They Work or Make You Fall Instead?
If you’ve visited a Skechers retail store or flipped through a health magazine in the last six months you may have noticed a funny looking shoe called Shape Ups hitting the weight loss marketplace.
[Nothing makes me feel more comfortable then walking barefoot.]
According to Skechers, Shape Ups were designed to promote weight loss, firm calf and butt muscles, improve posture and strengthen your back with several styles and colors available for men and women.
Now it’s not often weight loss and fashion are combined into one tangible product but during a recent visit to a Skechers retail store I decided to give these bad boys a try because you can never have enough butt muscles, right?
First impressions
My first impression upon picking up one of these bricks, I mean shoes, was the actual weight. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to wear these shoes or curl them for ten reps? 12-hole Doc Marten’s would feel like a pair of socks in comparison. The kinetic wedge insert and a rolling bottom are intended to simulate walking barefoot on the sand.
Taking one step at a time
I laced them up and instantly felt sorry for Ronald McDonald and all the other clowns who have to endure a clunky shoe feeling. But I forged ahead! Taking a couple of strolls around the store I could feel it working my calves and the arches of my feet in a physiotherapy-type-of-way. If you’ve ever tried “foam rolling” or kicked around one of those wooden massage rollers under your desk then you know what I’m talking about.
I definitely had to concentrate on keeping my balance but I wasn’t sure if this was because of the weight of the shoes or the exaggerated arch of the sole? As for posture, I didn’t feel much of a difference but then again I consciously think about my body position when seated or standing.
[Frankenstein called and he wants his shoes back! Kidding...]
Survey Says?
Personally, I couldn’t stand the clunky orthopedic feeling. If you’re comfortable in wearing these shoes then be my guest, but if you think the pounds are going to fly off, I think you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Skip the shoes and try this instead
Some of the my favorite lower body exercises include dumbbell swings and squats but I like to keep things fresh with outdoor activities like stair-climbing and interval sprints as well.
But if you’re looking for ways to firm up those calf and butt muscles specifically, then I suggest you check out the bodyweight butt exercise video below from fitness expert and author of the Turbulence Training program, Craig Ballantyne. - Psst, we reviewed his program here
Don’t worry ladies, these butt exercises will allow you to tighten up a trouble spot in the comfort of your own home.
Exercise is always a good option for keeping your body strong and youthful, but if you’re strictly looking to lose weight, you can’t out exercise a bad diet.
Take a look at the free video from Jeff and Isabel about their now famous Diet Solution Program. It has a huge following at the moment, so take a peek —– >>> HERE
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Please Click Below To Watch A Free, Fat Loss Tips Video: |
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#comment-1
Saw these the other day at a department store… I think they’re pretty silly. Couldn’t wear them if you paid me.
#comment-2
I love shoes but could never see myself wearing these. Not fashionable at all:(
#comment-3
Nice to come here and read 4-5 posts all at once! Does the advt mention that you have to actually walk quite a bit to lose weight. I mean its not like you can just wear them and sit around and voila!! you have a trim butt! And if you are walking a lot it would’nt matter what shoes you wore you would still lose weight right? Just my two cents!
#comment-4
The advertising is pretty basic. I don’t recall seeing any walking estimates to achieve a “trim butt”.
You’re right sangita. Shoes are secondary to adequate amounts of walking.
#comment-5
i’ve used these shoes and have noticed great results. my back is stronger and they are great to warm up and stretch muscle after a run. In response the amount of time needed for the results, it says clearly in the info pack one hour a day will increase back strength by 37% in a six week period.
#comment-6
Interesting post. Continue to logging more great publications. There are lots ways to eliminate weight. With the worsening economy individuals are pursuing for many ways to slim down.
#comment-7
I tried the shoes for the first time today. I thought they were a gimmick myself and quite ugly. Once you’ve walked in them though, you never want to take them off! And I took a walk along the street and I did feel my calves, my legs and thighs work and when I changed back to my shoes, oh my goodness did I feel the difference in my posture!
No they are not hard to balance on, it’s like walking on pillows. I love them! Now if only they were a little cheaper because I have to admit, they were an impulse purchase.
#comment-8
I’m extremely active and consider myself fit, so I didn’t pick up a pair of these shoes (actually, a much, much cheaper knock-off, feels the same as the “real thing”) to magically shape my legs, or. . . whatever. They’re definitely not a miracle product, but they do vastly reduce my knee pain when I’m working at my department store job.
#comment-9
I’ve looked at these shoes several times, seriously debating on whether or not to buy them. I eventually decided to buy a pair of Rockport walking shoes. I have to agree that the appearance of these “Shape Ups” were of concern, but ultimately the cost is what changed my mind.
#comment-10
I purchased the real thing (expensive I know) but they are fantastic. I didnt realize I should start slow with wearing them so day one I had them on for about 12 hours – so my legs and back were a bit sore the next day. But you feel so nice wearing them. But a warning – be careful going up stairs.
I bought the black ones – they arent too funny looking.
#comment-11
I bought a pair of these shoes and honestly, I have no idea what the author is talking about when she says they are heavy. They feel just as heavy as any normal shoe. In fact, I was surprised at how light they feel in comparison to how heavy they look.
I can definitely feel my legs have been worked at the end of the day. And when I walk longer distances, I can feel my entire leg muscles working hard and it feels great. I’m on my feet all day at work, and after an 8 hour work day my feet ALWAYS hurt. But since wearing my Shape-Ups my feet feel perfectly fine at the end of the day, which is worth it to me! They are super comfortable, and I personally like they way they look (and have been complimented many times at how “cute” my shoes are.).
I wouldn’t expect someone to lose a ton of weight wearing these, but to those who don’t really need to lose tons of pounds and just want to tone up, I think these are a great investment.
#comment-12
I liked the feel of these shoes. I walked alot before I purchase these so I did not feel any soreness at all. The problem is I almost twisted my ankle and fell really hard while wearing these shoes outside. I am facing surgery from a broken left finger in the morning and it’s all because of these shoes. I would not recommend these due to the potential of falling and possibly breaking a bone. My Dr even said ” God did not give us rounded feet on the bottom for a reason”. I’m just saying………. Oh by the way my sister in law from NJ twisted her ankle while wearing these same type shoes and has been suffering for some time now.
I’d like to hear from others that may have had falls from wearing these shoes.
#comment-13
I thought they would be a good way to ramp up walking. I’m 64 fit (swim and walk a lot). My first outing was great — I loved the way my legs felt. Second outing was going well, when all of a sudden ankle twisted & I fell down harder than ever in my life. (luckily for me, just a lot of soreness and brusing, but nothing too bad). Never will I wear them again.
#comment-14
I love the great content here and useful resources. I have tried Skecher shape ups and now I prefer not wear anything else. They have straightened my posture and my niggling back problems. I feel more fitter and am still testing them for other health benefits
#comment-15
I purchased these shoes to help me get back to walking. I’m quite overweight and regular sports shoes were not supporting my feet – I had a lot of pain. Well, the foot pain went away immediately, and I was very enthusiastic, until one day when the wobbliness of the shoes made my right leg twist rather badly at the knee in a lateral direction. Since then I’ve had major pain in my knee, and I now walk with a cane and knee brace. Exercise of any kind is out of the question for a while. I must add that both my knees were torn up badly when I was in my mid-twenties, doing sports, and so there was a real weakness there already. I would not recommend these shoes for someone with a similar knee condition, it’s too easy to twist sideways like I did. However, if your knees are strong I think you’ll like them.
#comment-16
I’ld feel alot less stupid saying I was drunk and tripped. But that would be a big fat lie. I was walking to me car in my new sketcher shape- ups singing a song and rolled my right ankle. It broke and I fell on my left ankle. The left one then wobbled, rolled & twisted under my weight and figured it might as well break also. Just my luck. I gotta laugh or I’m just gonna start crying again. 5 1/2 weeks in and im going crazy. cast on one leg, boot on the other. tired of staring at these same 4 walls. not 1 ankle, but BOTH. how did i get soo lucky? I would not recommend these shoes to my worst enemy.
#comment-17
I bought these shoes with aspirations of walking the 2.5 miles to work and back everyday. I noticed an immediate posture change for the better when I put them on. My first day out was great but I seemed to be prone to catching the edge of the shoe and tripping quite a bit. On the 3rd day out as I was crossing the street I tripped and fell hard and fractured my wrist. After 2 hours of surgery with the addition of a titanium plate and now 6-8 weeks of recovery, I will not be a skechers shape ups spokesperson. I hope I can get a refund.
#comment-18
I don’t really care if I am a fat slob. Personally I think the extra excerise is a gimmick but I have to say I feel like walking on a cloud with these things. Funny thing is that I have always had back pain when I excerise but I noticed a great reduction in back pain and joint pain with the shoes. I actually felt very stable in the shoes. For all these reasons I recommend the shoes.
#comment-19
I purchased a pair of the Skecher tone up sandals. When I put them on I thought wow, these are really comfortable. On the second day I was wearing them, I rolled my right ankle, fell hard and got two fractures in my right foot. I now have a boot and crutches, am off of work, can’t drive and am going crazy. As comfortable as they sandals are, I will not wear them again. I thought about calling Skechers and asking for a refund. If anyone has gotten one, please post.
#comment-20
Never have I wore such an amazing shoe. Because of my job, I stand on my feet from 6-12 hrs. a day and I walk at least 5 miles a day. I’m 73, lift weights and am in good shape, but wear them mostly for comfort, but don’t know if they do what they state since I’m already in good shape. Will never wear “regular” shoes again for work.
#comment-21
Bought the Sketcher shape ups for walking, I walk 30 Min. a Day in less then 1/2 hour.These Shoes feel like walking on Pillows, whereas all my other walking Shoes make my Feet burn on the Bottom.Love what they do to my Posture.I even jog a little. I’m 67.
#comment-22
I purchased a pair of shapeups and have never been as happy with a pair of shoes as I have with these,I have bad feet and have been to the foot doctor had shots in both feet twice that did not work, The shape-ups took awhile to get used too but once I did my feet do not hurt when I wear them if I could wear them to bed I would but my wife says no, If they were cheaper I would buy five pair in case they stop making them.
#comment-23
I bought a pair of shape ups and I cant wear them I seem to have a ahrd time balancing in these.
I actually fell after stepping on a rock and they flipped me off my feet. Not what I call a good shoe.
#comment-24
I really don’t like these shoes. I do however love the Vibram Five Fingers. I just bought a pair this weekend and so far so great. Its going to take some getting used to for my body to adjust but I am looking forward it to. i’d say stay away from the shape-ups at all costs.