Skechers “Shape Ups” Shoes – Do They Work or Make You Fall Instead?
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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.
For more ideas on how to lose weight and regain your figure check out the Fit Yummy Mummy program. The author, Holly Rigsby outlines everything from proper goal setting and mindset to a 16-week workout plan and a ready made grocery list!
To Find a Fat Loss Program that’s right for you, click the button below:
December 4th, 2009 at
Saw these the other day at a department store… I think they’re pretty silly. Couldn’t wear them if you paid me.
December 15th, 2009 at
I love shoes but could never see myself wearing these. Not fashionable at all:(
December 23rd, 2009 at
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!
December 26th, 2009 at
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.
January 13th, 2010 at
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.
February 13th, 2010 at
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.
February 15th, 2010 at
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.
February 26th, 2010 at
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.
February 28th, 2010 at
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.