Review of the Skechers Shape-Ups - Strength

Comfort Shoes, Fitness Shoes, Rocker Bottom Shoes, Skechers Shape Ups, Toning Shoes, Walking Shoes - By Terri Mullerson on Sunday, October 10, 2010 - 23:50

I have heard so much about the Skechers Shape-Ups shoes. I have actually met people who are very passionate about the usefulness of these shoes as far as walking and muscle toning are concerned.

A friend of mine bought a pair recently, and she’d go on and on about how comfortable her Skechers Shape-Ups were, how her muscles were toning and her backaches were almost non-existent. Being the good friend that I am, I just let her use me as a sounding board, while hoping secretly (of course), that the novelty of her new shoes would wear off sooner than later.

My curiosity soon got the better of me, and I decided to go to the Mall and try it on for myself. I just had to discover what the “big deal” was anyway? Before going to the Mall however, I visited the official Skechers Shape-Ups website and printed out the benefits to be derived from owning a pair of these shoes. I did this so I could have an idea of what to expect from the Shape-Ups.

Here are the benefits as found on the official Skechers Shape-Ups website:

1. Stronger You: Shape-ups are designed to help you tone your muscles – from your back and abdomen to your buttocks and calves.

2. Healthier You: Shape-ups will help you lose weight and improve your circulation, creating a healthier you!

3. Easy Exercise Routine: It's easy to shape up with Shape-ups. Wear your Shape-ups everywhere and anywhere you walk (or stand), and your body will feel the benefits.
This review is based on my personal experience of the Skechers Shape-ups Strength shoes indoors. I did not use them outdoors.

I tried on the Navy/Black Skechers Shape Ups (Strength). When I put them on, they felt very bouncy, like walking on very bouncy pillows. I liked the feeling. Although, I must admit that I was not too thrilled with the physical appearance of these shoes, they looked funny and that does require some getting used to.

The shoe size, felt true to size. I usually wear a size 8.5 with my socks on without any feelings of discomfort. These shoes were no different.

The shoe width, also felt true to width. I have somewhat narrow feet and these shoes fit perfectly.

The shoe arch, this took some getting used to. I had to stand and find my balance first before taking my first step. But after that, I’d say it does have excellent arch support.

The Skechers Shape-Ups Strength are walking shoes. They are not recommended for running. The DVD that comes with the shoes recommends wearing them for a 15 minute-a-day routine to help tone muscles, the abdomen, buttocks and the calves.
 
Does it deliver on the health benefits promised by the company?

1. Stronger You: Shape-ups are designed to help you tone your muscles – from your back and abdomen to your buttocks and calves.

I got to try two pairs on since I couldn’t decide on a color I really liked. I did feel some tightening in my calves when I walked around in the second pair, and I suppose with constant use, there may be some remarkable results.

2. Healthier You: Shape-ups will help you lose weight and improve your circulation, creating a healthier you!

I’m sure walking will achieve this even by its self. Maybe the Shape-Ups will encourage more walking than driving?

3. Easy Exercise Routine: It's easy to shape up with Shape-ups. Wear your Shape-ups everywhere and anywhere you walk (or stand), and your body will feel the benefits.

I completely agree. These shoes can be worn indoors at work, or at home.  It can also be worn   outdoors, and you still get a work out. Now there is no excuse for not exercising.

So I would say, yes, it does deliver on the promised health benefits. Here are some customer reviews of the Skechers Shape Ups Strength to support my assertion:

“I highly recommend Skechers Shape Ups Strength. I've been wearing them for 2 months now and I have lost a total of 3 inches from my waist and hips. My podiatrist and chiropractor endorse them as well!”

“Love these sneakers. They're very easy to get accustomed to wearing. I wore them for a full day of touring Manhattan!”

“I love these shoes. The support they give to my foot feels great and I really like the way they propel you forward as you walk. Very true to size. I have received compliments everywhere I go in them."

“Great shoes! I feel taller wearing them (of course!), but they also seem to keep my back straight! For walking exercise, I highly recommend them!”

“I am 56 years old and these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn in my entire lifetime!”

“Absolute heaven for the plus size woman!”

The customers who have had cause to return them did so mostly due to sizing:

“I bought the Skecher Shape Ups-Strength in the black/navy blue and I ordered a size 9. I wasn't happy with how tight they felt around my toes, so I returned them and got a 9.5 and I already love them.”

On a comfort scale, I would give the Skechers Shape-Ups Strength an 8/10. When you get used to them, you will find that these shoes are really comfortable.

On a cuteness scale, I would say a 5/10. It takes a while to get accustomed to them.

The Shape-Ups are good walking shoes. I would recommend them to anyone who wants to get some exercise and look great just in time for summer. But remember, walk, do not run in these shoes.  If you're looking for a toning shoe that is more versatile, see our review on the Skechers Resistance Runner.  They were created as a toning shoe for running, but are also very comfortable walking shoes.