Do Shape Up Shoes Really Work?
Everyone keeps asking me, “Do Shape Up Shoes really work?” Well if you’re curious whether or not it’s worth the $100 to purchase them read this first.
The claim: Due to the technology of the shoe muscles in your calves, thighs, and buttocks will be stimulated that you don’t normally use and since the shoes tend to throw you off balance your core will be more actively be engaged. In addition, these shoes promote a healthy weight loss, reduce cellulite, and promote good posture, all without having to go to the gym. And not to mention they are also very stylish.
So is it worth it?
Can I really forgo the gym? First, of all even if these Shape up Shoes do tone parts of your legs, it is definitely not going to be as effective as a regular resistance training program will be. Do you really think a pair of shoes can give you the same sexy legs as lunges or squats? While granted they will work your muscles a bit more than a regular pair or walking shoes, you definitely wouldn’t want to forgo a regular weight training routine. And hello what about your upper body? Those arms need a workout too!
Will I have improved posture? This is probably true. These shoes will throw you off balance so you’ll have to get used to it, and it’ll be more important to stand upright. In doing so you will activate your core muscles at least while you’re walking. Sitting at your desk, slouched over a computer is a whole different story.
Will I really burn more calories? Any cardio training is going to help you burn calories and drop the pounds. And while this may help you to burn slightly more calories I would have to guess the difference isn’t very significant. Just like using hand weights in aerobics class was popular for awhile, in the end we just found you burned a few insignificant extra calories and the risk of injury wasn’t worth those extra few calories burned.
Can I really lose weight? As for weight loss, no shoe is ever going to be the ultimate weight loss solution. If you’re sitting around on your butt all day or not eating a healthy diet, you’ll never lose weight. And even if you walk miles in your Shape Up Shoes every day it’s still going to be important to include a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Is it safe? Also, according to Mike Seril, of Mike Seril Fitness and Excellence Through Exercise of Whittier California, if you have any kind of low back issues or foot problems, wearing these shoes may exacerbate your problems because of the extra pressure on the joints since it’s trying to compensate for the new movement. So do be careful if you have low back pain or other foot and back issues before using a shoe like this. And if you’re wearing them and notice they start to cause pain anywhere, I would suggest you stop using them.
Lastly, are these shoes stylish? Hmm…Let’s just say I’m not expecting them to be showing up on the fashion runways anytime soon.
Ultimately, the key is to really toning up and losing weight is to start incorporating cardio, strength training, and proper diet into your life and then you can achieve your fitness goals not matter what shoe you’re wearing. Although, Shape Up Shoes may have some benefits, I would say save your pennies and instead focus on a more well-rounded fitness and nutrition plan!
So what are your thoughts on Shape Up Shoes? Have you tried them out?
I have found that they do “work,” but only while doing my usual daily jog. As my leg muscles were already toned, walking in them doesn’t make much difference. (You can do stretches in them that are impossible to do in other athletic shoes.) I still wouldn’t forgo regular exercise in favor of them, but I do like the two together.
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Rita, Right on!!
I was out looking for a good pair of shoes that I can use to stand/walk around in for 8+ hours a day. All the shoe stores were full of these. I never realized how “high” these shoes are. I had no intention of buying a pair despite the current craze. My first thought was how easy it would be to twist an ankle or become unbalanced and injure yourself. I had that experience in a pair of “Rocket Dogs” while wearing them out in the yard. Nothing against Rocket Dogs. I shouldn’t have been wearing them out in the backyard where the ground isn’t even. Thank you for your valuable information concerning all these things the infomercials like to claim to be a simple solution to weight loss problems when only eating properly and working out regularly are the solution.
Another great post reviewing a product that is marketed to grab a hold of the audience who wants quick-fixes and easy ways to stay fit. It’s great to see that you are always focusing on healthy living as a lifestyle. It’s important to be reminded that staying healthy needs a commitment and consistency! Looking forward to read more of your blog posts.
These shoes caused me serious problems. I did not fall while wearing the shoes. However, I did break by heel. After two months of physicial therapy I can now walk normal. I did exactly what the DVD and the tag stated to do when wearing for the first time but still damaged my foot to the point I had to wear a boot for two weeks and see a bone doc. Just my experience but it did happen.
Thanks for sharing your experience G!
I have been wearing Sketchers Shape Ups for 7 months now and let me tell you, they are a miracle. It took me 2 weeks to get use to balancing myself on them the proper way, but I am so glad I waited the 2 weeks and didn’t give up right away. I am a 29 yr old Male Nurse. After lifting heavy patients I started having major back pains. I went to the chiropractor who didn’t help much. My mom bought me these shoes, and they have made my back pain disappear completely. Even while walking with them off, I know longer have back pain. I even have my mom who had back pain wearing them. She was skeptical but was glad I told her to buy a pair and start wearing. Feel free to email me with questions or tips.