Skechers Shape Ups Review

I'm a walker so I had to test out Skechers Shape Ups.  Review the good, the bad and the ugly.

Since I don't know anyone personally that has a pair of the Skechers Shape Ups, I bought my own pair and simply checked them out for myself. 

As soon as I tried them on and stood up I could feel how comfortable and cushiony they were, even on the sides and in the back, nice. 

So far so good :-)

I originally ordered the shoes in a size 9 which is my size, however I noticed that my toe was closer to the tip than I like, so instead of taking a chance on wearing them and having them be uncomfortable, I returned them for a half size larger.  

I'm glad I did because the slightly larger size was perfect.  Another great reason for buying shoes from a store that has free shipping and free returns.

What I discovered Walking in my Shape up Sneakers

With the rocker like sole of these shoes you might think that they would be hard to walk in but they're not hard to walk on at all.  In fact I was surprised at how comfortable they were.  Your foot feels like it is sinking into a comfortable cushion.

I never did feel off balance like I've heard.  Everything about the shoe felt natural and comfortable.  

From the very first day of wearing my Shape up sneakers I felt like my leg muscles were working a little harder.  I also felt a little sore in my butt muscles; not a lot but enough to know those muscles were getting a small workout.   

My ankles also felt like they were working more than usual and so did my calfs. 

It's funny to note that I also think they make my feet look a little smaller, but that might just be wishful thinking on my part ;-)

How the Shape Up Sneakers Work

What's unique about these sneakers is the durable rocker rubber sole they use which they call shock absorbing 'kinetic Wedge technology'.  It's this design that tones your muscles and helps improve your posture.

My sneakers came with a little guide book that shows you how the shoe is made and how it actually works to tone muscles.

Basically they work by helping you change the way you walk, and it's the shape of the shoe that will help you do that.  

The kinetic wedge or rolling bottom, simulates walking barefoot on a sandy surface, and if you've ever walked on sand you can feel the workout in your legs, your calves and your ankles.  The rolling foot motion gives you maximum results.   

Several years ago I bought a book on walking and that rolling foot motions is exactly what they tell you to if you want to get the most out of your walking routine. 

Wearing regular walking sneakers you have to think about the rolling motion, but with the Shape Up sneakers it comes naturally because that's the way the shoes are designed, and it feels comfortable.

I found that just after just a day or two of wearing them I did feel like I was getting more exercise in my legs.

But Do Shape up Sneakers do what they claim to do?

Shape up Sneakers claim to do 6 things:

• Improve posture & strengthen your back
• Improve blood circulation
• Tone thighs & Reduce Cellulite
• Tighten abs
• Reduce joint stress
• Firm calf muscles

Here's what I've found...

Improve posture & Strengthen your back - I don't have great posture but I have noticed a slight improvement because my back muscles are stronger.  I know that because my back doesn't hurt now.

Before wearing Shape Ups,  my back would hurt doing simple housework.  

Also, I feel like I'm holding my shoulders straighter when I wear these sneakers.  My daughter even told me she sees an improvement in my posture.  She might just be trying to be nice, but based on how my shoulders feel, I don't think so.

Improve blood circulation - Due to the fact that walking strengthens your heart and lungs, then it makes sense that my blood circulation would improve.  But I don't think the sneakers are responsible for that, LOL!

Tone thighs & Reduce Cellulite - With just two weeks of wearing my shape ups my thighs feel and look more toned.  I'm prone to saddle bags on my upper thighs and that has visibly diminished, not totally, but better.

I do have some cellulite in my thighs and that has not disappeared.   I think that the combination of wearing shape ups and reducing my fatty food intake, I could see some improvement within a few months, but I wouldn't bank on that one :-)

Tighten Abs - Walking by default tightens my abs.  In fact, I keep my abs tightened as I walk.  Walking on a soft surface, as the Skechers shape ups simulate, activates your midsection muscles by default so your back, buttocks and abs will just naturally tighten.    

Reduce joint stress -  As I've gotten older my knees do bother me from time to time but since using shape ups I don't get the pressure and discomfort. 

Mall shopping or walking on really hard surfaces for any length of time would just kill my joints.  But as long as I wear my shape ups,  I don't get that horrible joint pain.

==> Sidebar: Please read my Skechers Shape Ups Review update below.

Firm Calf Muscles - This one is a definite yes.  My calves not only have a little more shape to them,  they are firmer and I can feel it. 

Weight Loss - Some reports have claimed that wearing shape up sneakers could help you lose weight.

I personally don't think wearing any shoe will make you lose weight by itself.  I think that feeling how much easier Shape Ups make walking could lead you to walk more and that can help you lose weight.  

I have lost a tiny bit in my tummy as I've noticed my jeans fit better, but I've also been watching what I eat more since wearing the sneakers.

I feel like I get a better workout wearing them but to be honest, I haven't had them long enough to comment on any long term benefits, but so far with the strength I'm gaining in my legs and the way I tend to stand up straighter, I'm confident I'll be in much better shape the longer I wear them. 

Skechers Shape Ups Review Update

Warning: Don't wear Skechers shape ups when running! 

I'm a walker but lately I've been doing intervals where I run for sixty seconds every half mile. 

The first two days of running with my Skechers Shape Ups I didn't notice any problems, but on the third day my knees started hurting, a lot.   I do remember reading somewhere that shape ups are not meant for running.  I wish I'd remembered that because running in them caused me a lot of pain.    

It could just be that my knees are no longer built for running, but nevertheless if you are considering buying a pair of Skechers Shape Ups, they're great for toning while you walk, however my suggestion is not to run in them.  

My knees are better now and I wear my Skechers shape up shoes strictly for walking.

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