Do Skechers’ Shape-Ups Really Work?
May 16, 2009 by Tracy Hopkins
Filed under Product Reviews, Shopping, Women's Health
In April I wrote about Skechers’ “Shape-Ups,” fitness shoes that claim to promote weight loss, tone your muscles, and improve your posture without going to the gym.
Skechers Shape-Ups, $110
To me it was a no-brainer. With a promise like that, I needed a pair ASAP. Luckily, the helpful folks at Skechers sent me the Mary-Jane style in black (pictured in tan to the right) to try out.
So I took my Shape-Ups for a test drive across the Brooklyn Bridge. First off, I must admit they aren’t the most fashion-forward looking shoes. They have an elevated sole — apparently that’s where the fitness magic happens — and walking on the wedge “rocker bottoms” takes some getting used to.
I’m a little paranoid by nature, so more than once I thought passersby were staring at my club kid fitness shoes. But I literally hit my stride by the time I completed the 20-minute walk across the bridge, followed by a 10-minute walk to my apartment. My calves felt tingly and tighter and my posture felt more upright. The Shape-Ups seemed to be working, and I plan to wear them again.
My verdict? Although I wouldn’t recommend the shoes for long walks if you live in a fashion-centric city like New York, they’re fine for running errands close to home, walking around the house, or doing morning laps at your local track. And they’re perfect for smaller city working gals, suburban moms, and teens looking for an alternative to the gym workout.
Image credit: Skechers
I’m sticking with my Earth Footwear. The technology is hidden so I don’t have to advertise to everyone that I am getting a workout.
I just checked out the site for Earth Footwear. Interesting looking shoes…but definitely not my style. Sorta elf-like to me. After reading about what they do they seem to have fewer benefits for a higher price. Isn’t having a rounded bottom (from front to back) one of the major factors? Has anyone tried the reebok shoes? The colors aren’t the best…but at least it’s a name that has validity. But again…no rounded bottom like the major competitors. I would rather pay a reasonable price to a name I know and trust. At least the Skechers have cute styles on their site. The one above isn’t really a ‘looker’ to me. Anyhow…just my opinion(s). Thanks.
Thank you Tracy for putting up this post. I was going through a Cosmo magazine and noticed the add about the Sketchers Shape-ups. I was really interested in finding out more, but my question is, are these shoes sold in Canada? I live in Ontario and I know mostly everything is sold in the U.S. I hope I do find them, because I really want to try these babies out. Thanks for the review, I’m going to have to do my research about if they’re sold here in Canada and take it from there.
Hi Yasmin,
You can go to the Skechers’ website and order the shoes there. Here’s a link:
http://www.skechers.com/shoes-and-clothing/styles/trends/skechers_fitness/list
Best,
Tracy
Yasmin,
You can purchase these shoes online via Skechers.com, here is the Canada specific website:
http://www.ca.skechers.com/en
There’s a good store finder option on the page so you can find a retailer near you that sells Shape Ups, or you can simply buy them online!
Tim the Shoe Guy
avon is selling the same shoes well blue and white sneakers for $39.99
Do the Avon toning sneakers work as well; I know they cost less for us budget minded individuals.
The Avon shoe is not as durable and not very comfortable. Ths sketch shoe I ware at work, (Iwork in a hospital) I wear them all day my feet feel great. they do take some time to get use to I just purchaed the winter boot> Do you want to pay for quality!
I have a pair of the shape up shoes flip flops from shapeupshoes.com. A huge difference from the sckechers especially the $70 that I saved buying them over the skechers and MBTs. While they aren’t the most fashionable, the incline of the shoe is so intense that I only need to wear them for thirty minutes a day. I mainly wear them around the house or walking the dog. Be careful not to wear them all day though, as you will DEFINITELY have some trouble walking the next day.
I just bought a pair of these and I love them! But you must not over do it with them the first week because you will h ave sore muscles as they say they will. You feel like your walking on a soft pillow or sand and my feet don’t seem to hurt after walking and getting my daily walk in these like they normally would in other tennis shoes.
I just got a pair…and I think they are awesome. I work out a lot..but I now know that my calves were NOT getting a good work out. because I can feel them working through out my calves, my hamstrings, and my glutes…
These babies work and their more reasonably priced than the MBT’s. I will be buying EVERY color available.
Hi everyone…I got these shoes because I work retail…..I love them my feet do not hurt after a 10 hour day on my feet…..I have 2 pair now and will NEVER….give them up
I’ve been wearing mine for a few weeks now and already I’ve seen a big difference. I’m definitely slimmer, seem to walk taller and feel much healthier and more confident.
I was very sceptical about buying these though, but I thought I’d give them a try after reading the shape ups scientific study.
You can read the study here
http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/t-Skechers-Shape-Ups-Clinical-Case-Study.aspx
I bought a pair because I just had a total knee replacement and try to walk daily as continuing therapy for my knee. Of course I had read the ads and all the hype, but Skechers have always been my shoe of choice. In fact when I was going three times a week for PT after my surgery, the therapist told me that my sketcher shoes were cute and matched my outfits but were not a good shoe to rehab my knee in. he sent me to a local gym store that fits you in ‘your perfect fit for your needs’ I spent $140 and absolutely hate them! I bought the Shape Ups and LOVE them. First day I put them on, and took off, and havent slowed down yet. Yes, yes, yes they help my posture, my calfs, my legs, my walk, and even my energy. I am going to buy more!!!! After my surgery, I had to learn to walk: heel . . toe . . heel . . . toe . . . these shoes do that automatically!!!!!!!!
Thank you! I had total knee replacement in June and just began walking again. Boy, it’s tough to get that muscle strength back, isn’t it?!! I was concerned how these might affect my knee but now I’m going to give these a try. Thanks for your review! **HSN is selling them for $100 with free shipping.
I had knee and patella replacement surgery on both knees and I would like to hear from other people who have had the same sugery and what they thought about the shape up shoes. Do they really work or am I wasting my money buying them????
I want to know if anyone has compared the Skechers to the fit flops to the Reebok ones or the shape shoes? Which one works best for the money?
I bought the fit flops and love them. You definitely feel it in your calves and hamstrings. I’m thinking of buying the Sketchers Shape Ups next.
Skechers Shape Ups are really more comparable to the MBT shoes than they are to the EasyTones by Reebok or the FitFlops. The rocker bottom design of the Shape Ups gives you a different effect than the others, and provides more of a workout while allowing you to walk naturally.
I have heard several reviews that state that they did not care for the EasyTones, which provide cushioning via moving air cushions, and they far preferred the Shape Ups. While FitFlops give some of the same effect, the Shape Ups should give you more of a fitness effect when walking.
Tim the Shoe Guy
Just walk instead of driving with any shoe. I think that’ll have the same effect. When you buy these shoes you’ll probably walk more because you think you’ll lose weight when wearing these shoes, but wearing regular shoes an walking does the same job.
I’m sure you’re right and that people do walk more because of the shoes. However, some of us can not walk more comfortably do to a variety of issues. For me, it’s ankle problems. I have not tried these yet, but I have recently been wearing MBTs. They are my miracle shoes! I can walk all day with no foot or ankle pain, but I feel all the benefits they claim for other areas. If these shoes are as similar as they seem, I’ll be buying them in the future!
While that’s part of it, the Shape Ups really go “supercharge” your walk so that you can get more of a fitness effect by walking less. Walking a half hour in Shape Ups provides much more of a fat burning, muscle toning workout than walking in regular shoes.
There have been clinical studies that prove they work, there’s a link above.
Also, as Beth points out, the Shape Ups provide a lot more support and cushioning than regular shoes, and help alleviate foot pain for a lot of people who use them – people who never could walk much without pain are able to walk just fine in Shape Ups.
Tim the Shoe Guy
I agree with you, but I had a hip replacement last year and still require the use of a cane for support. I am hoping someone who has had hip replacement surgery can comment. I was not in the best of shape prior to surgery, so it has been hard for me to get into action. I live in a nice little neighborhood, and want to start walking after work everyday.
Walking instead of driving would be ideal if your where you live can accomodate!
i want to buy the shape ups but it is difficult for me to buy and not be able try on the shoes/i have foot [problems and very wide feet//isnt there a store where u can buy them?
The Shape-Ups are available at all Skechers’ stores. Use this link to find a store in your area, http://www.skechers.com/info/customer_service_faq .
When I first saw these shoes, I thought I so need those. I love to walk, but hate to work out. I started doing some research on them, and found them to be a little costly. I didn’t get them right away. I am in the military, I do alot of walking. Especially where I am at right now. I walk everywhere I want to go. No personal vehicles allowed. I sucked it up, and paid the money to buy a pair. I absolutely love them, and already want a 2nd pair, the Mary Janes. When you have them on, they don’t look any different then any other pair of shoes. I have noticed toning in hips, thighs, calves, and my posture has improved to give me an inch on my height. I have only been wearing them for two months now. I also only wear them in the evenings when I don’t have my uniform and boots on. They are very comfortable as well. I will continue to buy these shoes as mine wear out, and I need to get new ones. I really hope Skechers will continue to make them, and come out with more styles, and colors.
I just orderd the sketchers shapeups and cant wait to try them out when i get them ill write a review of my own.
I look forward to your review : )
I just brought a pair of Sketchers shape ups. I brought the sneakers (in white). I have had a problem with Plantar Fasciitis (may not be spelled right) since May. A lady at work told me about the MBT’s but I can’t afford them. I did research and found that Sketchers had a similar brand, for about half the price. Another problem I ran into is that no one in town has these shoes (Sketcher shape ups). Anyway, I found a store that had just received a shipment in the day before. I brought the sneakers yesterday. I’ve had them on all day, without any pain. This is unusual for me. I am in constant pain all day usually. But, I’ve been able to walk for a long time today without pain. This is great. I want to buy another pair for work. I guess I’ll have to order on line. These shoes ran me about 100 bucks, but they are so worth it. Oh, I really don’t feel tired at all after wearing these shoes. However, I did take a quick nap after I got home after shopping all day in these shoes. My Podiatrist gave me a night splint to wear to bed. He didn’t recommend the shots for me because of the pain. He also did not recommend MBT’s because he indicated that some patients have had problems with them. However, the Sketchers fit my budget and they are working for me!
I love my shape-ups, I work in a restaurant and I am on my feet all day, I got them because I had knee surgery and I wanted support, they are great.
I bought two pairs, as I waitress and have not worn them yet to work. I am afraid the drinks will spill because of the bounce in the step. How are they to wairess in, and carrying drinks and trays of food?
i love my shape ups! i waitress and havent spilled a drink yet cuz of the bounce. i can also move around first thing in the morning! before my shape ups, i was in so much pain by the end of the day and even more pain in the mornings. i honestly noticed my mobility improve after just one shift in my new shape ups. i am afraid sketchers is going to stop making them…i have an urge to go stockpile! lol
Hi all. I’m thinking of getting these shoes for my mom b/c she walks for most of the day for her job, and the shoes she has tried give her no support or comfort after a long day. My question is on the sizing…i believe she’s about a 9.5 to a 10, so I want to know if they are true to the sizing. Help?
Hi Kate,
That’s a good question. I originally received a pair of the Mary Jane style in a size 10, but returned them because they were too big. I exchanged them for a size 9.5 and they fit much better. I hope your Mom enjoys her Shape-Ups!
Best,
Tracy
They actually run a little small. I usually wear a 7 or 7.5, I bought two pairs, the maryjanes in a 7.5, and the tennies in an 8. Hope this helps.
True to size for me
I was wondering if a person has arthritis, do these shoes help them with that problem? Please let me know..and thank you…
I have severe arthritus in both my feet, ankles, and legs due to a motor vehicle accident. I also have a rod in my left ankle with many other fusions. My doctor recommended the MBT, but I am unable to afford them so I bought the shape up’s as soon as I saw the ad!! I LOVE THEM!! They really help out alot!!! I am not experiencing near as much pain as I did before I bought these shoes!!
thank you so much..but I was wondering does your feet hurt around the toe area after you walk in them? mine hurts really bad what can cause that??
I wear these to work, I waitress, legs feel great, no pain in toe area, and I walk 2 miles after dinner every night. My husband complained of the toe area hurting, but I am wondering if you went up a half size larger, like I did, if you would still have that problem. I usually wear an 8, but the shape ups run a half size shorter so I got an eight and a half. I also wear a crew sock with them.
Are these shoes really useful in improving posture and promoting weight loss as they claim? If so, how much time duration is needed for this to happen?
I bought MBTs before finding out about these – bummer since they were about $250. They are comfortable but did not eliminate all of my heel pain from plantar fasciitis (probably nothing will; going to physical therapy next). If I get another pair of shoes, I will likely try these Skechers. Thank you for all of the comments.
To make a long, painful story short, try FitFlops. Cured my plantar fasciitis, and as an added bonus,helped alleviate my lower back pain. I wear a size 6, ordered a 6, and life has been pain free. I ordered the Walkstar. I also have a pair of the Sketchers, they’re comfortable, but I find them heavy,and weird to walk in. I wear them if I’m mall walking, the smoother the surface the better. Hope this helps you!
Since I am on my computer most of the day selling on eBay, I could see my posture was going south… I read in People magazine about these shoes and went straight to Skechers to order. They were out of my size in every color but black. I called every store I could think of in Utah and no one had them. My husband suggested Dillard’s. They had my size in Jump Up’s in the light blue trim. I have had them three days and I am BLOWN away by how I feel. I even find myself sitting up straighter even after they are off. I am now ordering more on eBay since I know my size. I do have to say to take it easy.. My calves hurt from wearing them 18 hours straight for 3 days but I even want to sleep in them… like that would help… buy them.. great value.. there are things you shouldn’t skimp on and walking or work out shoes is one of those items.
Cindy in Utah
I work at DSW and the shape-ups sell for $99.95 (in store and online). We have been seling a lot of them and everyone states that they are wonderful. I have been trying to decide if I should buy a pair. I am glad I found this site and I have read the reviews. There is one question that I have, I walk 5 to 10 miles a day, do you think this would work? Or should I not wear them daily the first week?
I love my Shape-Ups. I’m motivated and walk a lot more now, and I really feel it on my calves.
M
Has anyone worn orthotics in the Skecher Shape ups?
I have MBT’s, but they don’t take orthotics well.
Hi, I just tried on the shape ups. I absolutly fell inlove with them. Too bad they cost so much money. Does anyone know a good place where you can get them on sale?
If you shop online, ebay customers sell various styles, but mostly the walking sneaker style, for less than $90 plus sometimes free shipping. That is the cheapest place I have found; nothing local in my area.
Macys sells them too.
They don’t work. It’s all in your head. You can’t feel your posture become more upright, if you do it’s probably worse if anything. Doing an activity like running is much better for an exercise plus weight training at a gym burns more fat than anything.
[In response to Ashlynn] Wow…way to be blind to other people’s disabilities.
I would love to be able to run, or weight train. I have been diagnosed with several dibilatating diseases and cannot. Some days, I cannot even walk. Due to this, my muscles have deteriorated. These shoes have been a blessing to me. They DO help my posture, and allow me to get tone and strength back in my legs, back, and abs that I had lost before.
It’d be great if we were all capable like you, but we aren’t. Think before you assume everyone is like you. That’s all in your head.
I will have to agree with Molly that they do indeed work, proof in that is I wore them around the house for an evening and I could def tell in the way my leg muscles, lower back and calves felt, and very conscious on how I walked and stood and the placement of my feet.
I am a hairdresser and stand on my feet all day. before the shape-ups I suffered from back pain, tired and sore legs and feet and I would be very stiff and sore at the end of the day on LONG days, I did have to break myself in to my shoes wearing them for 8-10 hrs a day at 1st is not a good idea(they do take some time to get used to.)So what I did was to wear my regular shoes for the 1st half of the day then switched and felt like I was walking on clouds. Now I just wear them all day.
Ashlynn, if you can’t feel the way your posture is and how you stand then maybe you haven’t given them a chance or just not aware of your own body. Good for you if you are physically fit and you are able to get to the gym and work out and lift weights. Like Molly said you should not be so narrow minded about what other ppl can or can not do, or how the shoes affect each and every single person differently. Think before you blog.
Yes, you absolutely CAN feel when your posture is becoming better! I have two herniated discs and am unable to run as exercise. Weight training is fine if you want to bulk up and get muscular over being “fit” and healthy. Ask ANY nutritionist, or exercise professional…..WALKING is the healthiest way to get fit! And remember, not all of us can afford a gym membership….especially if we have a family to support as well!
I had thyroid surgery in December 2008 and put on 30 pounds, so as soon as the doctor told me my thyroid count had leveled out I started walking every evening but by feet would hurt after every walk, during one of my walks I went into a Skechers store and they recommended the shape Ups they said start of slow 1/2 hour each day then gradually 45 mintues and so on well it’s been 3 weeks now and I feel muscles aches throughout my legs and they really are helping me but my feet hurt even more… why is that? I do walk between 2.5-4 miles each walk, am I over doing it?
I want to know if I could use them to do aerobic excercise? I know it helps for walking, but I’ve been doing some aerobic videos and also have a lot of ankle pain, so I want to know if these will be good for that too. Please someone let me know because I want to buy some if I could use them for that.
Just purchased my shape up sketchers and took them for a trial this evening, I have been walking about a mile and half every day since the middle of June. This evening while wearing the new shape ups, I could see a big difference. You could feel it in the calves, thighs, noticed my posture as well. Especially feel them working going up inclines ! Seemed a little pricey but I can tell it was a worth while investment. If your thinking about purchasing these, you won’t be sorry. I purchased mine at “Boscov’s” They sell the Easy Spirit shoe similar but I tried them both on in the store and walked around and there was a BIG difference with the sketchers !!!! Don’t put it off, get yours and start “Shaping Up”
I am interested in puprchasing a pair of “negative heel” sneakers. I have a wide foot–does anyone have any thoughts on which would fit more comfortably, the Skechers or the MBTs? Any specific style? Thanks.
I work at a school and I’m on my feet 90% of the day. I have feet problems , and i’m wondering if these shoes would help. I also work out and i was wondering if they would be ok on the elipical machine? Thanks
I saw the ad for these in Shape magazine recently (though I had heard about same type of technology a good year or so ago in another brand of shoe) and I got hooked into buying a pair due to the purposed benefits. I work out 3 days a week on a high incline treadmill and though I’ve gotten toner through that, I’ve been wanting to tone the back of my thighs, hips and bottom more.
The minute I put them on in the store I felt comfortable walking in them. I took them up to the front to purchase and when I left the store I was wearing my “normal” shoes and noticed right away how awkward my gait felt now – I actually felt more comfortable with the shape ups on so I took them out of the box and started wearing them immediately.
Last night was the first time wearing the shoes for my treadmill walk. I don’t know if it’s imagination or not (I don’t think so) but I definitely felt tingling and tightening in the hip area and in the backs of my legs. HOPEFULLY these things will tone up my backside in a snap!
How do the Sketchers Shape Ups work on gravel roads? Does it make them wear out faster since the gravel would harm the bottoms? I live in the country and most of our roads are just gravel.
If you have heel spurs ‘these are the shoes’. I came home from work crawling everyday in total pain, and misery. Not sence I got these, no pressure on my heels. In one month I swear I bought four types of shoes. Trying to find anything that would take the pain away, so I could work. $118.00 versus $1000’s in surgury was a no-brainer.
They seem to be a similar idea to MBT’s (Masai Barefoot Technology?)
These shoes are amazing. It does take a couple day to get to get used to them, but it is worth it. I always had severe back pain. I said i was only getting them to wear while working. I am on my feet 8-12 hours a day. Until I got these shoes i was in sever pain all day. Its been almost a month and I hardly have any pain in my neck back or anything. They are the best money i could have ever spent. For years my back has been killing me and i have triend everthing to calm th epain, including physical therapist, wearing holistic magents to get rid of the pain, excerizing every day,etc….Nothing helped in the slightest capaires to these sneakiers. They feel like your walking on the moon too,they are sooo comfortable. They also help build and work out your leg muscles, for the first day my leg muscles were sore but passed quick. They also make me feel tall i feel tall now and slender. I love them and wear them whenever i leave the house. My regular sneakers feel weird to me now. I need to find my favorite ones in bulk cause im going to be wearing them forever. I only really like one kind, and the cheapest ones i found in the style i wanted was $110 with shipping. I wouldl never spend $110 for shoes, but they are worth every cent.
I also have (maybe I should say HAD) a longtime case of plantar fasciitis which nothing seemed to alleviate. Bought the MBTs which for me were quite expensive, and they helped a little but I did not find them spectacularly comfortable, especially for the exorbitant price. In mid-September, I tried on a pair of the Metabolize style Skechers Shape Ups, and had to take them home. Fantastic! My foot pain is mostly gone, and while I tend to be skeptical of claims that mere shoes can make you more fit, I really think my posture is better and my legs and backside are tighter (or so I’ve been told). I didn’t have any soreness at all after wearing them, either. I then ordered the Elasticity winter boots, which are very nice and accommodate my wide calves (FYI, treat them with waterproof spray before wearing them in snow), and am eagerly awaiting the delivery this week of the mary Jane-style Physicals. As you can probably tell, I’m really sold on these shoes!
Just to update…I received my Mary Jane-style Physicals today (great deal on Footwear, Etc. with free shipping and no sales tax), and love them. I got the Toffee color — they are much nicer looking than I was expecting, and super comfortable. Also, they are true to size, unlike MBTs which I had to buy a size larger than I normally wear. Very pleased!
hi, I am waiting to have a hip resurfacing surgery due to a car accident I was in several years ago. Prior to wearing shape ups, I was unable to walk short distances without getting a shooting pain going down my right leg. I also work at a school where I stand 95% of the day. These shoes have been a lifesaver. They are the only shoes that I have worn in the past 4 weeks. I own a pair a fit flops and love them as well, but the sketcher shape ups are good for the winter months. Prior to owning these shoes I would mainly on wear born shoes. I plan on getting another pair. I am not sure if they are helping me loose weight, but they are helping me walk with out pain and as a mother of a 1 and 4 year old boys that is a wonderful thing!!!
Would not recommend – Not anything like MBT
Joyce
I just bought a pair of shapeups and wondering if I should wear my orthotics that I usually wear in these type shoes? I also have SI joint and Scoliosis problems….
I have been walking in MBTs for over a year now. I tried on a pair of sketchers but I needed a larger size. They felt very similar to my MBTs. I love that they help with my plantar fasciitis. Also after wearing them for so long you don’t feel the pull on your calves at all and in fact I can’t seem to wear other shoes much. As far as walking and weight loss– well at my age of over 55 I walk 4-5 times a week for 30-40 minutes in my MBTs and have not lost any weight at all. My abs are definitely not tighter. I know I walk at a moderate pace too as I wear a pedometer. I know that my feet don’t hurt when I have to walk long distances. So while they are great for legs, posture and feet, I can’t say that they help with burning more calories while walking at all.
I went to try a pair of these shape ups by skechers today and thought wow these are so comfy but $100? naw…and I left. Then I came home and read all of these reviews on these shoes and am sold!!! I’m going back to get them tonight! Thank you for sharing! I have been walking 3 miles a day for the last 2 weeks in my regular walking gym shoes and my shins are killing me but I push on because I have 30 lbs to go…I can’t wait to see how the shapeups will help me with my shins and my weight loss.
YAY!
I purchased a pair of Skechers Shape Ups and to my dismay wound up at the Podiatrist three weeks later when I coulnd’t walk. I had excrutiating pain in my left foot. My doctor said she just read the latest in a medical journal and it seems that after about 3 weeks of wearing them people are developing tendonitis. Guess what?! I HAD TENDONITIS AND IT WAS THE THIRD WEEK WEARING THEM. I went on some strong anti-inflammatory meds and voila the pain is gone. Never had it before wearing these sneakers and hope it does not return.
Do you have any thoughts as to which brand might fit a wide foot better–Skechers or MBTs?