Do Skechers’ Shape-Ups Really Work?

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