Tone-Up Shoes

[MarlaSinger]

Does anyone here have Sketchers shape-ups or anything similar? I see these things all over the place but I don't know if they are worth the money.

I am looking at shoes currently, planning to buy within the next week or so. I need two pair - one for running (though I mostly walk at this point,) and another for everyday wear. I am curious about the toning shoes for everyday type wear, or maybe for shorter walks with my family.

[Malachi Constant]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

Basically what those shoes do is mimic walking on sand. Usually it's with air bags, and it forces your foot to land and push off like you're on the beach. Your entire body will walk differently and you will definitely feel a difference.

I have a pair of Reebok EasyTones (for men) and I wear them when I take my daily constitutional. There is absolutely a difference in muscle use and posture when you wear toning shoes versus normal shoes. Your shoulders stay back, your chest is out, your feet land right under your center of gavity... it's an amazing change for such a small thing like a new pair of shoes. If you do a lot of walking and want to make it a more effective workout, then I would say yes. The EasyTones are great and around $100, for women they have a bunch of styles and colors that will make it a great everyday shoe.

For running, I would say no. The best thing you can do to get a more effective workout while running - while at the same time having more fun - is to run barefoot. I've become a convert to barefoot running in the last year and it's a blast. Much better for your legs and body than normal shoes and more natural. You can pick up a pair of vibram fivefingers if you're worried about your soles, and they're only $65 or so.

Hope that helps!

[Kandimom]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I bought a pair of the Skechers Shape ups in late February and I LOVE THEM! I've never really had a problem with my posture or anything, but I feel that I am standing straighter. I used to have heel problems when I first woke up in the morning and occasional issues from a pinched sciatic nerve (starting about 8 years ago), and I haven't had those problems since starting to wear the shoes. I wear them for casual wear and for exercise walking both (I am doing about 2 miles per day now for exercise).

I do have a friend who has arthritis in hips and knees, and the shoes do cause you to adjust your posture which for her caused too much pressure on her hips and knees. They also come with a DVD that explains to wear them only about 30 minutes a day at first. (I didn't do this - just started wearing them all day and for exercising from the beginning.)

Hope this info helps. Personally, I don't think I'll ever wear another brand of tennis shoe again - I like them that much.

[Peytonn]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I have thought about it... but haven't bit the bullet yet... I usually buy whatever 'last years model/color/style' is half price or so at the local Factory Brand Shoe outlet....

I've been stuck in Avia running shoes for a couple of years now.. (and I have some shox... and a couple of others too.. )

I'd like to try them... when they get cheaper..

[Tiggerdagibit]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I have the Sketchers Shape Ups and love them! I work 12 hour shifts and bought them on a co-workers recommendation. My feet don't hurt in the morning like they used to and my knee (which I believe has arthritis or something) doesn't hurt anymore either. I wear them to work and to the gym. Definitely worth the money!

[kirstyb1]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

i am getting a pair of sandal type ones in the Uk and they are £50 for 3 pairs

hope they work
x

[Peytonn]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

it all sounds so positive.. I might have to go ahead and get myself a pair... I have a birthday coming up.. lol

[Tiggerdagibit]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I had a hard time shelling out $100 for shoes, but I decided that I had heard so many good things about them that I would give it a shot. If you get them, maybe try walking on carpet at home for a few days just to make sure. A lot of places will take them back if they haven't been used outside, but I bet you'll end up loving them. =) The first few days, my leg muscles were actually a little sore, so I could tell that I must've been walking differently. That leads me to believe that maybe they will help tone, but even if they don't they were worth the money for my feet not to hurt. lol

[MarlaSinger]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

Thank you all for your input! I've read some reviews online, but none were comprehensive. I think you all have sold me! I think I'll look into the sandal type first, for casual walking.

[Jules1980]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I've been wondering about these too. Im def gonna pick some up on the next pay! I work on my feet all day walking etc. A little extra tone would be nice!

[kareena]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

definitely worth owning! i love mine!

[cskristin]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I have a pair of Skecher's Shape Ups and I absolutely LOVE Them! I wear them daily, and they are especially comfortable during exercise. With squats, they force me to center myself. With lunges, they take the impact off my lower back, knees and ankles. At work, I've also noticed that almost all of the janitorial and kitchen staff have started wearing them.

[Elizellen]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

i am getting a pair of sandal type ones in the Uk and they are £50 for 3 pairs

Did you find them locally at that price or online, Kirsty? I have only seen them from £60 upwards each

[super]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

Guess I'm the lone hater of Sketches "Shape Ups". I tried a pair and almost fell over backwards. (I am a figure skater and race slalom skiing, so no sissy foot here). Wouldn't take them as a gift, and thought they were a gimmick for the epidemic of people who are looking for an easy way out to lose some weight. Bought regular "delights" Sketchers and love them as I usually do each year when I replenish my Sketcher feet. Be warned

[guekjian]

Re: Tone-Up Shoes

I have the Reebok Easytone shoes. I also have not so great knees...Let's just say that it is NOT a good combination. I definitely felt like I was walking differently (since they destabilize you so that your muscles work harder to compensate) but they totally threw my knees out of whack. I cannot wear them more than 15 minutes at a time and they cost over $100. If your knees are good, go for it...if you have issues...skip this shoe...