Have you heard of the new Sketchers Shape-ups yet? Lately, it seems like I’ve been seeing them in magazine ads, TV commercials and displays everywhere! Sketchers claim that if you wear these “miracle shoes” you’ll have more toned and strengthened leg, back, buttock and abdominal muscles. In addition, Sketchers claim that Shape-ups also:
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reduce body fat
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improve circulation, aerobic conditioning and exercise tolerance
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improve posture, relieving muscle tension and back/joint problems
All of these benefits from a pair of shoes?! As with any new product I was a little skeptical, so I decided to do some research to find out if these advertised benefits were true.
How do they work?
According to Sketchers, Shape-ups are designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk. They feature a soft kinetic wedge insert and a rolling bottom which simulates walking on sand. While walking in Shape-ups, your heel sinks to the ground as you step, rolls forward as your weight shifts to its center, and finally you push off with your toes.
Are Shape-ups really working for people?
To try and find out if Sketcher’s claims were true, I began by asking around and reading consumer reviews. I was actually quite surprised by what people are saying. The vast majority of people who have tried Shape-ups are extremely satisfied! Consumers are saying that they are noticing the benefits of Shape-ups within days after they begin wearing them. Many people have commented that their calves and upper legs feel like they are getting a better workout than they do in regular sneakers.
In regards to weight loss, you won’t burn significantly more calories wearing Shape-ups in comparison to other types of sneakers. However, if Shape-ups make exercise less painful and more enjoyable, you may do more of it as a result. Then you would, in fact, be burning more calories overall.
Consumers are also claiming that Shape-ups help manage symptoms from all sorts of orthopedic problems, including high arches, knee and ankle cartilage damage and plantar fasciitis. Most are claiming that their comfort is significantly improved while wearing these shoes.
Although over 90% of the comments I’ve heard and read are positive, there are a few people claiming that the shoes didn’t help them or they caused pain. Before purchasing a pair, I encourage you to do own research so you can make an educated decision. Since they may change the way you walk, it is a good idea to talk to your health care provider before purchasing them, especially if you have had orthopedic issues in the past.
Have you tried Shape-ups? If so, I’d love to hear what you think of them!