Always in search of an innovative ways to improve my fitness, particularly if they do not involve extra effort or exercise on my part, I bought a pair of Skechers Shape Ups. I much prefer getting healthier without adding stress or pain to my life
Skechers Shape-Ups are walking shoes that are advertised to help to tone the legs and buttocks simply by walking naturally. They also claim to improve posture and improve cardiovascular health. The shoes retail at higher price than similar walking shoes. Shape-Ups are available in sizes for both women and men, in different colors.
The Shape of Skechers Shape-Ups
The first thing I noticed was the size and weight of the shoebox. The shoes themselves are similar to other walking shoes, except instead of a thin flat sole, these have soles that are close to an inch thick, and appear rounded, so that the middle is thicker than the heel or toe.
The box contains the shoes, two pairs of laces and an instructional DVD. The DVD informed me that the shoes simulate the feeling of walking on sand. I needed to be conscious at first of making sure to walk “heel to toe” to exercise the leg muscles properly and maintain balance.
The DVD also instructed me to wear the shoes only a limited amount the first few outings in order to reduce soreness, since, used properly, the shoes will exercise different muscles than traditional walking or fitness shoes.
Traveling with Shape-Ups
The first impression of the shoes is created by the weight. They seem to weigh twice what a regular shoe does. The DVD purports that the shoes are easy to transport, but the added size and weight will fill up and burden down any suitcase.
Travelers will add strength training to the exercise regimen lugging these giants around, and the posture benefits will be offset by drooped shoulders, unless they are carried one in each arm.
Impressions of Skechers New Walking Shoe
It does take some practice walking in the shoe to get the full benefit. Because the shoes are thick the middle, my tendency was to wobble from side to side. Following the instructions and concentrating on my gait, I was able after a few sessions to keep stable and build up close to my regular walking speed. Walking properly did require me to walk more upright, improving my posture.
The shoes are more tiring, at least at first, partly from the effort needed to walk properly and partly from the sheer weight of the shoes. I felt I put forth the same effort in about one third of my usual time, increasing the benefits of my evening walk.
Because of the awkward bottom of the shoe, it was difficult, if not impossible, to run in them, which might be necessary if a dog was chasing me, or I had to race through a crosswalk to avoid a car.
The Value of Skechers Shape-Ups
Current price for the men’s style is around $100 US, with the women’s slightly less. This makes the shoes 50 to 100% higher than normal walking shoes. For those that love to walk, these shoes do offer some health benefits, but consumers will need to use them often to get full value Occasional users will not likely see enough benefit to justify the cost.
Whether the style is appealing is an individual choice. They are distinctive, but I felt the size made them somewhat clumsy looking. For those who are height challenged and wish to appear taller, the thick sole adds an inch, which, along with my improved posture places me squarely over six foot tall.
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