I’ve had my Skechers Shape-Ups for about a week, and I wanted to wear them in a variety of settings before I wrote a review of them.
I’ve worn them:
- walking around the store, just doing everyday errands.
- on a power walk around the neighborhood.
- at the gym, on the treadmill.
- at the gym, on the elliptical machine.
Wearing them to walk around doing errands, I really didn’t notice much of a difference in my calf or shin muscles. They do feel like your heel is sinking in the sand, which is a strange feeling at first, but something that I found easy to get used to. I love the way the shoes look on me, and I like that they have a bit of a heel on them (because of the “technology”), so they make me a bit taller (always a plus!). Also, these shoes are incredibly comfortable to wear. It’s like they have extra cushioning or something. I could see myself wearing these to school on a Friday (when I usually dress more casually), because they would be great to wear while standing up all day in my classroom.
Wearing them power walking, I definitely noticed a bit more effort used in my calf muscles. In fact, I found that I had to walk a bit slower so that I wasn’t in too much pain. I finished my walk feeling as if I had walked much farther and for much longer than I actually did, which I take as a good thing. Because I’m putting forth more effort when wearing them, I’m getting a better workout. At least, I hope so.
Wearing them Friday night at the gym to walk on the treadmill was basically the same as power walking with them outside. Much more effort needed to walk, but in a good way. I was getting a good workout.
Wearing them on the elliptical machine was very surprising. It took me SO much more effort to work out on that machine wearing these. I especially felt it when I moved backwards! I could feel my thigh muscles really working, and I was quite sore Saturday morning, which was great.
So, I would highly recommend them. I don’t plan on wearing them next week at the Golden Gate Bridge 5K, because I want to have a decent pace, and since I walk a bit slower with them, I’d rather not throw them into the mix for that type of activity. But overall, it was money well spent. Plus, they’re really cute; at least I think so.
Bella on the Beach 
Hey there, I’ve got a question for ya!
My family and I go to Disney World quite often – which is at least 6 hours of walking per day. When I saw an ad for these shoes I thought they would be perfect for walking around in all day, who wouldn’t want to get in shape while on vacation?!
My question is though: Would you recommend buying these shoes and using them to talk around theme parks for numerous hours a day- or would that be too much?
Thanks! 🙂
I think that these shoes would be perfect for that! I went to Chicago recently, and wore them all day long, and it was great. They’re so comfy.
Thanks Bella! I think I’ll go and get myself a pair before we head off on our vacation this year!
🙂 Cheers!
I love these shoes, at first i wore them in short sprts to get used to them they will “hurt” at first on your muscles that your not use to using after that I starting wearing them all the time
I just bought these shoes the other day, and they are definitely worth the money. Not only does it feel like your getting a better work out, they are super comfy! I’m going to continue wearing these everywhere I go. I have a question though if anyone would like to answer for me. It says you can power walk and stuff, but can I run in them?
I don’t see why not. I haven’t tried myself, as I’m not a runner. Why not try and see what happens?
I stand on concrete for 12+ hours a day and these shoes make it possible for me to walk out the door after my shift.Many people at work are also wearing them they make a difference…
I just purchased a pair and was wondering if I can wear them doing fit for life classes at the gym and also zumba classes.
I think you should try it out and see. They might be good for those classes, or they might make it too much of a workout.
The sales clerk told me when I purchased my ShapeUps that because of the unique design that walking 1 mile equals 3 miles. I thought that was most likely a little truth stretching to make the sale, but wondered if anyone else had heard the same thing?
Kayla- When I got my Shape-Ups, I asked the sales associate how good these are for running. He laughed and said “These are definitely NOT for running”.
To me, it feels as though they do not fit in a way that is conducive to running… I just wear my regular workout shoes for that, and I wear my Shape-Ups all day when I am out and about doing chores.
Bella – I’ve had my Shape Ups since Christmas – and I just love them. I’ve worn them almost every day, and I already see a huge change in my legs – and that’s just from regular walking. I also think my legs, hips and back all feel better. I’ve been writing a weekly review of them on my blog.
I am considering purchasing Shape-Ups. Can I wear orthotics in them?
I’m really not sure about orthotics with them. I’d check out the FAQ section on the shoe’s webpage or send an email to customer service, if you can. The only reason I think you might have trouble is that when you put them on, it feels as if you’re walking in sand. I’m not sure how that would work with orthotics.
Liz,
I have Plantar Facia problems and normally wear Orthotics. However I found it to be more comfortable to not use them in the Shape-Ups. (If I did not wear them in my regular shores I would have a hard time walking) These shoes are great!
I wrote in earlier about my Shape-Ups. I had open heart surgery 7/23/09, and i HAVE to walk every day.
I am happy to say that, in part because of my Shape-Ups, that I am now up to 7 miles! My goal is 10 miles.
I do the 7 miles in about an hour and a half. I live on Maui, so I have a gorgeous view wherever I walk to!
My legs are so toned now, and I cannot say how much I love love love my Shape-Ups! They are by far the best shoes ever for people like me who have medical issues, back issues, and need a really well designed shoe to walk all day long in!
I did have a spill and I twisted my ankle. I am down for a few weeks until it heals, but I cannot wait to get back to my walking regime again!
Lolly