Shape-ups - review

Sep 24, 2010

I got the Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes today from JCPenny.com.  Just thought I'd leave a note to say what I thought about them as I haven't seem any reviews from someone in the "super morbidly obese" category on this item.

The shoes aren't bad to look at, although they are definitely different from the regular sneakers I'm used to wearing (kindly referred to as the "K-Mart special" where I grew up).  I have never in my life paid this much for a pair of shoes, but the reviews I've seen have been so good, raving about comfort with everyday wear I picked these shoes at my 30-pounds-lost reward item.

So, they came packaged nicely, with shoe inserts to keep their shape (which I thought was a nice touch).  I chose the Original in white/silver.  I got a choice of shoelaces.  They came already laced with white laces, but there was a second pair of white & silver laces in the box.  So I assume if you want a little flash on your sneaks, you can use the sparkly ones.  Right out of the box, my S.O. said they reminded him of Herman Munster shoes, but I actually like them.  They do remind me a bit of some of the orthodic shoes I've seen, just more functional looking.  The package also included two booklets and a DVD.  One booklet was directions and information about the shoes themselves and the other booklet was health tips and some food info.  Interesting stuff, at least.  The DVD is labeled "Shape-ups Workout DVD".  I haven't seen it yet, so I'll have to get back to you on that one.

My first impressions on putting them on?  They ride low.  By that I mean the actual rise of the shoe (sorry, don't know the official terms), like how high they go up the back of your heel.  If you have a high/thick foot, you might want to try these on in a store and not order them on-line.  Width-wise, I ordered the extra wide width and that part was true to form.  JCPenny.com also had a nice section for measuring the length of your foot to get your right size.  The length was spot-on as well.

Comfort?  Well, this is my first night wearing them so I'm just giving you my initial impressions.  They are comfortable.  "Springy" and "Bouncy" were the first words that came to mind.  They do feel a bit strange at first, because of the balance thing.  Strange, but not uncomfortable.  As a bonus, I think they add about 3 inches to my height .

I am wearing them to work, despite the booklet's recommendation of limiting your initial usage.  "Depending on your level of fitness, we recommend limiting your Shape-ups walking routine for the first two weeks to 25-45 minutes per day, and increasing your walking time by 5- to 10- minute increments".  I was unaware of this recommendation when I ordered the shoes (and since the shoes they were replacing had a blow-out, I wouldn't have any shoes to wear).  I do wish this had been on the shoe description, but, I suppose if it had been I wouldn't have ordered the shoes so I guess that was a good marketing decision to leave that bit of information off the general description.  Anyway, I've been wearing them about 3 hours now, and I can feel some areas in my legs "burning" like they are getting a work out.  It isn't uncomfortable and doesn't hurt, but there is definitely something going on in there.

So far, I don't have any complaints. 

I will post again later on after I've worn them for a while.  I will also keep in mind that I will be wearing them as my regular daily shoes and (according to the included booklet) may experience "soreness during the first few weeks of use.  This is natural as you are exercising underused areas, and should subside as your muscles strengthen."

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