Shape Up's

JulieSmiles2
JulieSmiles2 Posts: 6
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
MFP's do you think shape up sneakers work?

Replies

  • sbb4406
    sbb4406 Posts: 65
    I've worn them for about a year and a half. They're very comfortable, and I could definitely feel their effects if I walked for awhile (2+ hours)... but I've found that, for me at least, they lead to lower back pain. They're the most comfortable shoes that I've ever worn, but if you're thinking about buying them for the shaping up part I'd say your money would be better spent on something else.
  • Annakersey7212
    Annakersey7212 Posts: 23 Member
    studies have shown they don't do anything. don't waste you money on those super expensive ugly shoes! buy awesome cute and fun workout shoes instead!
  • sugarbone
    sugarbone Posts: 454 Member
    Apparently they do nothing, except maybe mess up your posture. Complete scam, lol, just buy some running shoes and go for a jog.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    No.
    Reebok just settled a $25 million dollar lawsuit over their toning shoes and false claims.

    "A 2009 CNN article quotes several sports medicine physicians, all saying there’s no replacement for hitting the gym. They also say that increased muscle activity is not the same as exercise. One observed that people with a limp have increased muscle activity.

    Time magazine quoted a Johns Hopkins doctor as saying people should have “one less bagel a day” and walk one more block instead of wasting $100 on a pair of weirdly-shaped sneakers.

    According to Consumer Reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded 36 injuries from wearing toning shoes as of May 2011. No independent evidence has confirmed any benefits of wearing toning shoes. Skechers was sued in 2010 for false claims regarding “Shape-ups.”"
    http://www.newsytype.com/12043-reebok-toning-shoes-lawsuit/
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    The NY Times had an article about this a while back. Bottom line: marketing scheme.

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/can-shoes-really-tone-the-body/
  • dsjohndrow
    dsjohndrow Posts: 1,820 Member
    I have two pairs, and they are amazing! However; they were recommended by my podiatrist for a foot injury, and my specific "hip/knee/foot geometry". The question is this, will you lose more weight? Who knows. What I do know is that cardio (heart rate above 120) and eating healthy is the best way to lose weight.
  • firefly171717
    firefly171717 Posts: 226 Member
    Yeah stay away from them and do fitness old school, buy shoes that support your balance and your feet and work out that way, if you don't like to run there is several other cardio activities you can do. Also, don't forget to also do strengh training!!!
  • LuciaLongIsland
    LuciaLongIsland Posts: 815 Member
    I bought the Mary Jane ones since I do not like the look of sneakers. Do they work??? Since I rarely wear them, who knows. They are comfortable. Do I wear them, NO? Well, to the gym. However I just got a pair of New Balance. I wish I was into exercising like I am into shopping!!! I would be underweight.
  • LuciaLongIsland
    LuciaLongIsland Posts: 815 Member
    The NY Times had an article about this a while back. Bottom line: marketing scheme.

    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/07/13/can-shoes-really-tone-the-body/

    TY for the article, very informative.
  • 1Highlander
    1Highlander Posts: 30
    Personally I like them. I've dealt with bad foot and knee pain for years and since I started using Shape ups for the last 6 months or so I've hand MUCH less trouble. I use mine every day as my day to day work shoes and also for casual walking (up to 5 miles). I find it interesting that those who have tried them like them (even if not for 'shaping up' reasons) while those who have not even tried them don't like them. Now I realize that not everything has to be first hand experience but I still find it odd.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    Personally I like them. I've dealt with bad foot and knee pain for years and since I started using Shape ups for the last 6 months or so I've hand MUCH less trouble. I use mine every day as my day to day work shoes and also for casual walking (up to 5 miles). I find it interesting that those who have tried them like them (even if not for 'shaping up' reasons) while those who have not even tried them don't like them. Now I realize that not everything has to be first hand experience but I still find it odd.

    It's not odd at all. The topic is not "are these shoes comfortable to wear". It's "do they work", i.e. do they result in increased caloric burn and increased "toning" and shaping lower-body muscles while wearing them doing normal everyday activities.

    Anyone can put on a pair of shoes and decide whether or not they are comfortable. That is a subjective analysis. It is also not the point of the discussion thread. In addition, a single individual is ill-equipped to determine whether the shoes achieved the physical benefits claimed.

    When those who "have not even tried them don't like them" , it's because they have read the numerous studies and articles that have now provided indisputable proof that the "calorie burning and toning" benefits claimed for these shoes were completely false. (Actually, this is one of those cases where the studies weren't even needed--anyone with a minimal knowledge of physiology knew these shoe could not "work" as advertised).
  • ttulio
    ttulio Posts: 23 Member
    I have a pair that I picked up from a clearance rack to try. I only wear them on the treadmill for an hour or two a day. I think that being on the treadmill is what works, and not the shoes. However, they are pretty comfortable and I've spent more time on working out because of that. So in that sense, they work. One thing that I have noticed is that they don't have a lot of lateral support, so I won't wear them outside on uneven ground. If you want to spend the extra money, I would suggest going somewhere that you can be professionally fit for a good pair of shoes that are made for your style of exercise.
  • JulieSmiles2
    JulieSmiles2 Posts: 6
    thanks for all the great input everyone :)
  • meanface1
    meanface1 Posts: 9 Member
    I have a pair of the tone ups and I absolutely love them. They are the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever had. Who knows if they help burn calories or not... I wear them just for the comfort factor. In my opinion they are also much cuter than the shape ups.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,990 Member
    MFP's do you think shape up sneakers work?
    Debatable. You might stress your quads a little more, but then you also change your gait when you walk with them. Could this put more pressure on your hips or knees? Totally depends on how your physique is built. Like running, a single type shoe isn't for everyone. IMO, I think they are pretty useless.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • redraidergirl2009
    redraidergirl2009 Posts: 2,560 Member
    MFP's do you think shape up sneakers work?

    Do NOT get them. I got collasped arches and planter facitiis from them!
    It took me nearly 4 months to finally stop having pain in my heels and my arches are still collasped.
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