Shape Ups?

Has anyone seen these?

http://www.skechers.com/

Has anyone tried them?

Any one have any good results with them?

Or are they just a waste of money?

Yes, seen the MBT trainers. Haven't tried them. WASTE of money.

These look exactly like the MBTs. Same scam, IMO. They were designed after someone studied the Masai tribe and noted their very strong feet and legs. Which was a result of having a barefoot lifestyle. MBT decided to design big azz shoe to mimic the results. Um, try going barefoot instead to get the results? I'm not even trying to advocate barefoot running in this post, but seriously?

If someone says it works, kudos to them.

Here's more info on their clinical trial (of 10 participants... pfft...): http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/t-Skechers-Sha pe-Ups-Clinical-Case-Study.aspx

Another web site made these claims: With the interest in health and fitness on the rise, Shape Ups are essential for summer, especially for women who will want to tone up their legs, reduce cellulite and quickly achieve that perfect bikini figure for when the skies clear and the temperatures rise.

Shoes alone will not do this. Like, as if walking is going to quickly get you a perfect bikini body! I read an article about these **** fitness shoes before and basically, they're a waste of money.

i saw a lady trying them on when i was buying some new runners. i asked her how they felt blah blah blah... she walked around in them awhile and seemed to seriously consider them but i think they were like $100. AND they are ugly. she didnt buy them. i wouldnt buy them either.

isnt that basically like recycled earth shoes? those were big in the 70s carmen, waaaaayyy before your time but i think they are making a comeback.

i didnt even spend that much on my new mizunos (and they are hella pretty!) although i came pretty close. i no longer run,but i still buy new running shoes every year to do my step and kickboxing and boxing workouts.

Well, I STRONGLY DISAGREE.  But I would buy the original: MBTs...instead of the knock-off by Skechers.  Yes, they are expensive, but TOTALLY WORTH IT.  I bought mine almost three years ago and wear them EVERYWHERE.  (Except, of course, if the occasion calls for pumps.)

HOWEVER...I don't think they reduce cellulite OR "quickly tone up your legs".  I do Pilates every day for that.  Their primary benefit is in providing a natural alignment of the body...forcing you to walk properly (heel-first), which DOES strengthen your core musculature.  And the proper alignment takes the pressure off the lower back, which is VERY important for those of us who have Degenerative Disc Disease!  I used to come back from Costco absolutely exhausted from walking on the concrete floors.  Now I can go to two or three other stores on the way there, and NOT be exhausted when I get home!  For me, MBTs are a MIRACLE.  And I have two other friends who strongly agree with me!

To those naysayers above, I say, "Don't knock 'em until you've TRIED 'EM!"

They look like they will make you look taller therefore looking smaller.  Was Paris Hilton wearing these, she was on theskinnywebsite.com the other day in what looked like these things.

I'd be scared they might through off my leg balance (or something weird) and I'd injure myself and not be able to run.

Original Post by sfredbull:

They look like they will make you look taller therefore looking smaller.  Was Paris Hilton wearing these, she was on theskinnywebsite.com the other day in what looked like these things.

I'd be scared they might through off my leg balance (or something weird) and I'd injure myself and not be able to run.

 Actually, they make it easier to walk and run...once you get used to them.  I was advised to walk around the yard and house a bit before I ventured out; and that's what I did.  And I didn't have a problem AT ALL.  Once you get used to walking heel-first (the proper walking stance), your gait just flows.

 As for Paris Hilton...I checked her out on that website and, judging from the side view of her posture, it looks like that's exactly what's she's wearing.  And, although you can't see the entire shoe, the hash-marks along the front of the sole are identical to the ones on my MBTs.

Original Post by alphawordsmith:

Original Post by sfredbull:

They look like they will make you look taller therefore looking smaller.  Was Paris Hilton wearing these, she was on theskinnywebsite.com the other day in what looked like these things.

I'd be scared they might through off my leg balance (or something weird) and I'd injure myself and not be able to run.

 Actually, they make it easier to walk and run...once you get used to them.  I was advised to walk around the yard and house a bit before I ventured out; and that's what I did.  And I didn't have a problem AT ALL.  Once you get used to walking heel-first (the proper walking stance), your gait just flows.

Proper? Since the invention of the shoe maybe. Walking heel-first isn't as bad as running heel first, but still not natural. If you have to "get used to them", how does that make it easier?

To put it bluntly, they're a waist of money!!!

Alphawordsmith

It helped you because you had a specific need for them.  Otherwise they will not help someone to "tone up" or "promote weight loss".

There are plenty of "free" exercises and mobility drills you can do to correct posture without the need to purchase these shoes.

Original Post by littlesimongeorge:

To put it bluntly, they're a waist of money!!!

Alphawordsmith

It helped you because you had a specific need for them.  Otherwise they will not help someone to "tone up" or "promote weight loss".

There are plenty of "free" exercises and mobility drills you can do to correct posture without the need to purchase these shoes.

 LOL...I never said that they help you "tone up" or lose weight.  I said that they promote good posture...which is something that is of utmost importance to EVERYONE.  If you don't have good posture, you'll end up one of those hunched-over little old ladies or men!  Plus, they're comfortable...and easy on the back (also important to just about everybody).  Which is why nurses and dental hygienists and people who are on their feet all day, every day, wear them.  No, they are definitely NOT a waste of money.  (Note the correct spelling of waste there...)

Original Post by alphawordsmith:

Original Post by littlesimongeorge:

To put it bluntly, they're a waist of money!!!

Alphawordsmith

It helped you because you had a specific need for them.  Otherwise they will not help someone to "tone up" or "promote weight loss".

There are plenty of "free" exercises and mobility drills you can do to correct posture without the need to purchase these shoes.

 LOL...I never said that they help you "tone up" or lose weight.  I said that they promote good posture...which is something that is of utmost importance to EVERYONE.  If you don't have good posture, you'll end up one of those hunched-over little old ladies or men!  Plus, they're comfortable...and easy on the back (also important to just about everybody).  Which is why nurses and dental hygienists and people who are on their feet all day, every day, wear them.  No, they are definitely NOT a waste of money.  (Note the correct spelling of waste there...)

It's all good.

I quoted what the shoe company said, not you!

My posture is fine from strengthening my core and back.

I know plenty of people who are on their feet all day and have good posture and no back problems, without wearing those shoes.  My girlfriends a nurse, she doesn't wear those shoes, and doesn't feel she needs to either.

They worked for you, good I'm glad for you, but posture can be corrected without buying the ugliest $100+ shoes I've ever seen. lol

Waist, oops I meant waste of money! lol

Any shoe with a raised heel promotes bad posture. However, like littlesimongeroge said, strengthening your core will help prevent bad posture anyway (core being EVERYTHING below the armpits and above the knees).

Raised heels, instantly throw your body out of alignment. You are better of with minimalist shoes, that are level throughout the shoe. The more cushioning the shoe has with "stability and arch support", the weaker your feet become too.

Your foot is perfectly designed as a load bearing device. It has an arch, which is designed to hold weight, not have "support" pushed up into it, therefore weakening it. Simple bio-mechanics and physics.

Thanks Alpha...  I thought Paris had them on ;)

Glad they are working for you!!!

Original Post by littlesimongeorge:

Original Post by alphawordsmith:

Original Post by littlesimongeorge:

To put it bluntly, they're a waist of money!!!

Alphawordsmith

It helped you because you had a specific need for them.  Otherwise they will not help someone to "tone up" or "promote weight loss".

There are plenty of "free" exercises and mobility drills you can do to correct posture without the need to purchase these shoes.

 LOL...I never said that they help you "tone up" or lose weight.  I said that they promote good posture...which is something that is of utmost importance to EVERYONE.  If you don't have good posture, you'll end up one of those hunched-over little old ladies or men!  Plus, they're comfortable...and easy on the back (also important to just about everybody).  Which is why nurses and dental hygienists and people who are on their feet all day, every day, wear them.  No, they are definitely NOT a waste of money.  (Note the correct spelling of waste there...)

It's all good.

I quoted what the shoe company said, not you!

My posture is fine from strengthening my core and back.

I know plenty of people who are on their feet all day and have good posture and no back problems, without wearing those shoes.  My girlfriends a nurse, she doesn't wear those shoes, and doesn't feel she needs to either.

They worked for you, good I'm glad for you, but posture can be corrected without buying the ugliest $100+ shoes I've ever seen. lol

Waist, oops I meant waste of money! lol

 

 LOL...Good to see that you have a sense of humor about it!  You're RIGHT...they're NOT sexy.  That's why I wear peep-toe pumps when I go out on a date.  But for shopping and errands, they totally ROCK!

 And as for your g/f who doesn't feel a need for MBTs...she MAY change her mind someday.  I know my dental hygienist is jealous because I got a pair!

Original Post by sfredbull:

Thanks Alpha...  I thought Paris had them on ;)

Glad they are working for you!!!

 YUP!  Just goes to show ya'...even "fashionistas" wear 'em!

Original Post by bmx419:

Any shoe with a raised heel promotes bad posture. However, like littlesimongeroge said, strengthening your core will help prevent bad posture anyway (core being EVERYTHING below the armpits and above the knees).

Raised heels, instantly throw your body out of alignment. You are better of with minimalist shoes, that are level throughout the shoe. The more cushioning the shoe has with "stability and arch support", the weaker your feet become too.

Your foot is perfectly designed as a load bearing device. It has an arch, which is designed to hold weight, not have "support" pushed up into it, therefore weakening it. Simple bio-mechanics and physics.

 Ummmmm...bmx, what gives you the impression that the heel is RAISED?  It's NOT.  Although the sole is thick, the footbed is level.  Also, any "arch support" is minimal...since I have flat feet and traditional arch supports HURT MY FEET.  I think you need to read up on this product before making assumptions.  For those who don't know, MBTs are the result of seven years of research and design by a Swiss Physicist and several Biomechanical Engineers.  Go to mbt.com for more information... 

Original Post by alphawordsmith:

Original Post by bmx419:

Any shoe with a raised heel promotes bad posture. However, like littlesimongeroge said, strengthening your core will help prevent bad posture anyway (core being EVERYTHING below the armpits and above the knees).

Raised heels, instantly throw your body out of alignment. You are better of with minimalist shoes, that are level throughout the shoe. The more cushioning the shoe has with "stability and arch support", the weaker your feet become too.

Your foot is perfectly designed as a load bearing device. It has an arch, which is designed to hold weight, not have "support" pushed up into it, therefore weakening it. Simple bio-mechanics and physics.

 Ummmmm...bmx, what gives you the impression that the heel is RAISED?  It's NOT.  Although the sole is thick, the footbed is level.  Also, any "arch support" is minimal...since I have flat feet and traditional arch supports HURT MY FEET.  I think you need to read up on this product before making assumptions.  For those who don't know, MBTs are the result of seven years of research and design by a Swiss Physicist and several Biomechanical Engineers.  Go to mbt.com for more information... 

If you look at my first post in this thread, you will see I mentioned the MBTs. Yes, go to the website to see the stupidity. "We wanted to mimic the feel of barefoot, by designing a big ass shoe." Genius!! I'm surprised they didn't win the Nobel Prize for this product.

It's ok, I'd probably defend a useless product if I had spent that much money on it.  Kind of like my TV.

Original Post by bmx419:

Original Post by alphawordsmith:

Original Post by bmx419:

Any shoe with a raised heel promotes bad posture. However, like littlesimongeroge said, strengthening your core will help prevent bad posture anyway (core being EVERYTHING below the armpits and above the knees).

Raised heels, instantly throw your body out of alignment. You are better of with minimalist shoes, that are level throughout the shoe. The more cushioning the shoe has with "stability and arch support", the weaker your feet become too.

Your foot is perfectly designed as a load bearing device. It has an arch, which is designed to hold weight, not have "support" pushed up into it, therefore weakening it. Simple bio-mechanics and physics.

 Ummmmm...bmx, what gives you the impression that the heel is RAISED?  It's NOT.  Although the sole is thick, the footbed is level.  Also, any "arch support" is minimal...since I have flat feet and traditional arch supports HURT MY FEET.  I think you need to read up on this product before making assumptions.  For those who don't know, MBTs are the result of seven years of research and design by a Swiss Physicist and several Biomechanical Engineers.  Go to mbt.com for more information... 

If you look at my first post in this thread, you will see I mentioned the MBTs. Yes, go to the website to see the stupidity. "We wanted to mimic the feel of barefoot, by designing a big ass shoe." Genius!! I'm surprised they didn't win the Nobel Prize for this product.

It's ok, I'd probably defend a useless product if I had spent that much money on it.  Kind of like my TV.

 As I said before, don't knock 'em until you've walked a mile in THOSE shoes.  I've been wearing them for almost three years now, and they are the BEST shoes, of ANY kind, that I've ever put on my feet.  

 As for TVs...I NEED a new one!  Can you send ME your "useless" TV?

Original Post by weitzman:
Quoted text has previously been moderated.

care to provide any of these studies? 

Original Post by weitzman:

Quoted text has previously been moderated.

I find it curious that you've listed your personal webpage on your profile as this company.

So did I.