Shape Up Shoes Flip Flop Style Review

Shape Up Shoes Flip Flop Style — 

Quick View: Never one to pass on a crazy exercise shoe idea, I was in a chat room where the girls were giggling over how crazy these shoes were. I followed the link and a week later, ended up ordering them. I just HAD to know if they any good. These are the craziest shoes I have ever owned. But ya know what? They work the legs like no other exercise shoe I have had. If you are up for a (big) challenge, these shoes MAY be for you.

About Shape Up Shoes Flip Flop Style

These shoes also come in a clog style and a boot style. My review is on the flip flop style as pictured. The idea behind these shoes is to force your legs ans core to work with each step or even standing still. In that way, they remind me of the much pricier MBT shoe. The manufacturer claims that these are superior to other exercise type shoes (like FitFlops) because they are much more extreme and pose a much bigger challenge to the muscles.

I can't argue there. FitFlops are casual shoes I can wear anywhere and get a little workout in. Shape Up Shoes actually need my complete concentration and I wouldn't wear them as street shoes.

The shoes are pretty simple. They come in 10 colors and all have a soft black terry cloth thong top. It's very comfortable on the top of the foot and between the toes.

The bottom of the shoe is made from soft but firm (Hmmm...that doesn't make sense. How about cushiony?) foam rubber. The highest part of the shoe is at the ball of the foot. That part is 2.5". From there, the heel at it's lowest point is 1"and tapers up to 1.5" as it gets closer to the middle of the foot. The end of the toe tapers back down to 1". So essentially you need to balance on the balls of your feet to stay upright. You can lean back on your heels while standing for a hamstring stretch and to rest the muscles in your legs but the work comes when you're up off the ground and balancing yourself.

Shape Up Shoes are ugly. They also can be dangerous when you're not used to them (and even when you ARE). Because they are so high and have no stability (purposely), you could easily lose your balance and fall. I nearly fell several times the first two days I wore mine and I still do have to catch myself if I forget to concentrate when I get up or walk around quickly.

As you walk, your legs, butt, and core muscles work like crazy. They're challenged in a way I have never felt another shoe challenge my muscles before. Balance is also challenged. I have balance issues and actually bought these because using a wobble board has greatly helped my everyday balance. I thought Shape Up Shoes may do the same and they do. After wearing these for 30 minutes to an hour, regular shoes make me feel super stable and I walk taller. It's a relief to actually use my whole foot to walk again!

Shape Up Shoes should be worn for 30 minutes a day to start. Once you are used to them, you can wear them as long as you want. "Let your body be your guide," says the website. I have only had mine a week and, the first day I got them, I slipped them on and stood up. I promptly almost ate the floor. I realized quickly that these were no ordinary exercise shoe. I took a walk outside and thought I was doing pretty darn well but my son happened to be coming down the street and, when he saw me, he said he was wondering who the drunk crazy lady walking toward him was. Uh...that was me. I don't drink. Crazy, well, that's another story. ;)

After a few days, I got much better at walking in the shoes. I put the pressure of my weight on the balls of my feet and my leg muscles sure do feel it. I only wear these shoes around the house and outside close to the house. I would never wear them as social shoes. For one, they're hideous looking. But more, I still teeter and rock when I walk in them and that's just not what I would like anyone to see when I am out and about.

One note about these shoes. You should size down one whole size. I am a a true to size 8 and got size 7's and they're perfect. If you're a half size, say a 7.5, you should get 1.5 sizes down. You would get a size 6. This is for women's sizing. Because these are unisex, I assume men would order their correct size.

You should not wear these while driving or in wet conditions (Hello, body cast!). These are very much "exercise shoes" as opposed to those shoes that one can wear out and about and gain some muscle working benefit from.

They're weird, ugly, and potentially dangerous, but if you start slow, keep your mind on your stride, and build up the time you wear Shape Up Shoes, I really believe you'll work muscles you didn't even know you had. I will update after a few months to let you know if I see any visible results. I'm only into a week of weebling and wobbling and teetering and tottering so I don't know how truly responsive my muscles will be yet. However, I can say this. These shoes have made walking in high heels easier. I used to hate wearing high heels because I was such a klutz and they were all uncomfortable. I still am a klutz but wearing my high heels now is much simpler and more comfortable. Hey, at least THEY have a heel! My posture is also better because you must stand straight and tall when walking in Shape Up Shoes.

My Viewpoint

Shape Up Shoes Flip Flop Style can be purchased at www.shapeupshoes.com for $39.99 and shipping. Reading the reviews on the site, I thought these shoes would be a breeze to wear after a day or two. No way. One woman says she wears them out to the store shopping. Sure she does. I would love to see her gripping that shopping cart as she wobbles around. At any rate, although these shoes are definitely NOT for everybody and may be a lot of hype, I feel the work in my legs, butt, and core and my balance is better. My regular high heels feel almost like tennis shoes now. I am going with 3 stars. For ME, these are 4 stars shoes. But they do have the potential to be dangerous if one doesn't use caution and pay attention to how they are standing and walking. Try em! They're fairly inexpensive and a huge challenge if nothing else!