Skechers Women's Shape Ups Review

Quick View: I have all the exercise shoes made, I think. I love buying new shoes and I love to get benefits from them. I have FitFlops, MBT's, Power Diet Sports Sneakers, Shape Up Shoes (Flip Flop style killer shoes), Tony Little's Cheeks Exercise Sandals, and more. All of them have benefits.

But when I bought my Skechers Shape Ups (Strength), I knew I had found THE exercise shoes for me. These shoes are a little FitFlop, a lot MBT, and a little extra that make them comfortable, effective, bouncy, and not so ugly that I can't wear them in public with ease. Skechers Shape Ups are what I have been looking for since the original Dr. Scholl's Wood Exercise sandal came out. (I have them too still!)

My Take on Skechers Shape Ups - "Strength"

First, the name "Strength" only refers to the color and style combo. Each style and color has a name but all of Skechers' Shape Ups have the exact same sole and benefits. All that changes is the name and the color or style so don't be confused by the names. They only are there for differentiating the style or color.

Having said that, I own the black with white pair which are called Strength. I am reviewing them because I own them but you can rest assured that this review goes for all the styles. I called Skechers to be sure that they were all made the same and they are.

These lace up athletic shoes feature nubuck leather uppers with fabric side panels. They are traditional lace up style and look just like any running shoe - until you look at the sole. The soles of these shoes are layered with rubber then a soft bouncy foam, then a very tough outer sole. The shoes are built with a "rocker system" meaning they are higher in the middle than at the two ends. Think of a rocking chair and how the legs are built. That is how these shoes are. However, unlike the MBT's which are very high and have hard soles, Skechers Shape Ups have a wonderfully soft, bouncy layer that literally puts a spring into every step. They also have a lower profile so I don't feel unstable walking in them. In fact, I feel more stable in my Shape Ups than in regular shoes and certainly more stable than in heels.

The shoes come with a DVD that has instructions for wear and two workouts. One is 15 minutes long, the other is 30. They focus on using the shoes as exercise aids and are actually very effective and fun to do.

Skechers Women's Shape Ups - "Strength" can be worn for walking and casual use as well as for working out. I wear hem when I do dance workouts and even stair climbing exercises. I don't feel like I am falling or unstable. The beauty of these shoes is that they are both a casual shoes and an exercise one. Most shoes like this caution you not to use them for exercise, just for walking. While you shouldn't run in these, you can workout in them.

The shoes do run a bit small. I bought my usual size 8 and they fit but, at the end of the day, my toes felt sore. I read up and saw many people suggested sizing up one half size. I sent the 8's back and got 8.5's. They feel a little loose but, with socks, they're fine. I can even put an insole in and not crowd my feet. I probably could have broken in the smaller size but I hate when my toes touch the end of shoes and, when walking on rocker shoes, toes always go forward as it is.

I have been walking with my Skechers Women's Shape Ups on for about a month. My dog and I will go out and just stroll along until one of us poops out. I notice that I literally bounce when I walk. It's so cool that they have that foam layer that absorbs shocks and makes walking fun. I wear them to the store or for casual chores and I wear them when I work out. I have had no stability issues and I tend to have balance problems. These shoes do not cause any balance issues.

The idea behind these shoes is to make your legs work harder by simulating that you are walking uphill (similar in theory to Earth shoes). I find that my legs do work harder but it isn't harder to walk. I don't really notice the extra workout I am getting but, the next day, I do feel my muscles a bit. I'm not sore anymore but I can tell I did some work!

Do I think these shoes will allow me to not have to exercise anymore? Oh heck no! But I do believe these shoes work my legs, butt, and core, work on my stability, and challenge me all while I walk or workout. I wouldn't suggest these to runners or those who want them specifically for very active sports but they're fine for dance workouts, light weightlifting, toning exercises, and, of course, walk workouts. They're also great for casual walking and for power walking.

For about $100.00, you get a good casual shoe, a great walking shoe, and a good light workout shoe that is actually comfortable and not bad looking. The workmanship and quality are superb.

My Viewpoint

I always used to think Skechers stole other companies' ideas - which they do. They make a version of Crocs and have versions of other popular shoes. The Skechers Women's Shape Ups - "Strength" (and all varieties) are a version of the MBT. The difference is these shoes cost much less at $100.00 and are more comfortable and soft. They're every bit as effective as the MBT or even more so but I can wear these out in public without looking like I have some crazy newfangled high heeled sneakers on. The sole IS raised 1.5 inches at its highest point but they honestly look just fine with jeans or other casual clothing.

I love my Skechers Shape Ups. I am so glad I took a chance and bought them. They are exactly what I was looking for. I will still wear my other exercise shoes since I have them and they are of different types but, if I HAD to pick just one exercise boosting shoe, it would be Skechers Women's Shape Ups. 5 stars. Great for all ages, shapes, and fitness levels!