So I 'm having my boy in February (hopefully) and I'm already thinking about my future work out routine. Now that all the stores are having all this big sales I wanted to get a pair of those shape up shoes that are supposed to help you re-shape your body while you walk. Have you use them? What is the best brand to buy? I've seen so many online that I am confused, I've seen Rebook has some, then there's some huge ones made by Skechers, Fila has some. There are tons of those shoes.
Anyways, if you can recommend me one that has actually work for you, or if you think these don't work at all please let me know. I don't want to spend $100 on something that doesn't even work.
So I decided that I'll give this shoes a try, why not. I'll start going to the gym after my baby is born (when the doc. gives me her OK) and I'll see if they work. I was thinking about using them for my day to day activities, like going to the supermarket, or to the park with my daughter, not to really work out because they are supposed to be only for walking. I am torn between trying the ones that are sold at Wallmart (thanks for the tip) and the Reebok ones, I'll have to see how they look on me.
Thanks a lot for the advice! I might also try those new pants for working out, if this things really work I might loose the baby weight a little faster (keep my fingers crossed!)
I don't know if they work, but they look kinda silly. Except for maybe the reebok ones? They better make my booty look 10x better if they make me look like a spice girl. : )
It's a scam BUT...if you wear a shoe that will actually motivate you to move and exercise more THEN you'll "shape up". It has nothing to do with the shoes, but more to do with the fact that you're exercising more. Don't go overboard spending money on them and instead maybe spend half the amount to get a good pair of athletic shoes instead.
There was one of those deal or dud things on the news somewhat recently. It was all about these type of shoes and how they don't work. What they found, was the exercise is what shapes you up, not the shoes!
Some of my friends have them and love them. But they say the shoes aren't magic - they will only work if YOU do! :^)
I like my Reebok Run Tones because they are more multipurpose and don't look like shaping shoes. You should also check out www.strollerstrides.com....great workout, no matter what shoes you have ;)
I have a pair, they are totally comfortable but I really dont walk enough to know if they actually work. My mail girl wears them and does tons of walking and she is in great shape and told me she absolutly loves them. I think it's more "the walking" than the shoe tho, seriously. The platform of the shoe is very comfortable tho, your heel isnt higher than the ball of your foot which gives a more "natural" landing to your feet when you walk.
I bought the cheap version from Payless Shoes... I think they were only 30 bucks.
I would not recommend them. As a fitness instructor and personal trainer, I would suggest investing in good cross training shoes and exercising!
I have talked to Physical Therapists that I know that are now helping people rehab their broken ankles from falling off their shape up shoes.
Get in a good exercise program that raises your heart rate for at least 20 min. (within your OB's guidelines, of course) and that uses all muscles: quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes, core AND upper body!
The ones from Sketchers are really comfy...I just got them last week and like them so far....I wear them instead of my other walking shoes....I don't think you're suppose to work out while wearing them but just wear to walk around in them.
I'm glad you asked this question because I wondered about these shoes too. I'm with Grandma T on the Payless idea . . . wouldn't pay $100 for them.
I have a pair of sketchers and a pair from Wamart. They both work equally well. Thet DO tone your legs and backside. My advice, get a pair from Walmart ($20) see if you like them, if you do, THEN get a pair from scetchers, reebok etc.
I've had a pair of the weight watchers version of shape ups for months.....they are really comfortable and I wear them all the time. If I'm just going about my normal business I don't think they do anything to help firm. However the last three days I've worn them to do brisk 3 mile walks, with some hills, and I can really feel it in my calves and butt - more so than when I do the same walk in my running shoes.
I recently listened to a fitness podcast covering an independent study of several types and brands of the new "toning" shoes. Apparently, they could not detect any difference in the engagement of muscles or calories burned.
I did buy a pair of FitFlops a few years ago...did not notice any difference (but, I am actually a very active and fit person already).
Personally, I would recommend not spending the money on those in particular and just getting a good pair of sneakers for the type of cardio you are planning on performing. I jog and do strength training and cross trainers work best for me. Hope that helps!
I have a pair of the Sketcher Shape-Ups. Do they work? 'eh, I wouldn't rely on them 100%. However, they are THE most comfortable pair of tennis shoes I've ever owned. And when I first got them, I could feel it working somewhat of the muscles in the back of my thighs and lower butt. But, are they magic shoes? no.
I have the Reebok ones, my mom bought them and they hurt her feet so she gave them to me.
I don't believe that they work at all and they are a little tougher to walk in than regular shoes (especially at 7 months pregnant) :)
I am a pre and post natal fitness instructor (Stroller Strides) and I usually won't wear the shape ups while working out or running. They tend to throw me off balance. I will use them for day to day walking around or things like Disney World with the family where I usually wear sneakers. I figure just in case they work it's worth wearing them. I will say my tush has stayed much tighter this pregnancy than the last, but I also do about 100 squats and/or lunges a day and I chase around an almost 2 year old. :)
If you can find a good pair or running shoes for cheaper or if you plan on running or doing resistance training, etc outside I would go with another pair. If you find a great deal on them I do think they are comfortable and the Reebok ones don't look much different than regular shoes. I would personally never wear the sketchers ones becuase I don't like the look of them.
I know that wasn't really a decisive answer, but I do think you would be better off with a regular pair of sneakers and putting in the extra work. :)
I wore the original MBT's that all the others are based on and they made a difference to the back of my leg (calves, thighs and a little of the butt)
My 19 year old daughter has the reebok shoes - she loves them! She wears them to work out and says they are comfy. I got her the new reebok workout pants for Christmas, the ones with the bands, and she says between the two she feels like she's getting an extra boost when she goes to the gym.
I have the Skecher shoes and have had them since about September. I wear them pretty much every day. I got the black ones with the white trim and them go well with jeans, shorts, whatever. They are very comfortable and that's why I like them. Do they tone you or make you lose weight? I'm not sure I'd say they do. However, I will say this - I have had lower back problems for about 3 years and have gone through 2 different types of physical therapy that didn't do much good at all - ever since I've been wearing these shoes my back doesn't hurt at all! No joke! I guess it has something to do with the posture it forces you into or something - I don't know. Incidently, I don't exercise at all and I do see that my legs are a slight bit more toned. I have also lost 30 pounds since I around the same time I started wearing the shoes, but I don't think its because of the shoes - I had Mono and also was on some medication that made me lose some weight :) Overall though I love the shoes, but don't expect miracles. Also FYI - I paid $100 for them at the mall and my mother in law got them at Costco for $59!
My sis in law got the danskins from Walmart for $24.00 and LOVES them. I personally could not wear any of them. Every time I tried on a pair I almost turned my ankle. I am a runner so that left them out for me. Try them on and walk around the store awhile before you buy!
I have the sketcher one's and I love them. I have had them for about a year now and I say they work. I don't have a regular exercise routine (I know boo on me) and I noticed the difference right away. They definitely tighten the butt and legs. They do take about 2 weeks to get used to, my feet ached for the first two weeks each evening after taking them off, but after that they were wonderful. They are my shoe of choice because they are so comfortable and I can always use a loss of my butt. lol I have used them while walking on the treadmill and they actually comfort my weak ankle.
