I recently purchased a pair of Sketcher Shape Ups; people continually ask me what I think of them so I thought I’d take a stab at a product review. I bought these shoes and this is an independent review.
I bought my Sketcher Active Shape Ups Motivation, the white ones, via Piperlime.com online. I usually purchase running shoes a ½ size larger than my regular size and decided to do the same with the Shape Ups. The one review on Piperlime at the moment claims they are true to size but I am happy with my decision to go up a ½ size. As a side note, I have shopped several times through Piperlime and I’ve always had a good experience.
I had owned shoes like Sketchers Shape Ups before. About 5 years ago I had bought a pair of MBT Sport through blissworld.com to see if the ‘rocker bottom’ would make a difference in my left leg. After my third pregnancy I had experienced significant compression in my left hip area that resulted in back pain, leg pain, vein issues, lymph issues, in general it was a mess. I wore the MBTs for nearly two years and experienced a noticeable difference in the circulation to my left leg and the openness of my hip but the price, over $200.00, put a second pair out of my reach. And then I heard about Sketchers Shape Ups and decided to give them a try.
In general I like ‘rocker bottom’ shoes. I believe they do what they say they do. The design is based on the idea that we were meant to walk barefoot and that traditional flat shoes do not allow us to engage our core. These shoes realign your standing and walking posture. I do feel a difference in my lower back and hips, and as a result I tuck my abs more than normal and relax my shoulders. If you haven’t worn any kind of shoe like this before, it is suggested that you wear them for short periods of time for a few days before trying to wear them all day long. It takes getting used to. Even standing in them is different as the heel is not flat like most shoes.
In my personal opinion, the MBT is a better shoe if you can handle the price tag. However if it is out of your range as it is mine, the Shape Up is a close second. My abs are letting me know after two weeks that I am using them much more often while I walk and stand. My hip has already begun opening back up. The daily throb in my left leg from my vein issues is nearly gone.
Shape Ups come in many styles including Men’s Shoes. They can be found in a variety of retail stores and online stores. JcPenny, Sears, Famous Footwear, Zappos and Amazon.com are just a few.
