Monday, November 1, 2010

Do Skechers' Shape-Ups Really Work (updated)?


Thought I'd add a little to this article as I have done some more probing into the product and it's claims.
For company propaganda from the website check here.

Improves posture (unlikely), improves circulation (exercise of any kind will do this), strengthens the back (how exactly?), firms buttocks and tones thighs and calves(more than regular walking, I think not) are some of the claims.  One that may have some merit is 'reducing knee joint stress'.  A certain group of the population have faulty gait mechanics which cause them to 'slap' their foot on the ground every step they take.  Now the design of this shoe, for those people would help reduce the shock impact of this slapping and as a result might reduce knee and ankle pain. 

Anyway, I'm not saying 'don't wear this shoe' just be cautious in what you expect the shoe to for you.  If you like the shoe and it feels good, go ahead and enjoy them.

Just wanted to throw out my two cents on a growing trend / fad in footwear.  Products like the Sketchers Shape Ups and other MBT (Swiss Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes make some pretty unbelievable claims of toning calves and thighs without increasing your  bodies energy output in any meaningful way.  Hard to believe  there is any truth to it, and I have been unable to find any scientific research to support these claims.  Generally if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  

That being said, some anecdotal evidence seems to indicate that many people find them comfortable and enjoy wearing them for short durations / distances.  So, as long as you don’t plan on doing a lot of side to side movements and aren’t going to be walking long distances in them go ahead and enjoy them.  Just don’t expect to have ‘super model’ legs after a few laps around the block.  There is no replacement for hard work!

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