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Home » IDEA Answers » What are your thoughts on shape up shoes?
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Question asked by Shawn Strickland 327 days ago

What are your thoughts on shape up shoes?

FitnessFootwear

Your thoughts on shape up shoes/tone up shoes?

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Answers (15)

Answered by Stephen Landrum 319 days ago
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584 Questions Answered, 5 Questions Asked
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I did my own research on them and... they DO work! My calves, butt and hammies were on fire within 15 minutes and felt sore about 2 days after a group session I conducted at a Dillard's to promote the shoe. I got paid to promote them but I was skeptical before I felt what they could do. I don't think the are an athletic shoe at all but rather, a peice of athletic training equipment. When used properly, they can strengthen your ankles and give your legs more endurance. But use them for what they are good at, NOT everything!
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Answered by Lip Qin Ong 316 days ago
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There are no relevant research proven so far that the shape-up shoes affecting calories burned or effect on training but indirectly it helps you to perform better during your training. If you say you get "tone-up" faster after you wear the "shape-up" shoes, I would say it just a placebo effect. From my personal experience, works on ergonomics and prevent injuries, i say yes =D


Sharing Is Caring!
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Answered by Karin Singleton 326 days ago
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I have a pair, and I like them a lot for myself. Not sure how much they are contributing to my personal shaping up but I enjoy the relative instability they provide which causes may ankles and hips to work a little harder. As I love to walk in the woods, I do not use them there because the ground already provides enough challenges. The same logic applies when I walk my large dog who, while otherwise well-behaved - can resist anything but temptation when it comes to squirrels.

Having said all, that, I am very cautious in recommending those shoes to others. I usually present the case as I did here, and let them come to their own conclusions.

I am also very fortunate to have a good working relationship with a local shoe store; the owner is really good at assessing feet and gait, and I usually refer people to him with questions about shoes.
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Answered by Michele Blake 326 days ago
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As fitness professionals, we should never recommend a type of shoe. Always refer them to a specialist who can assess their gait, foot structure.

Some of my older adult client bought them and it throw office their balance.

If we want to burn some calories, can't we just walk, run, dance, cycle, etc?

If we to shape out glutes, can't we just perform some squats, lunges, etc?

If a shoe was so magical, then clients wouldn't need us to train them.
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Answered by Joanne Duncan-Carnesciali 326 days ago
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I have a pair (a rather expensive pair).

I like them but I must say that they are not made for lateral movement. I learned the hard way. Injured by knee.
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Answered by Erica Horton 326 days ago
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Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much valid research out there on whether or not they work. However, I know for certain that they increase a person's chance of injury...so I personally think that it is better to where a good pair of "normal" shoes.
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Answered by Marie Perry 326 days ago
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I work in a hospital and have seen quite a few injuries arise from co-workers wearing these shoes thinking it would be a great place sunce they are on their feet all day. Not to mention, I have actually seen 1 recall & several ads from lawyers advertising if you are injured while wearing...so my jury is still out...I personally have a bad hip & my ortho told me to stay away from Dansko clogs and they have the same kind of "rolling" sole so I don't think I will try them any time soon!
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Answered by John Hoadley 325 days ago
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www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/toningshoes072010.pdf Hey everyone this is a link of a review ACE Fitness did that I found a while back check it out
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Answered by Alexandra Williams 325 days ago
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I have 2 articles that touch on this topics; one of them is here at IDEA:http://www.ideafit.com/fitness-library/your-feet

http://funandfit.org/2011/03/off-your-rocker-shoe-review-for-you/
I hope this info is helpful.
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Answered by Anonymous 324 days ago
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Hi Shawn,

I was told by a friend that they were "fun". So I decided to try (buy) a pair....and as a fitness professional I could now give actual feedback with my own experience. I also have read all that I could about them, and recently read a new article (study) that stated many injuries are now occurring.

In a nutshell, they are quite RISKY for much of the general public; especially our older clientele. There was a new study done and I apologize as I don't remember but I do know it was reputable.

Honestly, I have felt my toes - MY TOES - in pain after wearing them for more than a couple of hours. My toes have never hurt in my life! And I have felt residual effects to my ankles (though they have had injury throughout life). These shoes basically don't work for MY feet for longer than a couple of hours! How bizarre....that says something right there. These are not heels - which we know why women take off - but to have to take off "tennies"! Wowie. And there is no way I would consider doing cardio in them (only weight workouts).

The instability is NOT going to "change one's body". It might strengthen muscles that are not use to being used; but that is about it. And that can cause further misalignment if the average joe doesn't train, understand their body and just wears the shoe with no workout.

You are not going to lose weight or "shape up" your body! That is such a gimmick and a JOKE to advertise as such. Look at the celebrities that are promoting...they are already in amazing shape and that is because they train; and it is to their benefit of their profession to be in/stay in good shape! The one ad by Sketchers saying "bah bye trainer"...HELLLO?!

So bottom line is there is much risk (not to mention the arch of the foot is usually troublesome for many in purchasing regular proper fitting shoes). And there are much better ways to train for balance, stability, proprioception, posture and neuromuscular gains.

I actually would NOT recommend these to anyone, but would support their own trial of them once I have educated them on the reality and pro's and con's.

Walk on, Joy
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Answered by Shawn Fears 324 days ago
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ACE did a study on them....they don't work. I think they are comfortable though.
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Answered by Danielle Vindez 323 days ago
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Gimmick
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Answered by Whitney Tillson 229 days ago
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I do not think shape-up shoes are any more effective than any other fitness shoe. However, if owning a pair are going to motivate someone to exercise who otherwise was not, then great!
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Answered by Alyse McKee 219 days ago
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My podiatrist recommended a hard soled shoe, as I have minor Plantar Fasciitis, and I have read a lot about how Shape-ups and the like are good for it. This is because it supports the arch of the foot by not allowing a lot of flexion or extension of the plantar.

Other than that- for the general population- it's gimmicky. I wouldn't buy them for myself or suggest any client do so. There are more effective ways to tone your calves and legs than walking in those shoes. lol.
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Answered by Anonymous 203 days ago
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I am a Chi Runner and practice Tai Chi Chuan. I have read about them, the theory seems to be the make you work harder by making you unstalbe. We seem to seeing injuries related to them, and I spend to much time trying to learn to balance and be well grounded look for somethng that costs a lot to make me unstalble
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