The latest get in shape quick fad is fit shoes. They are called many things by many athletic shoe makers. Reebok Easytones, MBts, Skechers Shapeups, FitFlops and Shape Up Shoes. These shoes all supposedly help you create nice looking buns as well as shapely legs simply by wearing a pair of shoes. Skechers’ ads use the slogan, “get in shape without setting foot in a gym.” I think it’s crap.
The only way to get in shape is to put the work in. Exercise. That means going to a gym. Or find a home workout routine you can tolerate. It means getting off the couch and moving. Vigorously. Take brisk walks to get started. Tone your body by resistance exercises or weights. This stuff is hard. I realize that in America we tend to want things handed to us without working for it. But getting in shape is not going to happen simply because you wear a pair of dumb shoes.
Wearing high heels will likely shape your calf muscles but you won’t get a cardio workout wearing them. Maybe sore muscles but certainly not a heart rate increasing workout.
Jessica Belasco of the San Antonio Express News reports:
There are no unbiased, published studies backing up the shoe manufacturers’ claims, says Dr. Marque Allen, a spokesman for the Texas Podiatric Medical Association and a physician for the San Antonio Spurs.
“I would say buyer beware,” Allen says, especially considering the cost of the shoes, which can run as high as $390. He also recommends people who have foot or ankle problems see a doctor before buying shoes with unusual platforms. The American Council on exercise is sponsoring studies on the effectiveness of such shoes, but the findings likely won’t be available until 2010, according to spokesman Pete McCall. While the shoes may indeed activate certain muscles not usually stimulated by shoes with rigid soles, he adds, “I definitely wouldn’t cancel my gym membership.”
Other news sources feel the same way:
Orlando Sentinel – The Fitness Center – FitFlops, Skechers Shape …
REALITY: Footwear brands such as FitFlops, Reebok’s EasyTone and Skechers Shape-ups are the opposite of supportive, cushioning running shoes. Instead, they contain an unstable sole, which causes the muscles to work a little harder as …
There are many supporters though that really enjoy the comfort and swear they are firming their muscles.
Sketchers Shape Ups: The Easy Way to Tone | Mommies With Style
I’ve long been a fan of shoes like MBT Trainers which I reviewed for Mommies With Style a while ago. These shoes made a believer out of me as they lived up to.
Other folks just like the way they feel and don’t think they really do much more than regular shoes in firming up your muscles.
sketchers shape up shoes Forum Topic – DailyBurn
The Sketchers Shape Ups are the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn. I don’t feel that they work my legs more than regular shoes, but they feel so good that I look forward to walking. Tried them on the treadmill tonight, …
Personally I think that there are no magic athletic shoes. If you want to get in shape you simply have to get moving and put forth some effort. If these shoes are comfy and get people moving then I guess they actually do some good for fitness.
