Sparkle Shopping: Sketchers Shape-Ups

My apologies for the photo – bare legs, creased skirt and all, I wanted to take a photo before I started wearing them whilst they were still new and shiny!

It has come to my attention of late that I live quite a sedentary lifestyle. I don’t go jogging, a gym membership would be a terrible waste of money for me as I’d barely ever have time to go, but I was recently presented with the opportunity to try out a product that would help me make the most of the exercise I do get, wandering to the shops, the bus stop etc.

I was sent a pair of Sketchers Shape-ups, trainers that profess to shape you up whilst you walk, with a rounded sole and inserts to help maximise muscle tone and promote good posture. I hoped that these shoes would help to tone up my legs and bum, as well as working my back muscles, hopefully helping my scoliosis too as I’ve heard good things from other people with scoliosis who have tried similar products.

The first time I wore them they felt a little… odd. The rocking sensation when you walk takes a while to get used to, but the accompanying DVD that shows you how to walk to get the maximum benefit soon put my fears of falling flat on my face to rest.

Looks: These aren’t style statements it has to be said, they’re big, chunky and a little reminiscent of the mid-90s platform trainer trend, but when worn the thick sole isn’t as obvious as it looks like it may be in the box. They made me think of “skater” trainers, and I’m thinking of swapping out the white laces for some bright red ones. That said, I did rather like the addition of subtle glittery spots of decoration!

Comfort: These things are wonderfully comfortable on the feet! They’re so padded that even with feet as narrow as mine, they felt secure on, and just tight enough to prevent rubbing.

Do They Work? Well, if the pain in the backs of my legs the first few times I wore them is anything to go by, definitely! They certainly take time to get used to, and new users are recommended to wear them for short walks at first, as they do work muscles that don’t usually get much attention, especially when the wearer is as lazy as me! Still, after wearing them for a couple of weeks I am finding it is becoming much easier, I’m used to walking in a different way and even when wearing other footwear I find myself able to keep going for longer without having to rest my legs.

Overall, I’m really pleased with these and I intend to keep wearing them on a regular basis – they certainly seem to have started working for me and I hope to see things continue to improve!