Shape Up with Shoes?

Most of us wear shoes to protect our feet, provide comfort, and help us in whatever activity we are doing. We walk and run - and in doing so, we exercise our bodies. Today I read about a new line of shoes, Shape Up Shoes, that are designed to exercise our feet, legs, and more as we walk – and importantly, as we stand. Okay, count me as doubtful. But let's be fair and look at some material from their website.

 

Walking on Shape Up Shoes:  Walk on the soft, flat platform under the front two-thirds of the shoe (focus on the flat part under the ball of your foot). Your heel will naturally come close to the floor, but do not put your weight into your heel. Stride normally into your next step.

 

When Standing:  Focus on the flat part of your Shape Up Shoes under the ball of your foot. Try not to put your weight in your toes or your heels. You want to keep your foot parallel to the ground just as if you were standing barefooted. It is ok however to rest on your heels for a good stretch or rock to your toes to engage your quads. 90% of the time you should concentrate on the true challenge, which is staying focused on the flat part of your Shape Up Shoes, under the ball of your foot, while keeping your toes pointing forward.

 

Here's How They Work:  When worn for at least 30 minutes a day, Shape Up Shoes are an effective fitness and weight-loss tool that allow you to tone and shape your body and shed unwanted pounds. Wearing the shoes while active encourages improved posture, a toned inner core and fantastically fit legs, abs and glutes.

The calorie-burning rate when wearing the sandal style is three times that of wearing ordinary shoes and two times that of wearing the boots and clogs. Staying balanced while wearing the shoes requires the use of muscles not used otherwise in the legs, abs and glutes. These muscles are thus strengthened and toned significantly. The motion when walking is similar to that of balancing on a board in combination with using a Stairmaster.

 

The deep vein pumping action that occurs with every step taken can significantly reduce the onset of varicose and spider veins. Wearing the shoes can also diminish existing cellulite and prevent it from developing, and help ease lower back pain due to spinal compression, swelling in the arms and legs, and the discomfort of plantar fasciitis.

 

Shape Up shoes are available in three styles: flip-flops ($39.99), clogs ($60.00) and boots ($80.00).

 

Testimonies are valuable. Their website has quite a few. A host of blogs and websites are talking about these shoes. Leslie Barrie and Sarah Carrillo, from SavvyMiss.com, wrote, “The real workout in these shoes comes from standing still because you are constantly balancing. After standing for a few minutes I looked like I’d had too many margaritas with all my swaying back and forth and my calf muscles were burning. Simple chores like doing the dishes and cleaning my room became actual work-outs much to my delight.”

 

Am I still doubtful? I think there is value in what the shoes do. The design of the shoes makes you exert energy when standing and stretches a whole bunch of muscles. I think they are worth trying. That said, I don’t see myself wearing them. I guess they are to “girlie” for my feet. If they interest you, give them a try and let me know. After all, our goal should be to keep our feet happy.