Skechers ShapeUps Reviews – The Ultimate Guide

During the height of the toning trend, Skechers was riding the wave with its Shape-Ups line. Following some controversies, the rocker-soled shoe is back and is frequently used by avid walkers.

Today our comprehensive Skechers ShapeUps reviews will reveal if they’re as good as promised.

 

Quick Reviews

1. Skechers Shape-Ups 2.0 Perfect Comfort

The 2.0 Perfect Comfort Shape-Ups from Skechers offers a smooth leather upper, finished with synthetic overlays. For comfort, it includes a Memory Foam insole and the rocker bottom outsole to optimize your stride.

 

2. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups XF Accelerators

The Shape-Ups XF Accelerators feature a metallic synthetic leather and mesh upper with contrast stitching details. For the bottom, it has the sculpted rubber traction outsole as well as a Kinetic Wedge foam midsole.

 

3. Skechers Shape-Ups 2.0 Comfort Stride

The Skechers Shape-Ups 2.0 Comfort Stride offers a smooth Trubuck leather upper finished with ripstop textured mesh panels. It’s a lace-up design with stitched accents, and of course, the sculpted rubber rocker outsole and a shock-absorbing Kinetic Wedge midsole.

 

4. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups Mary Jane

For those who want something different, the Shape-Ups Mary Jane sneakers are worth a look. It includes a 1.75-inch heel with the rocker sole to build up leg strength. Inside it has a breathable mesh lining and side panels.

 

5. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups – S2 Lite

The Shape-Ups S2 Lite features an ultra-soft, full-length Resamax kinetic wedge midsole and an antibacterial treated insole. For the upper, it offers synthetic and mesh fabric, providing durability and easy care.

 

 

Skechers ShapeUps Reviews

1. Skechers Shape-Ups 2.0 Perfect Comfort

For those requiring more support, we suggest the Shape-Ups 2.0 Perfect Comfort shoe. This is a casual walking shoe with an emphasis on foot-relief.

 

It offers a lace-up design with metal top eyelets to adjust the fit to your feet. You can choose between five colors—all include stitching accents and contrast-colored stripe detailing.

On the sides, Skechers includes perforation details to provide a cooling effect, suggesting it’s a sensible shoe for summer. For the instep, you’ll see a soft padded collar and tongue as well as a soft fabric lining.

For the inside, it offers a Memory Foam air cooled cushioned insole as well as a shock-absorbing kinetic wedge midsole. The shoe also provides structural support for your feet with its integrated firm polyurethane frame.

At the bottom, you have the sculpted rubber rocker outsole that’s designed to tone your legs while you walk. The shoe is relatively light, weighing in at 13 ounces per shoe.

 

If you’re looking for extra comfort, then the 2.0 Perfect Comfort is worth considering. It features a firm polyurethane frame, supporting your feet. In addition to this, there’s the shock-absorbing kinetic wedge midsole, protecting your feet from impact.

 

Pros

• Integrated supportive frame.
• Air-cooled Memory Foam insole.
• Perforation details.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Sizes run wide.

 

 

2. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups XF Accelerators

The Shape-Ups XF Accelerator is from Skechers Extended Fitness collection. It’s a lace-up sneaker, suitable for walking and training.

 

Skechers states that, if used correctly, it can increase your lower leg muscles, optimize your calorie burn as well as improve your posture and reduce back pain.

The sneaker looks great, too. It consists of a synthetic and mesh fabric upper, finished with metallic overlay detailing and contrasting edges. Around the top, it has cooling mesh panels, making it comfortable to wear during exercise.

For the instep, there’s a padded collar and tongue, increasing your comfort. To increase the overall stability, the tongue includes elasticity, enabling the sneaker to flex as you walk.

What’s more, there’s a two-part firm and soft density midsole. This works to improve support as well as stability for you during your gait cycle. You’ll also find the kinetic wedge, shock-absorbing sole.

The sculpted rocker outsole consists of durable rubber, which also offers natural propulsion and traction control. This option, however, is slightly heavier, weighing up to 17 ounces per shoe.

 

The XF Accelerators is a serious fitness companion. It offers both structural support as well as several layers of cushioning and shock-absorbing abilities. The outsole provides traction and natural propulsion, increasing the efficiency of your stride.

 

Pros

• Stylish exterior.
• Several layers of cushioning.
• Traction outsole.
• Comfortable instep.

Cons

• Quite heavy.
• Included shoelaces appear to be short.

 

 

3. Skechers Shape-Ups 2.0 Comfort Stride

For a casual sneaker, we highly suggest having a closer look at the 2.0 Comfort Stride. This is a laid-back shoe with smooth Trubuck leather overlays and ripstop mesh upper.

 

Running along the base are additional mesh panels, providing cooling effects as you walk and exercise.

This is a decent option if you require additional support. It features a Memory Foam air-cooled insole, which will mold to your foot-shape for customized comfort. It also includes a firm polyurethane frame, to stabilize your feet.

For the interior, Skechers includes a full fabric lining as well as a padded tongue and collar. Inside, there’s also a kinetic wedge soft foam midsole, which effectively works to absorb shocks from impact.

 

The 2.0 Comfort Stride is a sensible choice for the casual walker. It has a laid-back appearance with added comfort features, including Memory Foam insole and kinetic wedge soft foam midsole.

 

Pros

• Sleek, casual appearance.
• Cushioning Memory Foam insole.
• Shock-absorbing midsole.
• Padded collar and tongue.

Cons

• Lacks arch support.
• Not as durable as previous versions.

 

 

4. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups Mary Jane

If you’re looking for something different, then the Shape-Ups Mary Jane could appeal. As the name suggests, it’s a Mary Jane style with the standard rocker outsole, exercising your lower legs while increasing your calorie burn, if used properly.

 

This is a sensible option for summer, seeing that it has an open top and breathable mesh lining as well as side panels. It offers cooling effects when you walk, which may also keep odors at bay.

The heel is quite high, measuring 1.75 inches. Fortunately, it’s broad, aiding your overall stability. It also consists of rubber with deep lugs for traction on various surfaces.

Over your foot sits a hook-and-loop strap, which makes it much easier to get in and out of the shoe.

 

The Mary Jane Shape-Ups is a sensible choice if you want an athletic shoe to wear with dresses or other fancier outfits. It still offers the same rocker outsole, exercising your legs as you walk. It has full padding and an adjustable hook-and-loop strap.

 

Pros

• Mary Jane appearance.
• Full padding.
• Thick, rocker outsole with deep lugs.
• Adjustable strap.

Cons

• Not a style for everyone.
• Durability is disappointing.

 

 

5. Skechers Women’s Shape-Ups – S2 Lite

For a vegan option, the S2 Lite should fit the bill. It comes with a patent and metallic synthetic leather and mesh upper. It’s finished with stitching and accent overlays for a fresh appearance.

 

It’s a lightweight design, weighing in at 9 ounces per shoe, plus it’s comfortable and meant for all-day wear.

A nice touch is that the upper is easy to care for and keep clean. Inside, you have a cushioned removable comfort insole, which has been antibacterial treated, fending off odors.

For further cushioning, Skechers includes a two-part firm and soft density midsole, which also offers shock-absorption. In addition to this, the S2 Lite has an integrated support system, providing stability, allowing for greater versatility in activities.

 

For a lightweight and vegan option, Skechers offers the S2 Lite. With a much lighter construction, this shoe is made for all-day wear. It also provides support through its integrated system and cushioning midsole.

 

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Suitable for vegans.
• Shock-absorbing midsole.
• Integrated support system.

Cons

• Outsoles may tear quickly.
• Sole may feel squishy.

 

 

About Skechers Shape-Ups

Around 2009, Skechers launched a new line of fitness shoes, dubbed Shape-Ups. The technology used was similar to that of Swiss Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) footwear. They consisted of a rocker outsole design, which aimed to activate muscle groups and tone your legs during daily activities.

The shape of the outsole enhances heel-to-toe movements by enforcing a roll throughout each step. Through this, Skechers states that it can exercise the muscles in your legs and buttocks.

It recommends that you wear them for short walks between 25 to 45 minutes per day. Continue this until your legs have adjusted to the feeling.

These shoes are generally very comfortable straight out of the box. The sizes are wide. They also include extra cushioning, which helps people who stay on their feet for prolonged periods each day.

 

Choosing the Best Skechers Shape-Ups

Below we’ve gathered a few general tips on how to find the best walking shoes. Let’s have a look:

• Inspect the heel counter and go for a shoe that hugs the back of your feet. You want this area to be snug as it prevents overpronation and supination.
• Choose one with a wide toe box, allowing your toes to wiggle and stretch. Fortunately, this is a common feature in Skechers’ shoes.
• Check the outsole to ensure it offers solid traction. Look for deep grooves that will provide ample grip when you walk.
• Ensure the shoe has a cushioning and shock-absorbing midsole. These usually come as either gel, air or foam. Luckily, all Shape-Ups include kinetic wedge soft foam midsoles.
• Make sure that you get proper support from the insole. If the included insert doesn’t provide enough, you may be able to replace it.
• Check that the upper is breathable. Look for materials such as mesh to ensure your feet don’t overheat. Trapped moisture may cause blisters and odors.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Skechers Shape-Ups Work?

It depends on who you ask. Some wearers say that after wearing Shape-Ups, they feel sore in different areas, similar to going to the gym. However, studies reveal that rocker-bottom type shoes do not work your muscles any harder or differently.

The soreness you may feel is likely to stop once your body adjusts to the unstable feeling. In saying this, they may motivate you to get up and move more, which makes them successful.

Watch this video for more information.

 

Are Skechers Shape-Ups Bad for You?

This, again, depends on who you ask and who is using such shoe. The concept behind Skechers Shape-Ups is that the instability caused by the rocker heel results in increased muscle stimulation.

However, a lot of controversies surrounded Skechers over Shape-Ups. If you’re not careful, they can do more harm than good.

There are risks of falling over and consequences from long-term use due to the lack of arch support and a stable heel. Still, when used in moderation, and providing you don’t have existing foot-related conditions, you should be fine.

 

Are Skechers Shape-Ups Discontinued?

Yes and no. Skechers Shape-Ups are no longer available on its website. Instead, you can find them on nearly every other retail site, including Amazon, eBay and Zappos.

 

What Are Skechers Shape-Ups Good For?

Skechers Shape-Ups include thick cushioning and shock-absorbing midsoles, which makes them excellent walking shoes. If you often walk on hard surfaces, such as pavement, then they’re undoubtedly worth a try.

Please keep in mind that you should give your body time to adjust to the feeling before going all out. Then, only use them on your short walks around the neighborhood. If you’re looking for other options, then please read our review of the best walking shoes for wide feet.

 

 

In Conclusion

Following our Skechers ShapeUps Reviews, we have mixed feelings. There’s no doubt that these are great comfort shoes that you can wear for short walks or around the house. However, if you have issues with balance, lower back problems or foot-related conditions, toning shoes may not be a sensible choice.

If you do decide to get yourself a pair, make sure that it has a snug heel counter and a wide toe box. Check that the outsole offers traction control and that it offers a cushioning midsole. Lastly, ensure that the upper is breathable—mesh panels are ideal to look for—so you can remain comfortable while walking.

We hope you found our review helpful. We’d love to hear from you in the comments below, and please share it with the people around you.