Sketchers Shape-ups (review & giveaway post)

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Ahh the child of a blogger. Completely blase when UPS bangs on the door.

Before I get to the review portion of this post I wish to drag you down memory lane a bit.

Just a short quarter mile or so while I yammer about my Sketcher love from back in the DAY.

Ive been a semi-longterm fitness fanatic, but Ive been a life-long misfit.

Sketchers were the first brand I discovered that met my athletic needs while simultaneously throwing in a generous helping of sparkle, platform, MULE options which satiated my outside the shoebox longings as well.

As a result, even though shape-up shoes arent necessarily completely in alignment with my brand, I agreed to check these athletic shoes out quick fast & in a hurry.

(It didnt hurt they were purple either. a quick glance around my site lets you know thats my fave color)

I figured if they worked—GREAT!

If they didnt (and didnt hurt me) Id own a new pair of purple, quirky looking kicks (which totally made me happy).


I know. Come visit. It IS shorts weather in the ATX.

I immediately put them on & ambled around the house.

They felt great. I felt as though I were rocking & rolling (a positive for me. it caused me to remember I had them on & to consciously tighten my core as I walked).

I readied to go to the gym and was about to leave when the Tornado pointed out to me Id failed to remove one of the shoes’ tags.

Right shoe has tag removed. Thank goodness the Tornado saved me from being a shoe Minnie Pearl.

I lifted in them:

I stretched in them:

I wore them all over Austin while doing my personal business:

(please to imagine revealing personal photo here)

What did I decide about the Shape Ups XF Accelerators?

  • I like them. They are comfy. They are purple.  They look kinda odd (a plus for this misfit). As an over-all shoe I was Sketchers-smitten. Again.
  • I worked my core.  I worked my legs more. Note the use of *I* and not *the shoes.*  Did the shape-ups cause this to happen? Im not sure. I do know that wearing them helped me remember to hold my belly tight and focus on s-q-u-e-e-z-i-n-g my glutes with each step.  I need this reminder.
  • Ive lost all sense of pricing. The shoes are 80.00  It frightens me that this price sounds sadly reasonable for a quality, comfortable shoe.  (heres where you chime in!) Im beyond cheap when it comes to dress shoes, but with fitness footwear Im willing to pry open the wallet for fit & durability.

Would I recommend these shoes?

This is a tough question to answer as footwear is an exceedingly personal decision.

I liked them: the look, the fit, the subconscious reminder to suck my core in and support my low back, the look.

That said, I worry, on the wrong feet, they could be potentially trip causing (uh, *fall* not VACATION).

Id definitely recommend them with that caveat & the admonishment to not be me and follow the instructions to start slowly (15-25  minutes) and *then* increase duration of wear.

And yes, People, you’ve finally made it to the treats-portion of our post.

YOU may be entered to win your own pair of Sketchers Shape-ups shoes for the lowlow cost of a comment below.

I ambled. I stretched. I lifted. I wore ’em various & sundry personal places.

Where would you be a’walkin’ were you fortunate enough to win??

Please to hit us all up creatively in the comments.

USA only

Winner announced 2.14.11

FTC the shoes were free. The musings on core-work & shoe-love are all my own.

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Comments

  1. I have a friend who loves her Shape-Ups and is always telling me I should get a pair. Like you, she says they remind her to keep her posture in check, etc. I would love to win your giveaway and take them out for a stroll, perhaps over at Disneyland since it’s just a couple of miles from me. 🙂

  4. I would wear them in a house,
    I could wear them with a mouse,
    I could wear them with a fox,
    I could wear them in a box,
    I would wear them here or there,
    I would wear them anywhere!

    Or to the gym.
    🙂 Happy Friday

  5. I would be walking around the mall and even in dance practice in those shoes, since I’m finally healthy enough and nourish myself adequately enough to do more physical activity.

  6. I love your ink, Lady.

    No need to enter me as I’m Canadian, but I had to giggle when you reference Minnie Pearl.

  7. I love your reviews because of your HONESTY.

    I would love to try these out and come visit you if it really is warm enough for shorts, Miz!!

  8. I would love to try them out but I would use them mostly to walk around my neigborhood with my husband, son and English bulldog (think more like a stroll then a walk–my bully is not overly excited about walking:) I would love to be able to wear shorts—the school districts in my area have all had a 2 hour delay for the past 3 days due to extreme cold (below zero windchill not good for the kiddies waiting on the bus)!

  10. Miz, honestly, if I had them, I’d be walking EVERYWHERE with them. I have a pair of Sketchers, brand new, but they’re black and I’m just not a black shoe kind of girl unless it’s with a pair of dress slacks, so I’m sad to say I don’t wear them much, although I do LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. In fact, maybe it’s time they come out of the closet today. Now, purple, that’s more my style!

  12. I would wear them while I am teaching my students. It would be a bonus to not only shaping young minds but shaping up me 🙂

  13. Well hey there! I’d wear these suckers whilst wearing this newborn who won’t stop crying unless she’s strapped to me. I’m 3.5 weeks postpartum, these shoes look like the perfect way to get back into the swing.

    And omg Minnie Pearle was the best! Hee Haw!!

  14. Something that quirky looking, but worn in public by so many, must be effective. Plus they are purple, which means they would coordinate with my greyhound’s collar and leash. Who doesn’t love a well coordinate dog walker!!!

  15. I’d use them – gradually – for my training walks. I’ll be doing the 3-Day again this year, a 60-mile walk over three days to raise money for Susan Komen foundation.

  17. I bought a pair of the Reebok toning shoes (costing about $100!) and am not real happy with them. They hurt my feet if I wear them for more than 15 – 20 min. So, I want to try a different type of toning shoe, but don’t want to spend any more money. Therefore, I would LOVE to win these, pretty please! 🙂

  19. Im with ya on spending the $$$ for quality running shoes and could care less about “everyday” shoes. I don’t know if I would spend $80 on “shape Up” shoes unless they were completely function for other things so it is intersting to read you POV on this.

    Now I gotta go search thru your blog history for any info on your leg ink. coooool

  20. I would be wearing them everywhere-home, work and errands. And this summer they would be making the cross country camping trek to NS with me-on my feet. Many Tim Horton’s for them to visit along the way!

  21. First off- the tornado is looking so grown up! She is such a beautiful young lady 🙂 Second- great review. I’ve been wondering about these shoes. As a group fitness instructor, I’ve had several of my participants ask for my thoughts on them. I’ve always replied- anything that helps motivate you to move sounds good to me! Sorry I’ve been MIA- was on vaca! Finally back!

  22. I’ve always wanted to try one of these kinds of shoes. But I have to tell you, if it isn’t a running shoe I will not pay 80 bucks or more for them.

    But I’d wear ’em everywhere. Grocery store. College campus, Workout time. Just not for running. 😉

  23. I love your art work.

    Been wondering about the shape-up shoes but unwilling to lay out the $$$ to test them. I’d wear them for the walks around home to start with and then gradually add them to the gym if they worked.

    Thanks for the honestly and laughs….

  27. Oh yay! I’ve always wanted to try some but hated to spend money in case I didn’t like them. Free is my favorite price:)

  28. OOoh I luff me some Sketchers!!

    I would wear mine to Zumba just so I can see how long it takes me to topple over!
    I would wear mine to work just to I can hear the snickers and giggles (they soooo wouldnt go with slacks and dress pants but who the freg cares?)
    I would wear em watchin House
    I would wear em to scrapbook in
    I would wear em everywhere!!

    🙂

  31. Weighing in on the price: $80 is the common price for rocker soled shoes (except for the MBTs which are about triple this).

    I love my rocker soled shoes and wear them everywhere except for lifting. (oh the thought of rocking too far forward or backward while carrying heavy weight…)

  32. First of all…Joob should win just for her poem! I thought about sketchers several times but I am such a klutz I am afraid I would rock and roll right over like a weeble!

    I do LOVE my sketcher sport lites tho! they even have a little faux diamond bling to help me sparkle!

  33. Lots of nurses wear them for 12 hour shifts! And swear by them. I have been reluctant to try them (for the trip factor) but I’d love the chance to really give them a workout!

  35. I would not wear them anywhere…I am Canadian! Hahahaha!

    Great review and it is always a pleasure to see the Tornado.

    I will be seeing my own Tornado today…he and his girlfriend will be whirling in to see the new pad.

    Yay to Tornados!

  36. I am so uncoordinated I am afraid I would be the one who wears these and injures herself 🙂

    I would love to try them slowly and in my house 😉

  37. Where would you be a’walkin’ were you fortunate enough to win??

    I would be a ‘walkin’ up and down a giant hill that is by my work. Our company is kinda out in the country and leaving the house at 6:00 and not getting home until 7:00, does not give me a lot of time to exercise and still get enough sleep. So..everyday on my lunch hour I drudge up and down this giant hill. Oh and by the way? I’ve gone down from an 18 to a 14!!! I would love these shoes!!

  38. I have always wanted to try a pair but uncertain about spending that much $$ in case I didn’t like them. For Free I’d waer them everywhere!

  39. Thanks for the review. I’ve really wondered about them from a fitness perspective. Are they effective or just gimmicky? I guess you’d have to try them a bit more long term to really find out…

  40. I have always wanted to try them too, but wasn’t going to shell out the dough if they weren’t good for the gym. I’d wear them all day at work chasing kiddos around, and to the gym. And the store, and the park, and the…well, everywhere.

  41. Hey missy,

    I don’t have Skechers but I do have the muy expensivo MBT’s … which is, I’m assuming where the knock off concept originated. I feel the same way – they seem to work. I get bored wearing them all the time and don’t love the way they look, but it makes me more conscious when I am wearing them – as you mentioned – so I like it.

    Now I have a separate, unrelated question … why no use of punctuation in your writing? I’ve never seen anyone do it before and am curious. It distracted me so much I thought about it all the way through the post :))

    Thanks for the review … and the pic of the cutie pie.

    Shelly
    @shellykramer

  42. I’ve been wanting a pair of these for a while! I’m 7 months pregnant and would love to wear them for this last trimester and after delivery. Gotta get that booty back into shape 🙂

  43. I have thought of purchasing these many times. I’ve heard mixed reviews from friends but your review carries the most weight in my book. Thanks Miz!

  45. I would wear them to Roller Derby! I would wear them shopping. I would wear them to the Dentist. Purple is my favorite color so I think you should pick me. They would match my purple office.

  46. I don’t usually enter giveaways as I’m basically lazy 🙂 Having said that, I have wanted a pair of these as I too heart the Sketchers. They were my the only shoes I would wear when I was on my feet for 8-10 hours a day. But I just haven’t been able to justify the price tag as they are more than $80 here in Hawaii. They are over $100. And hard to find. So I’m throwing my hat in the ring for this one. Where would I walk in them? All over school. I have an 8.25 mile walk coming up in 1 week, I would wear them for that (since it seems my knee is not going to let me run). I would wear them all over Oahu as I go about my business. Since my car is pink, the purple would compliment it and I would be right stylin’.

  47. I love the way you blog, Miz.

    I would wear these nonstop if they make it to where I live.

    More UK giveaways 😉

  48. That is a good price for Skechers … either that, or I got reamed more than a year ago when I paid $100 ON SALE @ Penney’s.

    Mine are old and worn out, and I’d love to win a new pair. I wear them everywhere, which is sometimes a trick, since I’m more than a little klutzy. I think I’ve learned to compensate, though.

  49. I would start off with these on the treadmill (I’m not the most graceful and this would provide handy dandy handlebars in case I am trip-prone. Once I had them down, I would wear these while walking the dog to make the most of that exercise opportunity!

  50. Carla, love your honesty on everything!

    Me, my walk around shoes are at least 5-7 years old & they are an old pair of workout shoes – I know, BAD me – but it saves $$ for my running shoes which I also use to lift in so where would I wear them –

    EVERYWHERE!! To walk in & to lift in.. no running in them though! 😉

  51. I would wear them EVERYWHERE!! I wore a pair out that I got last March, and plan on getting a new pair to begin wearing out this coming march (once the weather lets up and I can get outside again!!!). Love them!

  52. I would love to wear these all the time! I have been wanting to give them a try but have not been able to convince myself to spend the $$$

  54. I would wear them on “the walk.” Same 3 miles every day. You’re right the slightly odd shape is a plus.

  57. Thanks for the great review and the giveaway — I’ve wanted to try the shape-ups, but haven’t been able to justify the expense yet. Hope I win!

  59. I would wear them vacuuming, dusting, sweeping and mopping. Then wear them out to Willow Lake as I walk the trails. Then to go shopping. 😀

  61. My daughter-in-law continues to sing the praises of hers and says I should get some. This would do it, and I probably wouldn’t be the first 72 year old to wear them.
    These actually look good!

  62. I’d wear them wherever you want me to!!! But mostly, the park, the grocery store, I might even try to enter a good fitness walk if I had a good pair of shes for it!!!

  63. Y’know, I’ve always written these off as hokey, but hearing your review made me actually consider getting a pair. It makes sense that the shoes don’t necessarily shape you just by walking on them – but serve as a reminder.

  67. I’m sorry is there a pair of shoes in this post cause I keep looking at your legs? And not just that hot one that’s all tattooed up but the other one too all musclely (is that even a word?)…

    Hold on let me go back and read this post more carefully.

    *time passes*

    Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh

    The sketchers.

    Yhea I’d wear them.

    Pretty much all over the place

  68. I’d wear them to visit my new love….Gym! Really. Early in the morning..late at night…Gym is there for me.
    I’ve looked at getting a new pair of sneakers for a while. I know old ones are not good for your legs.
    Fourteen pounds down, and at least 5 miles a day!
    Pick me pick me!

  69. I’ve been eyeing those shoes for over a year now, but haven’t had the financial grounds to indulge. So, I would definitely sport them around. I’m a waling lover and wear them for walking/running around my school campus trying to make it to class on time, and to and from my off campus apartment. It would be nice to have the extra core and glute thang going on while I do my everyday busy student thang 🙂

  71. Pick me! PICK MEEEEEE! 🙂 I would wear them on walks through my lovely, historic neighborhood. Lots of hills. They would really help shape up my big behind!!!!!!

  73. Well, I’m a librarian. On top of that, I’m sort of a misfit librarian. (My mantra: No cardigan sweathers. NO SENSIBLE SHOES!!) My job requires all kinds of walking and standing. I think these shoes are just funky enough to make it look like I am not wearing the sensible shoes while still feeling way better than the 4-inch heels I normally wear.

    And they are purple? I have some major purple love.

  74. great sneeks! I would love these to go to class in! I’ve been wearing unsupportive shoes because I’m a college kid where $80 sounds like a million dollars. I’m in need of some new wheels//kicks//treckers//any great name for shoes you could come up with 🙂

  75. I just stumbled across your site today looking for recommended dosage of chia seeds! Great, informative site. Love it…and to boot you are giving away shoes! I’d love a pair. Thanks.

  76. I just stumbled across your site today looking for recommended dosage of chia seeds! Great, informative site. Love it….and to boot you are giving away shoes! I’d love a pair. Thanks.

  77. I own a pair of the MBT’s and have often wondered if I should have bought the Sketchers instead. I wear them to work mostly because I’m shoe-less most of the other times. I, too, feel the need to be reminded to “suck in my tummy”, “straighten my back”, “stop slouching” and the shoes tend to help me in that area. However, the claim that they “tighten glutes and abs” hasn’t really shown up yet. Maybe I should try wearing them on long walks now that the weather is nice…

    And FYI: Purple is the bestest color EVER!!

  79. I recently realized that health should be my number one goal…walking is my initial strategy, combined with healthy whole foods. Our weather, fortunately, has just begun to cooperate. I would love the opportunity to have some new footwear to get the ball moving in the right direction. I can tell you that my current footwear is not supportive for the rural road areas that I live at…and being Valentine’s Day, I would be extremely grateful and thankful to receive such a wonderful gift. It certainly would not be misused! Thank you!

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