I had been toying around with the idea of doing a week long review of Fit Flops, Shape-Ups, and other MBX shoes (I know that most major sneaker brands now make them) here at Shredheads, and so I stuck a pair of Fit Flops into my Amazon cart.
But after seeing Tone-Ups, the Skechers brand of toning flip flops, at Ross the other day, I decided that I wouldn’t even spend $30 on a pair, let alone $60 (which is how much those Fit Flops are!).
However, accidents happen and it seems as though I did ordered the Fit Flops, which arrived a few days ago at my house. After prancing around the house a few times in them, and my daughter commenting on how ugly they are, I’ve decided to send them back – if only because I can’t believe they cost $60!
I get the idea of these types of shoes and in one way it makes sense. If you’re going to wear flip flop sandals or sneakers, why not have them actually do something great for your legs?
But in my opinion, they become a completely gimmick when they’re really quite unattractive (especially the Shape-Up sneakers) and super expensive. I didn’t even spend $100 for my awesome running shoes.
I know that there are plenty of different kinds out there, including more attractive versions by New Balance and Reebok, however, I’m hardpressed to believe that they actually do what they say – make significant changes in the appearance of your calves and legs.
And while I get that they are comfortable, which can be great for folks who really need the extra support, I still don’t think they’re the best option.
So for now, I remain a skeptic – at least until they become more affordable and more importantly, much better looking.
Do you wear toning sandals or sneakers? Why do you wear them? What do you think? And if you happen to really want a pair, if you purchase through our link, you’ll shoot a few bucks back to us via our Amazon Affiliate. I say shop for regular running shoes and a few Jillian Michaels DVDS!
Dude, I know. They’re hideous and expensive. BUT! I have plantar fasciitis, a lovely tendon injury I got while running a few years ago, and for people with that problem, regular flip flops are about the worst thing you can do to your feet. Well, in general, flip flops are pretty bad.
Fit Flops, though ugly and the cost of a much cuter pair of shoes, *are* the best option, flip flop-wise, for someone like me. I’ve tried them all — trrrrUST me. I can wear them all day, everywhere, and my plantar fascia stays nice and relaxed.
They’re hideous. I know. So ugly. But finally — finally! — I can wear a pair of flip flops without exacerbating my injury. (I have custom orthotics in my running shoes, so I am of the Very Serious Foot Injury variety.)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Erica Ehm, Jillian's Bitches. Jillian's Bitches said: Fit Flips, Shape-Ups… What's the appeal? http://www.theshredheads.com/2010/07/fit-flops-shape-ups-mbx-shoes-whats-the-appeal.html [...]
For people claiming that the shoes “work,” I bet it’s more of a placebo thing. They think the shoes will tone their butt and thighs, so they walk more, hoping to reap more of the toning benefits, but, HELLO. Walking in and of itself is exercise (regardless of the shoes), so, yeah. If they’re walking more, they’ll see some toning/weight loss, which isn’t necessarily because of the shoes.
As for Jonniker, if the shoe fits (and doesn’t hurt!), rock it!
I think they are a gimmick myself, I think they may help with posture which may make you feel toner. Since the gal at work who has a pair is always rolling back on them when she doesn’t stand right.
i have a pair of well-worn, old fit flops. they are not that attractive but then again i feel most shoes in size 9 (mine) and above aren’t so cute anyway. i love the fit flops for running around town because i really hate wearing shoes. i even use them for my mile to 2 mile long evening strolls because they are so comfortable and seem to support my feet well with walking.
in my profession it seems that shape ups and their ilk are all the rage amongst nurses. we are on our feet and we are walking everywhere during our 8, 10, 12 and sometimes 16 hour shifts so it would seem that these shoes are perfect. many of my colleagues rave about the fitness benefit of these shoes. of course the ones who rave the most are the ones who are gorging on the fatty, fried foods from the hospital cafe or the fat-laden potlucks we nurses are famous for or the chocolate from grateful patients and docs and often they are the ones sneaking out behind the hospital for their, ahem, respiratory-nicotine treatments. me, i’ll stick to my clogs or walking shoes for walk and running and the shred for fitness.
I wear the Sketcher flip flops. They are not the most attractive and I don’t think that they make you fitter, but they are comfortable. They have the cushioning of a sneaker which I like.
Personally, I don’t think they look that bad, but I do love wearing my Fit Flops! I have no idea if they really provide any additional “fitness”, but they have great arch support and are one of the few flip flops I’ve tried that don’t hurt my toes. I also have suffered from plantar fasciitis in the past, and Fit Flops offer sufficient support.
Personally, I don’t think they look that bad, but I do love wearing my Fit Flops! I have no idea if they really provide any additional fitness, but they have great arch support and are one of the few flip flops I’ve tried that don’t hurt my toes. I also have suffered from plantar fasciitis in the past, and Fit Flops offer sufficient support.
Another in the plantar faschiaitis club. I wear Earth’s version of these and need a new pair. The difference in my feet is truly amazing to me. I don’t end up in pain nearly as much as I do if Iwear regular shoes or flip flops.
However, I don’t believe for an instant that they’re doing anything for my legs, calves, or butt. My feet, though, think they’re amazing.
Does anyone else think the shape ups are a hoax. Personally I think if someone wants to tone their butt and legs like the product is advertising why not just wear heels? That is my own personal opinion.
I have a pair of shape ups and they look akward to wear out in the public, but I think I would actually wear these sandels out without people looking at me weird.
I have a pair of the Easy Toners from Reebok that I hardly wear. I have bad knees from years of playing soccer and running. After wearing them for short periods of time, like a trip to the park with the kiddies or to the grocery store, my knees ache like I just ran a marathon in 8in stilettos. They look like normal gym shoes, which is a major plus but the balancing act is a pain, literally!
[...] Fit Flops, Shape-Ups, Shoes MBX – What is the appeal? | Shredheads [...]
[...] Fit Flops, Shape-Ups, MBX shoes – What's the appeal? | Shredheads [...]
[...] Fit Flops, Shape-Ups, MBX shoes – What's the appeal? | Shredheads [...]
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Funny, I had been discussing this factor with my older sister the other day, now I’ll have 1 a lot more argument in my hand when it’ll arrive to confrontation when once again….