Toning sneakers--I think they actually work!

I was wondering if they did work. I would try the scientific method to see if it did work, measure the leg in various places and record the measurement (like LE therapist does) and check the measurements on a schedule to see if there is any change, but that is just the analytical thinking I seem to do.

Sheila

Before I found my tumor (TNBC), I taught exercise at a local rehab and a local gym (so much for eating right and exercising to keep away cancer!). After I started chemo, I was really missing working out since I felt too fatigued to teach. I bought myself a pair of Skechers' Shape-ups and really enjoy them. I don't think they do anything that's measurable scientifically but I was toned to begin with so it's hard to tell. The shoes do keep my whole body moving, though, which promotes blood circulation, posture, and balance.  I can also feel the walk in my abs, butt, and legs so the shoes gotta be doing something there. Anyway, I love 'em!

I have been using these shoes for work for a couple of months. I have had thick legs for years, I truly think my calves are slimming down, they just don't look as bulky. I will keep wearing them at work, they take a bit of getting used to if you "start and stop" walking like I do but, after you learn to not drag your feet on a turn, you are okay. I will be purchasing another pair for outdoor walks, but apparently you can't get them wet as they act like a sponge, so have to wait for the snow to go!

They don't make my feet as tired either although they are heavier than normal shoes. 

pk0199,

I agree about the Shape-Ups being heavier than normal shoes. I had to get used to that, along with the walking style!

For you guys who have been wearing them.  I'm still dealing with some myopathy and a lot of neuropathy so my balance is off, how much are they "instability" shoes?

I'd LOVE to join you, Bayyyy, but my mastectomy isn't a week old yet and just the thought about putting on any shoes except slippers wears me out. Is it time for pain meds yet?

Bayyyy, I'm not usually knowingly pulled into ads, but the chiquita in those ads (now can't remember which brand) has the most amazing legs and butt!! Oh my goodness. I've been walking more, but in my old sneakers. I like the idea about added balance. I have felt really uncoordinated lately -- so many bruises from not seeing where edges of tables in the classroom are, etc. Duh! Did you end up having a good Easter walk, Bayyyy? Wasn't it finally nice on the east coast? My Mass. brother got a sunburn, I hear. Wacky year! Nice to hear your virtual voice, Maggie

Hi Bayyyy! So now I want a golden to go with my cool new sneaks! I was just bemoaning my lack of tone. I'm not heavier and yet I feel flabbier. I've been so bushed each night after work that walking/exercising has been a tough sell, though maybe if I could walk even for 15 mins at lunch I'd start to feel better. As soon as I started working again, my morning walk left the schedule; just not motivated to do it in the dark yet! I know I'll get there. I'm cleared to swim next week and I think that might just be the ticket! Great idea for a thread. Have a good one, Maggie

I was wondering how these sneakers felt when you walked in them .. awesome to read how comfortable they are.

Thanks for the info!  I'm off to sears this weekend!

Bren

Reeboks have always been super super comfy. I am going to have to check some of these out.

I was wondering how they held up - since they're faux leather.   

Ladies --update on the walk and tone by LA Gear. I have lost 2lbs since getting them--April 8th. Not as much as I hoped but then I tried on some previously tight jeans. Oh my what a difference. They fit and I didn't have to do my normal stretches to get them to feel comfy! I'm thinking the shoes work

OK... I did it:  I bought a pair after trying on several.  I ended up with Avia's. Wish I could have found Reeboks to try as well but so far I haven't seen them anywhere.

I didn't like the ones with the "bubbles" on the soles and some of the ones that were advertised as toners didn't feel any different than running or walking shoes to me.  Couldn't find Sketcher's in my size except in black but I found them heavy so I wasn't really disappointed (and they weren't on sale, either)   The Avia's have the pivoting sole mainly through a very strong arch without the instability of the bubble-bottomed ones.  I'm sure I could get used to the bubble-bottomed ones but I tend to go with my gut on these things and my gut said to go with the others.  I also liked the Avia's a lot because they didn't increase my awareness of my neuropathy -- some of the shoes I tried on made it much more noticable -- not a problem, really, except that it makes walking uncomfortable and I wanted shoes that did the opposite. I also like the engineering that went into this shoe and that it's pretty lightweight as well as structurally sound.  

The scientist in me isn't convinced that toners do any more than any other good walking shoe (I would love to see some research on this -- for example, group A with toners, walking x miles for x weeks, and group B with regular walking shoes, walking the same miles and weeks -- to see if there's any difference in the two groups of women) but I don't doubt everyone's enthusiasm for them and that was enough to get me to invest in a pair!

So, I'm going to try these around the house awhile (so I can return them if I change my mind) and then I'll take off!   The only downside is I can't see wearing them in the woods, where I normally walk; they seem more like a hard-surface shoe... but I'm going to try both!