Apparel: Skechers Women's Shape Up-Action Fitness Walking Shoe: The Comfy Foot

The design technology behind Shape Ups changes the way you walk.
As we move through our lives, we typically walk on hard surfaces, which places stress on our knee joints and lower back. People who are required to stand for their jobs feel the impact on their bodies the most, and don’t gain the benefits that come with all that activity.

The goal with Shape Ups was to simulate walking on soft ground. SKECHERS has turned hard surfaces into comfortable ground through revolutionary technology designed into the framework of the shoe. The core of this technology is in the dynamic rolling bottom, the soft foam insert under the heel, and the dual-density midsole. These three elements work together to give you the feeling of walking on sand or luxurious pile carpet--regardless of the actual surface. Walking on softer, uneven surfaces forces you to engage muscles not normally used when walking on hard ground. Not only does this strengthen your muscles, but it also increases blood flow and reduces the impact on your joints and lower back.

Designed to improve your life by changing the way you walk, Shape Ups feature a unique soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to simulate walking barefoot on a giving surface that gives such as sand. With the comfort of Shape Ups, you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This movement will result in stronger leg, buttock, back and abdominal muscles as you stabilize your steps.

Get in the Routine

1. Kick Back: Stand upright and place feet parallel and hip distance apart, balance centered. Roll your weight onto the back of the soft foam heel – hold for a count of five and then back to the center. Do not lock knees or tip backward. Stretches calf and hamstrings. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

2. Rock and Roll: Stand upright and place feet parallel and hip distance apart, balance centered. Roll your weight forward so you are balancing on the underside of your toes – hold for a count of two, then slowly rock back to the soft heel – hold for a count of two, and then back to your center of balance. Do not lock knees or tip backward. Stretches calf and hamstrings, warms up Achilles and ankles. Repeat 5 to 10 times.

3. Roll and Rock and Roll: Follow the Rock and Roll stretch, but alternate feet so one is rolling to the toes and one is rocking back. Repeat 5 to 6 times.

4. The Lean: Place your hands on a wall, parallel and slightly above your head. With one leg in front of the other and your arms forward, press with your palms as if you were leaning on the wall. Keep your back leg straight and your front foot on the floor, then bend the front leg and lean forward by moving your hips toward the wall. Hold for a count of five, then repeat on the other side. Stretches calf and Achilles. Repeat 5 to 6 times.