Sketcher Shape Ups for Girls

"you're never too young to start hating your body" - change.org
What a stupid commercial and what stupid shoes, for girls OR women :(

4 moms found this helpful

I've started seeing TV ads by law firms seeking people who want to sue Skechers for injuries incurred while wearing the adult Shape Ups. So somewhere out there are people who are getting hurt by these things as adults -- why on earth would we put them onto children whose bodies and coordination are still developing?

I'd love to see pediatricians weigh in publicly on how this (1) could injure kids and (2) sends a horrible message about "toning up your legs and butt" when young girls need instead to be hearing about just being healthy, being active and being happy with who they are. This product seems like another way to tell girls, "You need to work on yourself or you won't be model--perfect."

3 moms found this helpful

YES!!! I couldn't believe it when I saw the commercial for the flip flops...then when I saw the ones for kids. Good grief!

But then, I'm someone that thinks the shape ups are a gimmick anyway.

3 moms found this helpful

they are disgusting and an injury waiting to happen.

2 moms found this helpful

Kids have stayed fit in regular shoes, or even without shoes for years and years. Even the best fitness shoes known to man wouldn't make a bit of difference if a kid isn't actively on their feet in the first place. I think if kids get up and get moving, and just PLAY they will be okay. They can ride bikes, play outside, do a sport, swing on the swing-set, go swimming, roller skate, you name it. It isn't about the shoes, it about the activity.
I agree that it sends kids a bad message about the proportion of their body if you are telling them at 8 that they need to shape their buns, hips, and thighs!
On a side note, most of the kids in the schools where I work think those shoes are the ugliest things ever, so they wouldn't wear them anyway. Some of them have so much lift they look like platform shoes!
If an adult chooses to wear them, I suppose that's fine (although there is no research to prove they work). Personally, I wouldn't put a shoe on myself or my kids that comes with a warning label that says, "Not recommended for running."

2 moms found this helpful

YES they are silly! Kids should NOT be buying shoes - for shape up
and I think its false advertising - your body will burn extra calories at first when it is not used to the shoe but after a while its adjusts and you really won't receive any benefit from this shoe.

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I personally think it's ridiculous they have them for adults. It's beyond ridiculous for kids.

Great booty on the ads, but I have a feeling the model had that great booty before the shoes went onto her feet. It's interesting that they (Sketchers, Reebok) are using our insecurities about our bodies to sell shoes...what warped minds. But when they aim that sort of "lets make you want to improve yourself with our actually less-than-healthy product" at young girls...ick.

Oh, and out of curiosity, I asked my chiropractor about *how* these shoes work. He said they kept the foot from flexing and bending as it should, kept it from using the natural muscles for walking by referring the work to other body parts. They are actually pretty terrible for your feet, legs and body as a whole. At least you could have a great-looking butt while the rest of you suffers... Overall, really not good for growing bodies. Bad bad bad.

2 moms found this helpful

these shape ups are to be worn 2-4 hrs only, they are not for all day or for running. you wouldnt jump rope all day would you? my sister wears them at work(house keeping) after lunch she has to change to regular tennis shoes. she does feel the burn benind her legs and it helps her back.

yes, they are kinda extreme for little girls, it does help with the slouching and makes you stand up straight.

1 mom found this helpful

It's a shame. I only have boys, but If I had a daughter, no way would I let her have them unless she was well over the age of 16 AND already leading a healthy lifestyle. I saw the commerical about a week ago, then the story on it on the TODAY show. I decided i'm going to be on the lookout when at the mall or movies to do a test and watch to see how many young girls under the age of 13 are wearing them.

1 mom found this helpful

Yes!! Just the underlying message to young girls is enough to make me sick! You have to constantly keep trying to fit into this prepared box of acceptability. Here! buy this shoe so you'll be as perfectly perfect as possible! Sheesh! I can't tell you how disgusted it makes me. For my daughter and women as a whole.

Grr. Now I'm mad! =)