Last week was new shoe week in our house and I got a new pair of Sketchers Shape-ups.  The new ones are black and they really look nice.  I have been wearing Sketchers Shape-ups for several years now and I really like them.  They are extremely comfortable as they feature a lot of cushion in the sole that reduces joint damage.  I have a bad knee and back and these shoes just help reduce the impact from daily walking. Please look at my photo of the thickness of the sole.

In addition the shoes feature a non-slip sole and they do help you increase your muscle tone and balance.  They take some getting used to as the soles are not flat like traditional shoes. The curved surface of the sole and the thick cushioning make you constantly adjust your balance.  You do it sub consciously and as a result you are using your core muscles, hip muscles and leg muscles while doing this.  After a few weeks you will suddenly realize the difference and in my case my balance is greatly improved.  As my muscles got stronger my back pain and knee pain was reduced. It feels like you are walking on a piece of thick foam padding.

One issue that I did have is that on the inside of the tongue of the shoe is a square black label sown into the tongue for the size and model number.  For whatever reason both of my feet broke out in a rash exactly where that tag was positioned over my foot and in the same shape as the tag.  I never wear these shoes without thick sports socks so it caused this rash through the sock.  I just cut out the label and then everything was fine.

These shoes are very comfortable and rugged.  My old pair still looks almost brand new after 18 months of use and wearing them every day.  I love Sketchers Shape-up shoes and that is why I keep buying them!  I think you will like them too.