Comments on: Skechers Shape-Ups for Weight Loss?

By: Ells Lewis, Ph.D.

Ells Lewis, Ph.D. — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 14:38:47 +0000

You’re right about weight loss… and you got some laughs. But you would do readers a greater service by going less for cynical yuks, and more for a rounded (intended) view. It is a bit disingenuous to dis the research on Skechers, only to wind up by praising the research on the Massai- after acknowledging its similarities. And you should know better than to use a placebo response as an argument; one of the ways an unstable shoe works is to serve as a constant postural reminder. I myself have no weight problems (former X-country runner), but have joint problems (as many people with weight problems will develop). The first time I took a walk in Skechers, I didn’t want to stop walking. It took sooo much jarring out of even walking, that I walked three times as far as I usually would. I soon realized that I will always own a pair. I don’t care for the looks, but I keep them in the car and put them on whenever I have much walking to do. I would not endorse them for weight loss per se, and I think that Skechers can be justifiably criticized for this. But this is not a balanced critique. Frankly, what comes through in your writing is condescension. Is that what you’re striving for?

By: “Shape Up” Shoes — Active Body & Wellness

“Shape Up” Shoes — Active Body & Wellness — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:10:58 +0000

[...] Another interesting review: http://speedweightlossbook.com/blog/research/skechers-shape-ups-for-weight-loss/ [...]

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:33:01 +0000

Thanks for the research. I was ready to buy into all the hype and buy a pair. Thanks again.

By: Matt Schoeneberger M.S.

Matt Schoeneberger M.S. — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:01:26 +0000

I’m glad you liked it, Alyssa. How does your Mother like the MBTs? Does she have them for PT reasons?

By: Alyssa

Alyssa — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 19:23:33 +0000

Matt, what a great article! I laughed the entire time while reading it aloud to my mother (who owns “the original” MBTs, which I believe is where Skechers got the idea). I’m so glad to have the inside scoop on these gimmicks!