For those seeking comfortable and supportive footwear, Skechers has emerged as a top choice with its diverse lineup of casual sneakers and walking shoes.
Two of Skecher’s most popular categories are the Relaxed Fit and Shape-Ups lines.
But with overlap in areas like cushioning and flexibility, which is better for your needs?
Skechers Relaxed Fit vs Shape-Ups
The main difference between Skechers Relaxed Fit and Shape-Ups is that Shape-Ups have a unique curved sole designed to engage more muscles during walking, while Relaxed Fit shoes prioritize extra room and a roomy toe box for comfort.
| Feature | Skechers Relaxed Fit | Skechers Shape-Ups |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | Roomy, relaxed fit through toe box and midfoot | Snugger supportive fit |
| Cushioning | Lightly cushioned | Heavily cushioned |
| Support Type | Neutral support | Motion control and stability support features |
| Purpose | Casual everyday wear | Fitness walking, toning |
| Outsole | Flexible flat outsole | Curved rocker bottom outsole |
| Interior | Soft fabric lining | Mesh fabric lining |
| Insole | Memory foam insole | Kinetic Wedge soft foam insole |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavier than Relaxed Fit styles |
| Cost | Affordable pricing | More expensive than Relaxed Fit |
In summary, Relaxed Fit prioritizes casual comfort while Shape-Ups focus more on fitness with specialized support, cushioning and walking/toning features.
Fit type and intended activity differ most noticeably between the two Skechers lines
Understand the pros and cons, see how real customers rate each and determine which model works best for your lifestyle.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Skechers Relaxed Fit
- Provides a roomier, more relaxed fit in the toe box
- Extra width and depth for more comfortable wear
- Good for those with wider feet or who prefer a more spacious fit
- Still maintains Skechers’ signature comfort features
Cons: Skechers Relaxed Fit
- The roomier fit may not provide as much support and stability as a more contoured shape
- The extra width can make the shoe feel a bit less streamlined in appearance
Pros: Skechers Shape-Ups
- Unique rocker-bottom sole design that claims to tone muscles and improve posture
- May help improve balance and promote a more natural gait
- Provides a good level of cushioning and support
Cons: Skechers Shape-Ups
- The rocker-bottom design may take some getting used to and feel unnatural at first
- Claims about muscle toning benefits are controversial and not universally accepted
- More expensive than standard Skechers models
Which Shoes are Good for Different Activities
Shoes for Running
- Skechers Relaxed Fit: The Relaxed Fit line is designed more for casual everyday wear and not high-impact activities like running. It does not have the specialized cushioning and energy return features needed for optimal running performance.
- Skechers Shape-Ups: The Shape-Ups are not recommended for running. They have a rocker-bottom sole design that is intended to promote muscle activation and improve posture, but this is not optimal for running.
Shoes for Walking
- Skechers Relaxed Fit: The Relaxed Fit shoes provide decent comfort and support for moderate walking. The flexible, cushioned midsole can help absorb some impact, making them a reasonable choice for light walking.
- Skechers Shape-Ups: The Shape-Ups’ rocker-bottom design is intended to encourage muscle activation while walking, which can help tone leg muscles. However, the design may not provide as much shock absorption as a traditional walking shoe.
Shoes for Standing All Day
- Skechers Relaxed Fit: The Relaxed Fit line is a decent option for standing all day, with its cushioned midsole and flexible design helping to reduce foot fatigue. The comfort level is suitable for prolonged standing.
- Skechers Shape-Ups: The Shape-Ups’ rocker-bottom sole and toning features can help engage leg muscles while standing, which may help improve posture and reduce some discomfort. However, the design may not provide as much direct underfoot cushioning and support as a shoe designed specifically for all-day standing.
Now that you have an overview of the Skechers Relaxed Fit vs Shape-Ups differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.
Overview of Skechers Relaxed Fit
| Brand | Category | Ideal Use |
| Skechers | Lifestyle sneakers | Casual wear, walking |
The Skechers Relaxed Fit collection focuses on delivering adjustable softness and cushioning for lasting comfort.
The shoes are roomier through the forefoot with a rounded toe box to allow your feet to sit naturally.
Relaxed Fit models also have shock-absorbing midsoles and flexible rubber traction outsoles ideal for light activity or long days on your feet.
These are easy, pull-on comfort shoes meant for casual wear.
The Relaxed Fit line comes in various low-top and high-top styles suitable for walking, travel, jobs requiring long hours on your feet, or everyday wear.
Key Features:
- Roomy toe box: Allows feet to sit naturally
- Cushioned insole: Provides underfoot comfort
- Shock absorption: Reduces impact through heels and arches
- Flexible outsole: Adapts to the walking stride
- Slip-on design: Easy to take on and off
- Lightweight: Prevents fatigue from wearing
Overview of Skechers Shape-Ups
| Brand | Category | Ideal Use |
| Skechers | Walking/Trainer sneakers | Fitness walking, toning muscles |
The Skechers Shape-Ups line uses rocker sole technology designed to promote a natural walking stride and enhance muscle activation through your legs and glutes.
The unstable bottom rolls from heel to toe, requiring balance and muscle engagement with each step.
These fitness trainers additionally have cushioned, supportive insoles and flexible outsoles for shock absorption.
Shape-ups aim to mimic walking barefoot on soft sand or grass. They energize your stride to tone while you walk.
There are options for both men and women, with models including low-top sneakers and cross-training outdoor styles.
All provide a gently unstable base to keep your muscles firing even during casual everyday activities.
Key Features:
- Rocker sole: Promotes natural gait; keeps muscles engaged
- Cushioned insole: Comfort where you need it
- Shock absorption: Reduces impact on heels and arches
- Lightweight: Prevents walking fatigue
- Muscle toning: Firms glutes and legs with every step
Comparing Key Features
While Skechers Relaxed Fit and Shape-Ups share some similarities, they differ in the overall feel and objectives.
The overview below directly compares models across the critical elements people consider when choosing comfortable footwear.
Fit and Sizing
| Feature | Relaxed Fit | Shape-Ups |
| Toe Box | Roomy fit | Narrow (needs break-in) |
| Sizing | Runs large; order 1/2 size down | Runs small initially |
| Width | Multiple options (medium/wide/X-wide) | Medium width only |
Relaxed Fit shoes are specifically designed to allow ample room through the forefoot and toe area for a looser, more spacious fit.
Shape-Ups have a snugger profile putting your feet closer to the elevated heel and rocker sole technology. This leads many wearers to recommend ordering Shape-Ups a 1/2 size up.
Cushioning and Support
| Feature | Relaxed Fit | Shape-Ups |
| Heel Cushion | Well-cushioned | Moderately cushioned |
| Arch Support | Neutral; lacks orthotic features | Mild support from the insole |
| Cushion Durability | Breaks down faster (>1 yr) | Holds up longer (~1 yr+) |
Skechers Relaxed Fit offers plush step-in comfort and cushioning, relying on thick foam insoles for shock absorption and underfoot softness.
In contrast, Shape-Ups have firmer midsoles directing energy return and controlling overpronation just enough for reinforcing arches.
Outsole and Stability
| Feature | Relaxed Fit | Shape-Ups |
| Outsole | Flexible non-marking rubber | Flexible durable rubber |
| Traction | Multi-directional | Impact-oriented traction |
| Stability Features | Minimal; flat outsole | Elevated heel and rocker sole base provide inherent stability |
The outsoles equally focus on flexibility for promoting natural foot movement.
However, the Relaxed Fit maintains a flat base relying simply on the grip pattern for traction.
Shape-ups build stability through the curved sole engineering.
Skechers Shape-Ups
The feedback on Shape-Ups leans more mixed between enthusiasm for the way they energize walking strides and ample frustration oversizing/comfort until properly broken in.
Most reviews advise ordering a half or full size.
Pricing Comparison
You can likely find both Skechers Relaxed Fit and Shape-Ups on sale for under $50 if you search beyond the official website.
But compare the list pricing below for their typical cost range based on technology and materials.
| Model | List Price Range | Average Sale Price |
| Skechers Relaxed Fit | $50 – $70 | $30 – $55 |
| Skechers Shape-Ups | $80 – $100 | $60 – $90 |
Shape-ups cost more for the proprietary rocker sole system designed to promote a heel-to-toe rollover stride.
But you can often find select Relaxed Fit styles under $50, especially previous season colors. Both go on promo below retail frequently.
User Reviews & Ratings
See how customers rate these popular Skechers shoe lines:
Skechers Relaxed Fit
| Site | Rating | What Customers Like |
| Skechers.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Roomy, comfortable fit |
| Zappos | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Lightweight feel |
| Amazon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Affordably priced |
Reviewers like the spacious design of Relaxed Fit, saying it accommodates wide feet and swelling comfortably.
They also highlight affordability and cushioning. Complaints focus on lack of support and minimal traction.
Skechers Shape-Ups
| Site | Rating | What Customers Like |
| Skechers.com | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Rocker sole engages muscles |
| Zappos | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Stylish look |
| Amazon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Toning effect while walking |
The feedback on Shape-Ups is mixed between praise for the muscle activating rocker design and frustration around narrow sizing needing a break-in period.
Most reviews advise ordering 1/2 to a full size up for best comfort.
Conclusion
For easy everyday cushioned comfort, Skechers Relaxed Fit offers a roomier fit and lightweight shock absorption perfect if you remain mostly inactive or have foot pain issues.
The slip-on silhouette works well for travel, casually running errands, or jobs requiring extensive time on your feet like retail, nursing, or teaching.
In contrast, Skechers Shape-Ups better serve fitness walkers wanting to energize muscles while training.
The dynamism keeps your lower body toned while the step-in softness still brings versatility for all-day use once broken in. The curved sole feels most balanced for active users.
Ultimately, choosing between Relaxed Fit and Shape-Ups comes down to weighing your priorities for casual shoes beyond looks. Need unlimited comfort accommodating swelling or orthotics?
Relaxed Fit is your best bet. Want to put a little bounce in your step while running errands or walking the dog? Choose Shape-Ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Skechers Relaxed Fit shoes provide arch support or help with overpronation?
No, the Relaxed Fit line offers a neutral level of support best for flat feet. Those needing stability, pronation control, or custom orthotics should look at Skechers Go Walk or Skechers D’Lites.
Can you replace the Skechers Relaxed Fit insoles?
Yes, the insoles are removable to accommodate custom orthotics if needed. You can also replace the included insoles every 6-12 months as compression sets in.
How long does it take to get used to Skecher rocker sole Shape-Ups?
Generally it takes 2-4 weeks of consistent wear for your muscles and joints to adapt to the gently unstable Shape-Ups curved sole. Persist during the break-in period for best toning results.
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