Skechers Shape-Ups vs FitFlops – Comfort & Style Battle!

If you’re searching for shoes to keep you comfortable while walking and working out, Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops are likely on your radar.

But what sets these rocker-bottom shoe brands apart?

I’ll contrast the designs and features of Shape-Ups vs FitFlops shoes and sneakers to help you determine the best choice for your needs and comfort preferences. Let’s dive in!

Skechers Shape-Ups vs FitFlops

The main difference between Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops is that Shape-Ups use a pronounced rocker sole design to shift weight improving tone while walking, while FitFlops have a midsole that absorbs shock and mimics barefoot walking. Shape-Ups focus chiefly on engaging muscles passively through the curved shape, whereas FitFlops aim to tone while absorbing each step.

Both brands ultimately target improved posture and comfort.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Skechers Shape-Ups vs FitFlops Shoes:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	FitFlop Shoes
Rocker Sole Type	Soft kinetic wedge midsole	Microwobbleboard midsole
Cushioning	Good shock absorption	Moderate cushioning
Muscle Engagement	Provides some toning benefits	Designed for more toning benefits
Stability	Less stable with curved sole	Okay stability but still curved sole
Weight	Heavy for athletic shoe	Average weight
Uppers	Leather or mesh fabric with overlays	Leather, mesh fabric, sequins, etc
Width Options	Medium or wide widths	Narrow to wide widths
Ideal For	Toning while walking	Muscle toning while walking
Health Benefits	Engages leg/core muscles for toning	Improves posture, engages core muscles more
Break-In Time	Minimal break-in period	Bit longer break-in time
Price Point	$$	$$$

In summary, both Skechers and Fitflop utilize a rocker sole design to engage leg muscles more while you walk for toning benefits. Fitflop’s Microwobbleboard technology targets more muscles for better toning, but the break-in period takes longer.

Overall Skechers offers better value and comfort, while Fitflops focus more on style with fashionable uppers.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Designed to help tone and strengthen leg muscles
• Rocker-bottom sole promotes better posture and balance
• Available in a variety of styles and colors
• Relatively affordable compared to some other toning shoes

Cons: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Mixed reviews on effectiveness of toning claims
• Some users report discomfort or instability when first wearing
• Potentially not as suitable for high-impact activities
• Brand not as widely recognized as FitFlop

Pros: FitFlops

• Designed with ergonomic, biomechanically-engineered soles to promote muscle activation
• Known for comfort and support, especially for all-day wear
• Wide range of styles, from casual sandals to athletic shoes
• Positive reputation for quality and effectiveness

Cons: FitFlops

• Generally more expensive than Skechers Shape-Ups
• Smaller selection of styles and colors compared to Skechers
• Toning and strengthening benefits may not be as pronounced as claimed
• Durability may not be as high as other athletic shoe brands

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

• Neither Skechers Shape-Ups nor FitFlops are really designed for running. Both have rounded, unstable soles that are not well-suited for the demands of running.
• Independent studies have found that both Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops provide less shock absorption and energy return compared to running-specific shoes from brands like Nike or Asics.
• For running, it’s best to choose a shoe specifically engineered for that activity, rather than the fitness-focused designs of Skechers Shape-Ups or FitFlops.

Shoes for Walking

• Both Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops are better options than flat-soled shoes for walking. The rounded, destabilizing soles engage more leg and core muscles.
• Studies suggest the increased muscle activation from Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops can lead to improved posture, balance, and calorie burn during walking compared to traditional flat shoes.
• However, the heightened instability of both designs can also cause quicker fatigue in some walkers compared to more stable walking-focused shoes.

Shoes for Standing All Day

• For prolonged standing, Skechers Shape-Ups may have a slight advantage over FitFlops. The Shape-Ups feature more substantial midsole cushioning and support.
• This additional cushioning and stability in the Skechers shoes can help reduce foot, leg, and back fatigue during long periods of standing compared to the thinner sole of the FitFlops.
• That said, both the Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops are designed to engage more muscles and provide more comfort than flat, unsupportive shoes for all-day standing.

Now that you have an overview of Skechers Shape-Ups vs FitFlops Shoes differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.

Shoe Technology and Intended Benefits

First, what are Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops originally engineered to do? Here’s an overview:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
Concept	Rocker-bottom “fitness shoe” designed to engage more leg muscles and improve posture/alignment while walking	Patent-pending midsole intended to mimic walking barefoot on the sand by altering gait and engaging “neglected” leg muscles
Key Technologies	Kinetic Wedge midsole for natural motion, Dynamic Diamond midsole sensor for feedback, Microwobbleboard cushioned midsole	Microwobbleboard midsole (different densities of EVA foam in a single-unit sole), ergonomic straps/footbeds, durable lightweight outsoles
Intended Benefits	Tone glutes and legs while walking, Improve circulation, Relieve pressure on joints (knees, ankles, feet)	Tone legs/bum while you walk, Improve posture and circulation, Absorb shock better, Relieve arthritic joint/back/knee pain through corrected stance

Now that we understand the core concepts and goals behind Shape-Ups and FitFlops, let’s see how specific models and features compare…

Construction and Materials Comparison

Skechers Shape-Ups and FitFlops take different approaches when it comes to materials used:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
Upper	Leather, synthetic leather, mesh fabric, wool blend knit	Leather, synthetic leather, custom woven mesh
Footbed	Fixed cushioned EVA and fabric footbed	Removable microfiber-covered neoprene foam footbed
Midsole	Patented high-density Kinetic Wedge midsole, DynaMic sensors in the heel	Patented single-unit Microwobbleboard midsole
Outsole	High abrasion rubber	Durable rubber
Straps/Buckle (sandals)	N/A – all sneakers	Metallic tone accented straps + buckle closure
Average Weight	11-13 oz	8-10 oz
Waterproof?	No	No
Insulation/Liner	Some wool-blend knit uppers	Shearling lining on select styles

A few things stand out right away:

• Skechers uses layered, sturdier upper materials like leather and tightly knit wool blends while FitFlops favors flexible, lightweight mesh fabrics.
• FitFlops have removable footbeds to accommodate orthotics vs. Skechers’ fixed cushioned footbeds.
• The FitFlop Microwobbleboard midsole differs in that it’s a single-unit sole of different density foam vs. Skecher dual-material wedge.
• Straps and buckles feature prominently for FitFlops sandal styling while Skechers focuses on sneakers.

So how do these elements come together on foot for walking and wearability?

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Fit, Sizing, and Width Comparison

The way these rocker-sleeve shoes fit can greatly impact their long-term comfort factor. Here’s how they size up:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
Fit	Curved sole hugs arches; toe box suits average to slightly wide feet	Contoured footbed suits average to slightly wide feet; strap adjustment
Size	Runs true to size	Runs true to size
Width	Wide and extra wide available for select women’s styles; wide and extra wide available for select men’s styles	No width options – average fit
Length	Order standard size	Size up 1/2 size if feet longer than average

Skechers Shape-Ups accommodate wider feet better for those needing a roomier toe box. They fit true to size length-wise.

FitFlops don’t come in wide widths but allow some adjustability with straps; size up instead for longer feet. They also run true to size.

For the best stability, be sure to secure FitFlop straps snugly without restricting circulation.

Weight and Lift Comparison

Do these shoes feel relatively lightweight and flexible or substantial and supportive? Details:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
Average Weight	11-13 oz	8-10 oz
Heel Lift/Height	1.5 inches	0.8 inches
Flexibility	Less flexible sole	Flexible sole
Cushioning	Very cushioned	Medium cushioned
Intended Activity Level	Moderate to high activity walking/exercise	Low to moderate activity walking

The numbers show FitFlops have a noticeably lighter weight feel than the sturdier Skechers build. They have less heel lift as well.

This translates to FitFlops offering more flexibility for natural foot movement while Skechers supplies reinforced cushioning better suited for higher mileage and impact.

Price Comparison

With advanced technologies engineered into both brands, what is the cost investment?

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
MSRP Pricing	$80-$120	$90-$140
Average Discount Price	$60-$100	$50-$120
Sales Season	Year-round	Seasonal

MSRPs fall within the same ballpark for both initially. However, Skechers Shape-Ups go on sale more consistently year-round at major retailers given their bestselling status.

FitFlops heavily discounts select styles during seasonal sales events making pricing very competitive if you can catch your size. Sign up for email lists to receive advance notice!

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User Reviews and Ratings

Curious how real customers rate their experience with these rocker sole shoes across comfort, fit, style, and durability? See standout reviews below:

Review Highlights	Rating	Skechers Shape-Ups	Fitflops
Effectiveness	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“I can feel my posture improving and my legs toning up more walking in these versus regular sneakers!” – Amanda T. “Takes pressure off my knees and back when standing or walking long hours.” – Andre G.	“Firmed up my leg muscles and lifted my booty wearing these over a beach vacation week in Mexico!” – Julia R “The arch support helps with my lower back pain issues.” – Sara P.
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“Super cushioned and supportive. Took a few weeks to break in but now molded perfectly to my feet.” – Kim L. “Great for my flat feet; feels like I’m walking on air now!” – Tyrone D.	“Love the squishy comfort, almost like walking on sand. My feet never feel fatigued.” – Anne F. “The toe grip is great for stability as I walk.” – Steve M.
Style	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“Trendy enough to wear out while still looking like ‘real shoes’ and not orthopedic.” – Mary G. “The wool knit style goes with everything and keeps my feet warm.” Monica H.	“Cute strappy styles that dress up walking shorts and jeans casual look perfectly.” – Lauren J. “Glad to find sandals purpose-built for comfort as I get older.” – Alison K.
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“Have gotten years of heavy use out of different Shape-Ups with the treads holding up nicely.” – John P. “The foam cushioning compressed a bit by year 3 but still works.” – Patrice T.	“Held up through lots of airport security checks and mileage traveled with no issues.” – John S. “The footbed peeled a bit but didn’t affect feel or function after 2 years.” – Julie W.

Both emerge as solid options for posture and joint relief along with leg toning potential. Shoppers praise customized arch and foot support from each as well.

The Verdict: Which is Best For You?

At the end of the day, should you add Skechers Shape-Ups or FitFlops to your day-to-day footwear mix? Here are some deciding factors:

👟 Choose Shape-Ups if you want: reinforced cushioning and stability for moderate to high activity walking, proprietary rocker sole technology clinically tested to engage muscles, accommodates wider feet.

👡 Go with FitFlops for: extreme lightweight flexibility allowing natural foot movement, versatile all-occasion styling from dressy sandals to casual shorts, and a removable footbed to add orthotics.

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Conclusion

Skechers Shape-ups and FitFlops take a similar approach to shoe design with unstable rocker soles aimed at increasing muscle activation and calorie burn.

Both brands are mainstream options for women looking for comfortable footwear that also provides potential posture, toning, and weight loss benefits.

However, FitFlops tend to put more emphasis on their contoured midsole as the hero feature, while Shape-ups call more attention instead to their curved sole’s shaping effects.

And Skechers generally offers much more affordable pricing at almost half the cost of most FitFlop styles.

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