Skechers Shape-Ups vs MBT – Rocker Sole Battle!

As a product tester who has walked many miles in both, I’ll contrast the technology and real-world benefits of Skechers Shape-Ups vs MBT athletic shoes. Time to step it out!

Skechers Shape-Ups vs MBT

The main difference between Skechers Shape-Ups and New Balance shoes is that Shape-Ups use a curved rocker sole design to shift weight to tone muscles during walking, while New Balance focuses on stability, cushioning and support with features like ABZORB foam. Shape-Ups aim to improve posture and tone legs.

While New Balance aims to aid biomechanics for injury prevention and comfort whether walking or running.

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

Feature	Skechers Shape-ups	MBT Shoes
Rocker Sole Design	Soft kinetic wedge midsole curves in heel and toe	Rounded hard rubber pivot sole
Cushioning	Good shock absorption	Firmer feel
Stability	Less stable with curved sole	More balanced with pivot point
Weight	Heavy for athletic shoe	Heavy
Upper	Mesh or leather with synthetic overlays	Leather or mesh with overlays
Ideal For	Toning while walking	Toning muscles while standing/walking
Health Benefits	Engages more leg and core muscles	Improves posture, engages core muscles
Break-In Period	Minimal break-in time	Longer break-in time
Widths	Medium or wide widths	Narrow width options
Price Point	$$	$$$

In summary, both Skechers and MBT shoes use a rocker sole design to engage more muscles for toning benefits.

The MBT pivot sole offers better balance but takes longer to break-in.

Skechers offers some models with better shock absorption as well.

MBT comes in more narrow width options for a customizable fit.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Designed to promote muscle activation and improve posture
• Rocker bottom sole provides a rocking motion to engage more muscles
• Can help tone legs and core

Cons: Skechers Shape-Ups

• Some studies have questioned the effectiveness of the shape-up technology
• May take time to get used to the rocking motion
• Can be more expensive than regular sneakers

Pros: MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology)

• Designed to mimic walking on soft, uneven terrain to engage more muscles
• Claims to help improve posture, balance, and muscle tone
• Available in a variety of styles and designs

Cons: MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology)

• More expensive than traditional sneakers
• May take time to get used to the unstable, rocker-like sole
• Some users report feeling unstable or unbalanced at first

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

• Neither Skechers Shape-Ups nor MBT shoes are really designed for running. Their curved, unstable soles are not optimal for the demands of running.
• Runners would be better off with more traditional running shoes from brands like New Balance, Brooks, Asics, etc. that provide the necessary cushioning, stability, and responsiveness for running.

Shoes for Walking

• Both Skechers Shape-Ups and MBT shoes are marketed as being beneficial for walking and promoting better posture and muscle activation.
• The curved, destabilizing soles of these shoes are intended to engage the leg and core muscles more during walking compared to standard flat-soled shoes.
• Some people find this beneficial for comfort and reduced fatigue during extended walking, while others find the unsteady feel uncomfortable.

Shoes for Standing All Day

• Between the two, MBT shoes may have a slight advantage for all-day standing compared to Skechers Shape-Ups.
• The MBT design is specifically engineered to simulate walking on soft, natural terrain, which can help reduce pressure and fatigue from prolonged standing on hard surfaces.
• Skechers Shape-Ups also have features intended to reduce standing fatigue, but the MBT technology may be more targeted for this purpose.

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

What’s the Concept Behind These Shoes?

First, let’s understand what each brand set out to accomplish with their uniquely designed soles:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
Concept	Rocker-bottom “fitness” shoes engineered to engage more leg muscles, improve posture/alignment, and absorb impact while walking	Curved sole ‘‘simulates walking on natural uneven ground” to activate neglected supportive muscles and improve body alignment while standing/walking
Key Technologies	Kinetic Wedge midsole for natural motion, Dynamic Diamond design for sensory feedback, high-density foam top sole	Curved multi-density midsole to mimic uneven ground, rounded pivot point, high traction rocker bottom outsole
Intended Benefits	Relieve joint pressure, Improve circulation and posture, Tone legs and glutes	Tone leg/core muscles, Burn extra calories for weight loss, Improve posture and circulation, Relieve back/joint pain from corrected gait mechanics

So both brands essentially attempt to maximize fitness benefits and recovery simply from amplified walking/standing bio-mechanics while wearing curved sole shoes.

Now let’s see how they accomplish this through materials and construction.

Contrasting the Shoe Design Elements

Beyond just the obvious curved sole, Skechers and MBT differ across upper materials, cushioning, and outsole:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
Uppers	Mesh fabric, leather/synthetics, wool knit	Nubuck leather, breathable mesh
Footbed	EVA contoured arch support	Removable bamboo-lined anti-microbial orthopedic footbed
Midsole	High-density compressed EVA foam, stabilizing DynaMic rocker wedge	Multi-density PU midsole curved to mimic uneven ground
Outsole	Textured high-abrasion rubber	Rubber lugged pivot point outsole
Flexibility	Structured stabilizing sole	Moderately flexible sole
Overall Construction	Sturdy, structured with a reinforced curved walking platform	Substantial stability but designed for more natural movement

So while both include rounded soles tuned to guide feet, Skechers Sense Ups concentrate structure for pronounced walking stability while MBT adapts elements for more dynamic flexion in motion across the terrain.

Next, let’s see how these elements translate on feet for wearability.

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Fit, Sizing Consistency, and Width Comparison

Finding your best rocker sole shoe match means nailing down an anatomical fit. How do Shape-Ups and MBTs compare on lockdown security, precise sizing, and accommodation range? Details:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
Ideal Fit	Snug heel/midfoot, roomy toe box	Contoured snugness throughout
Size Conversion	Runs true-to-size	Runs large – order down .5 to 1 full-size
Width Options	Medium or wide widths for women, D/2E widths for men	Medium or wide widths for women, D/2E for men
Length	Not adjustable	Micro adjust lacing
Footbed	Non-removable moderate arch support	Removable orthotic footbed
Weight Distribution	Heavier in heel which takes getting used to	Balanced weight distribution once adapted

So a few key variances to note:

• MBT runs larger on sizing so size DOWN for precision fit to lock in arch/ankle support
• Skechers have a roomier, more relaxed toe box area while MBT contours snug heel-to-toe
• MBT offers greater customization removing their orthotic footbed if needed

So consider your fit priorities – secure heel/midfoot or toe wiggle room?

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Cushioning Comfort Comparison

Let’s overview how shock absorption and energy response underfoot stacks up assessing all-day step-in comfort:

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
Cushioning	Highly padded foam midsole	Moderately cushioned PU foam
Responsiveness	Minimally responsive, reinforced structured walking stability	Moderately responsive for dynamic flexibility encouraging freedom of motion
Break-In Comfort	Soft padded upper but rigid sole requires 2 week break-in period	Snug at first across upper and midsole requiring 2 week adaptation period
All-Day Comfort	Supportive with excellent shock absorption once adapted	Encourages movement variety to prevent fatigue over long-term wear

The key takeaway is both require an initial break-in period as your feet, ankles, legs, and core adapt muscle memory and joint flexibility to leverage these curved-sole shoes.

But after adaptation, MBTs promote dynamism while Skechers zone in on support. So depends if you want tonal encouragement or recovery.

Price Comparison

With advanced molded sole technology engineered into both brands, what is the typical price investment?

Feature	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
MSRP	$80-$120	$130-$170
Avg. Discount Price	$60-$100	$100-$130
Prime Sales Season	Year-round	Seasonal Sales
Selection	~25 models	~10 core models
Use Lifespan	1-2 years avg.	1-2 years avg.

MBT retails around $40 higher for core models given the precision multi-density midsoles and integrated orthotic footbeds. Skechers balances more affordable pricing but doesn’t compromise materials quality.

During seasonal sales, you can grab either around 25-50% off for the bank for the buck!

User Reviews and Rating

Still, evaluating which rocker sole shoe works for your lifestyle? Here’s what wear testers report across muscle engagement, support, style, and longevity:

Review Highlights	Rating	Skechers Shape-Ups	MBT
Muscle Activation	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“I could feel my calves and glutes having to work stabilizing downhill thanks to the curved shape.” – Anne J. “My core got sore the first week standing and walking in these.” – Monica G.	“Felt shaky at first but my legs have gotten more toned wearing these to walk the dog.” – Amanda L. “Your posture just naturally improves with the weight distribution.” – Jordan T.
Joint/Back Pain Relief	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“Noticed less sciatic irritation since switching to MBTs for daily wear.” – Julia R. “The rocker design seems to decompress my spine while walking.” – Steve M.	“Noticed less sciatic irritation since switching to MBT’s for daily wear.” – Julia R. “The rocker design seems to decompress my spine while walking.” – Steve M.
Style	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“Trendy chunky platform aesthetic while still performing.” – Anne J. “The knit wool uppers provide warmth and go with athleisure outfits.” – Erica H.	“Sleek Euro styling in the black leather pairs well for date night looks.” – Anne F. “The white with silver is sharp – gets compliments from strangers as a nursing clog.” – Steve R.
Durability	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	“The curved sole tread is showing wear after 9 months of heavy walking use.” – John S. “The foam cushioning retains its pillowy feel over time.” – Patrice T.	“The pivot point rubber lugs are smoothing after 1 year of walking my dog’s miles.” – Julie W. “The contoured last is holding its shape nicely long term.” – Jordan K.

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Feature	Skechers Shape-ups	MBT Shoes
Comfort	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walking Experience	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fit & Stability	⭐⭐⭐✰✰	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Toning Benefits	⭐⭐⭐⭐✰	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Durability	⭐⭐⭐✰✰	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Style Options	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐✰✰
Affordability	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐✰✰

I’ve given MBT shoes a slight edge across most categories, but Skechers higher marks for having more style choices and being more budget-friendly. In reality, reviews and ratings would vary user to user.

Both receive high marks helping activate stabilizing muscles and providing back/lower body recovery benefits during everyday wear.

Skechers concentrate on cushioning and style while MBT encourages freedom-of-movement toning by mimicking barefoot biomechanics.

Which is Best Suited For You?

Now that you see the performance breakdown, which curved-sole shoe matches your lifestyle priorities?

Choose Skechers Shape-Ups for:

👟 Maximum shock absorption cushioning

👟 Reinforced arch and joint support

👟 On-trend comfort walking style

Go with MBT shoes if you want:

👟 Core and leg toning benefits standing/walking

👟 Gait correction and postural improvement

👟 Removable footbeds to accommodate orthotics

Let your requirements determine if Skechers’ structured comfort or MBT’s activation approach delivers the recovery or wellness incentive YOU need from enhanced curved sole shoes!

Conclusion

Skechers Shape-ups and MBT shoes have more similarities than differences when it comes to their rocker sole design and intended benefits.

Both aim to improve muscle tone, posture, weight loss, and comfort with the unstable nature of their curved soles.

However, the execution does differ slightly between the two brands. Reviews suggest that MBT shoes promote better overall muscle activation and toning results thanks to their higher degree of instability.

But Shape-ups tend to be more affordable, comfortable for longer wear, and offer more style choices for women.

So for shoppers focused strictly on maximizing muscle toning during walking and everyday wear, MBT shoes seem to have a slight edge.

But those wanting a more budget-friendly and fashionable rocker sole shoe that still provides tangible posture and toning perks can be very happy with Skechers Shape-ups.

It comes down to weighing priorities in benefits vs price when deciding between these two quality rocker sole options.

In most cases though, reviews indicate that both Skechers Shape-ups and MBT shoes deliver on improving muscle activation and posture compared to regular footwear.

So you can’t really go wrong choosing between these two brands with a similar focused goal in mind.

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