Ask Abbi: Shape Up or Ship Out

Anonymous Gym-Goer Writes:

What are your thoughts about those goofy-looking Shape Up shoes?

I got a pair of Skechers Shape Ups from my husband for Christmas. Coincidentally I got him the Iron Gym, an in-home pull-up bar, so not only are we both passive-aggressive, we're both a Slap Chop away from being infomercial drones. I was worried because I remember hating Moon Shoes.



When walking, I have to take careful strides because if my foot drags on the ground, I trip. They are designed to embarrass you if you don't pay attention, so they are a work-out shoe in the way your schoolyard bully was a personal trainer. I don't know if it has toned my gluts or if they're just sore because I naturally clench them whenever I make eye contact with people on the subway.

The inside is like marshmallows! Part of me feels like all shoes will be made this way in the future, and part of me feels like this Franken-boot will go the way of the Thigh Master. It may be just another work out fad that gets lazy, fat people to spend their money. Either way, the more I see them on television the more I feel better about my decision to wear them...while watching television.

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