Skechers Tone-ups: FitFlop look-alike or more?

I’ve been gripped by a shoe mania and was really in the mood for some new footwear yesterday. Originally, I had planned to get a pair of new heels but ended up with this! Skechers Tone-ups Meow Wedge Sandal complete with stitching accents and center disk detail. Doesn’t it resemble a FitFlop? Well, it seems to work like one too as it is said to tone and strengthen muscles in back, buttocks and legs as well as promote weight loss with regular use. The key difference is that Skechers Tone-ups sandals feature a unique, soft kinetic wedge insert and dynamic rolling bottom to mimic the sensation of walking barefoot over soft ground. Actually I couldn’t really tell the difference because it feels as comfortable as my FitFlop but retails at a lower price tag! I even saw one in the same design as my Electra FitFlop!

Comparison with FitFlop
However, when I went home and compared my new buy with my FitFlop, I found my new Skechers Tone-ups sandal slightly heavier. My current FitFlops is a size larger than 6 but the straps of Skechers Tone-ups sandal are definitely less fitting as I’ve tried a FitFlop in the same size and they fitted snugly. In terms of the foam footbed, both seem comparable. Packaging wise, I have to say that FitFlop is more upmarket in terms of their image as the shoe box is definitely more attractive and sturdy looking. Other than that, I can’t say too much as I haven’t taken my new Sketchers Tone-Ups for a walk. Still, I’m quite happy with my purchase because it cost me S$69 – S$20 cheaper than similar designs from FitFlop.

Ease stress on joints and promote correct posture
With the comfort of Skechers Tone-ups, it is said that you will feel your heel sink to the ground as you step, roll forward as your weight shifts to its center, and push off with your toes. This movement will result in stronger leg, buttocks, back, and abdominal muscles as you stabilize your steps and the simulation of soft ground will ease the stress on your joints, promote correct posture, and strengthen selected muscles as you naturally work to keep your centre of balance.

Availability in Singapore
Skechers is available at ION, Jurong Point, Suntec City and Tampines 1. I was told that the stores carry limited designs of the Skechers Tone-ups but you can check more of them at their roadshows at the following locations:
– Compass Point from 27 Apr to 2 May
– Bugis Junction from 30 Apr to 13 May
– Ion Orchard from 6 May to 9 May
I spotted around 10 designs in all and Skechers even has a similar design as FitFlop’s Electra in sequins; available in black, silver and gold and they’re at S$89. A similar pair from FitFlop would cost you S$109.90.

Anyway, I wonder if it’s just me but I don’t hesitate very much when it comes to buying flip flops or sandals.  However when it comes to heels, I sometimes spend weeks considering my purchase.

Comments

  1. Paris B says:

    I’ll certainly take a look at these when I’m down in Singapore next month ? (hitting up the sales) but I might be doing it in my Pietra FitFlops (if I can find them) Who knows!

  2. sesame says:

    I’m tempted by the Pietra you posted! ?

  3. loveless says:

    hi sesame,
    i’m curious as to how the skechers tone-ups measure up to the fitflops.
    do write an in-depth review after you test the tone-ups.

    the skechers shoes and flipflops seem to be mass-marketed modified and cheaper alternatives to mbt and fitflops. they didn’t come up with the ideas themselves and they’re riding on the waves created by the original. I wouldn’t take issue if they have improved on originals, but they seemed to be just cheaper copies with minor modifications for a bigger mass appeal and easy marketing. Nothing distinctive or innovative. This gives me doubt to the quality of their pdts.

    I admit I haven’t tried one, I only looked at it in stores and read the ad materials. That’s why I’m interested if you do a review and hope you do so. If it’s really value for money, that will be great news. Till then, my fitflops and my vibram five fingers will continue to be my choice.

  4. Angel says:

    I bought some of these! (they were a different brand, but same idea)
    They are very comfortable and I feel my back feeling straighter when I wear them! #k8SjZc9Dxk__#k8SjZc9Dxk
    I’ve also gotten some compliments on them, lol. One girl on campus told me that they were cool. ? I figure if I am gonna wear sandals, they might as help my posture & tone my legs! I don’t expect anything dramatic, but I do think that they work!

  5. Jyoan says:

    I am planning to get the Skechers sports shoes or (covered toes) sandals! I actually read in a magazine that these shoes don’t really really really work in terms of tone up. (Nike also has similar function shoe.) But I think a bit of tone up is really better than none, since I walk as much as 3-5 hours quite regularly when shopping.

    I am careful of flip flops though. My feet seems to need quite a bit of side support. I always feel pain gripping flip flops, so sandals or shoes is the way to go… =)

  6. Jyoan says:

    Oh, by the way, I am quite into soccer World Cup, and given my liking for Havaianas over Ipanema, I am tempted to get the limited edition World Cup designs. But the flip flop (no heel strap) is really holding me back.

  7. Jyoan says:

    Oops! And I forgot to say, this design looks really good on your feet! Matches the nail colour too.

  8. sesame says:

    I read one review that Skechers is good for longer walks cos the footbed is softer. I don’t really feel so. Although the footbed is comfortable but my first impression is Skechers may not be as comfortable for long distance walking without the snug fit from the straps.

  9. sesame says:

    That’s good. I can’t tell the difference but I’ll say my FitFlop is comfortable.

  10. sesame says:

    I think they call it shape-up. I was looking at it too but I don’t wear such shoes so it’ll be wasted money. They do look comfy though.

    Nah, I don’t think they tone up much. I didn’t feel any difference wearing FitFlops. Or maybe you need to really walk a long time to get the benefits. Perhaps the posture bit works…

  11. sesame says:

    Thanks for the compliment. That nail color is I’m Really Not A Waitress from OPI. It’s my all-time fave as it goes just about with anything. ?

  12. sesame says:

    With those flat flip flops without back strap, one really has to be careful. My hub bot a pair from Adidas and after weeks of wearing, they gave him callus. So it really depends on the design.

  13. loveless says:

    well, I have wore fitflops for about 6 hrs at least everyday for a period of 2-3 mths and my calf muscles really did look better. the butt is another matter tho the legs overall do look better toned.
    the most imptn thing is they are really comfortable and very good for rainy days with the thick soles.

    however, for people who have twisted their ankles or knees, I would advise them to stay off fitflops or skecher’s tone-ups until they recovered. Fitflops and Tone-ups have this de-stabilising effects and may make your ankle sprains worse. At least, this was the case for me.

  14. sesame says:

    So FitFlop can be used for long walks and does tone up muscles…I use it rather casually and don’t think I’ve walked over 2 hours at a stretch in it. Anyway, I regretted getting my FitFlop in a bigger size as the grip between my toes for my right foot is poor and as such, my toes feel sore after walking too long in it.

    And didn’t know anything about this de-stablizing effects! Thanks for sharing the info.

  15. Jyoan says:

    Oh I see, yesyes, they tone by destabilizing people, so the muscles have to work to balance. That’s nice to hear. At least now I can be more sure of my pending purchase. It’s really an investment… haha. Thanks loveless for the info.

  16. chenyze says:

    Hi sesame, do you know where in bugis junction? i didn’t see it anywhere )=

  17. sesame says:

    It’s supposed to be a roadshow but I don’t know which area cos it’s just printed as Bugis Junction.

  18. chenyze says:

    i went to the pushcarts area, to the “sales” part outside BHG along the main road, and the fountain area – no skechers. gotta try ion!

  19. sesame says:

    Maybe there has been a change…not too sure. It was on a pamphlet they printed and they also confirmed the dates and venue with me.

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  21. Randall says:

    Oops! And I forgot to say, this design looks really good on your feet! Matches the nail colour too.

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