Shape Up with Shape Up Shoes

If you’re always looking for ways to exercise without actually going to the gym then you’ll love Shape-Up Shoes. These oddly-shaped platform flip-flops promise to work out your legs during your daily activities—and they definitely deliver on that promise.

The shoes are basically three-inch platforms with the heel and toe cut out, meaning you’re balancing on the balls of your feet and, if you lean back, you get a great calf stretch, forward—you can balance on your toes. They take a little getting used to but after awhile walking becomes pretty easy (if you’ve ever worn platform sandals you’ll probably catch on pretty quickly).

The real workout in these shoes comes from standing still because you are constantly balancing. After standing for a few minutes I looked like I’d had too many margaritas with all my swaying back and forth and my calf muscles were burning. Simple chores like doing the dishes and cleaning my room became actual work-outs much to my delight.

Of course, you need to use caution with these extremely clunky shoes. Avoid stairs unless you’re incredibly coordinated—and even then keep a firm grip on the handrail. Uneven surfaces are also difficult to navigate. I caught myself loosing control on a gravel path and on my inclined drive way. Those with weak ankles beware. And while this should be obvious, don’t drive in them; you really don’t need three inches of foam between your foot and the pedal, okay?