Have you ever bought a pair of shoes, only to discover they’re no longer available? It’s a common problem – many brands come and go, especially in the world of fashion. And while some products are short-lived, others have staying power. Skechers Shape Ups were one of the more popular fitness shoes, until they were suddenly discontinued in 2017. So why did Skechers discontinue Shape Ups? In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the decision, and how the shoe has been replaced.
Skechers discontinued their Shape Ups line in 2013 due to a decrease in sales. The company decided to focus on other lines, such as the Skechers GOwalk and Skechers Performance. The Shape Ups line was designed to promote weight loss and toning, but the company decided the technology was not popular enough with customers to continue.
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Why Did Skechers Discontinue Production of Shape Ups?
Shape Ups from Skechers were designed to tone and strengthen the body as users walked in them. They had a curved, rocker sole that provided instability, forcing the muscles to work harder and engage more with each step. The shoes became popular as an easy way to get in shape, and Skechers sold millions of pairs. However, in 2012 the company stopped producing them and no longer offers them for sale.
The immediate reason for the discontinuation was a legal settlement. In 2011, Skechers was ordered to pay out $40 million to customers who had purchased Shape Ups after the company was accused of making false and misleading claims about the shoes’ health benefits. Skechers also agreed to stop making Shape Ups and other toning shoes as part of the settlement.
The settlement was a major factor in the shoes’ discontinuation, but it was not the only one. Skechers had been in business since 1992, and by the time Shape Ups were released the company had already produced dozens of different shoe models. The toning shoe market was becoming increasingly crowded, and Skechers decided to focus its efforts on other products.
Declining Popularity of Shape Ups
By the time the legal settlement was announced, Shape Ups had already begun to decline in popularity. The shoes had become popular in 2009, but by 2011 sales had begun to drop. Customers found that the shoes were uncomfortable and difficult to walk in, and the claims that they could make users toned and fit had been debunked.
The shoes’ design was also an issue. The curved sole was difficult to get used to, and the shoes had to be replaced frequently because the rocker sole wore down in a short amount of time. Furthermore, the shoes were expensive, and customers found that they could purchase other types of shoes that provided similar health benefits for a lower price.
The combination of all these factors made Shape Ups difficult to sell, and Skechers decided to stop producing them. The company chose to focus on other types of shoes instead, and it released several new models in the years after the discontinuation of Shape Ups.
Shape Ups’ Impact on the Shoe Industry
The discontinuation of Shape Ups had a major impact on the shoe industry. The shoes had been a major success for Skechers, and their popularity led other companies to create their own toning shoes. Companies such as Reebok, New Balance, and Avia all released toning shoes, and the market quickly became crowded.
The settlement and discontinuation of Shape Ups led to a decrease in the popularity of toning shoes in general. Customers were wary of the claims made by the companies, and they were unwilling to invest in shoes that were expensive and uncomfortable. This led to a decrease in sales for all the companies that produced toning shoes, and the market eventually dried up.
The discontinuation of Shape Ups also had a major impact on Skechers. The company had invested a lot in the shoes, and their discontinuation led to a decrease in revenue. Skechers was forced to focus on other products, and it has since released several new models that have been more successful.
Skechers’ Future Plans
Skechers has no plans to bring back Shape Ups, and the company is focusing on other types of shoes. The company has released several new models in the years since the discontinuation of Shape Ups, and it has become one of the leading shoe brands in the world. Skechers is focusing on producing comfortable and stylish shoes, and its designs are popular with customers.
The company is also focusing on developing new technologies, such as its Memory Foam cushioning system. The cushioning system provides superior comfort and support, and it is featured in many of the company’s shoes. Skechers is also investing in other technologies, such as its GOrun line of shoes, which are designed to provide support and cushioning for runners.
Skechers is continuing to focus on creating innovative and comfortable shoes, and it is unlikely that the company will return to producing Shape Ups any time soon. The company is focused on producing quality shoes that provide comfort and support, and it is continuing to invest in new technologies to provide customers with the best products possible.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are Skechers Shape Ups?
Skechers Shape Ups are a type of toning shoe that was designed to help people with their fitness goals. The shoes have a unique sole which has a curved shape that helps to give the wearer extra stability and cushioning. The design also helps to increase the range of motion in the ankle, knee and hip joints, which helps to improve the effects of an exercise routine. The shoes also incorporate a balance board which helps to encourage the wearer to engage the core muscles while walking or running.
2. What were the benefits of Skechers Shape Ups?
Skechers Shape Ups were designed to help people with their fitness goals. The shoes are designed to help people improve their balance, posture, and stability. The shoes also help to improve the range of motion in the ankle, knee and hip joints, which helps to make exercise routines more effective. The shoes also help to engage the core muscles while walking or running, which helps to strengthen the core and improve overall stability.
3. Why did Skechers discontinue Shape Ups?
Skechers discontinued Shape Ups in 2014 due to a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC alleged that Skechers was making false and unsubstantiated claims regarding the health and fitness benefits of the shoes. As a result of the lawsuit, Skechers was required to pay $40 million in consumer refunds.
4. What other products did Skechers introduce after discontinuing Shape Ups?
After discontinuing Shape Ups, Skechers introduced a number of other fitness-focused products. These include the Skechers GOrun series of running shoes, the Skechers GOwalk series of walking shoes, and the Skechers GOmeb series of running shoes. These shoes also incorporate elements of toning shoes, but do not contain the curved sole or balance board of the Shape Ups.
5. Are there any other toning shoes similar to Shape Ups?
Yes, there are a number of other toning shoes available on the market which are similar to Shape Ups. These include the Reebok EasyTone, the New Balance True Balance, and the MBT Sport. These shoes all incorporate elements of toning shoes, such as a curved sole and balance board, and are designed to help improve the user’s balance, posture, and stability.
6. Are Skechers Shape Ups still available?
No, Skechers Shape Ups are no longer available. The shoes were discontinued in 2014 due to a lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Skechers was required to pay $40 million in consumer refunds as a result of the lawsuit, and the shoes are no longer in production.
Skechers Shape Ups Land Company $40 Million Fine for Toning-Shoe Claims
After years of success, Skechers discontinued Shape Ups in 2014 as the company shifted its focus to other product lines. The shoes had become a popular choice for those looking to improve their physical fitness and overall health, but ultimately were too expensive to maintain and produce. The company’s decision to discontinue the product line came as a disappointment to many loyal customers, but was an inevitable part of the ever-changing business cycle. In the end, Skechers’ decision to discontinue Shape Ups was a business one, yet it still left a lasting impact on the industry and those who used the product.
