I was recently asked to review a pair of Skechers Shape Up trainers. Now, y’all know I’m not a trainers kinda gal. Y’all know I’m not even a trousers kinda gal, which really precludes any need for trainers of any description unless you’re Lily Allen. What y’all may not know is that for a while I was a bit of a gym bunny – I used to go every single day, without fail – to the point where the receptionist actually had to tell me to go home when I tried to work out whilst the air con was broken mid heatwave – it was far too dangerous to work-out safely, but I really didn’t want to miss that high…

Since then I have become… somewhat lazier. Being unfit affects my self-esteem in ways I don’t like – I am self-conscious if I get out of breath while walking and talking at the same time (the fact I could SHUT UP occasionally never crosses my mind ) and although I’m never exactly slim – even on a daily routine of an hour and a half cardio, steamed veg and fish for dinner and a lunchtime salad without dressing – I hate the difference in how my clothes fit (or don’t!) when I’m not working out. I also hate the lethargy – after a few days of training the pure energy that starts pumping through my veins can’t be beaten.

All of which seemed a good reason to take the trainers for a test-drive. Well, that and the fact that these trainers? Are pretty funky. They remind me of the shoes the cool lads used to wear on their skateboards that I coveted, with their chunky soles and clean design. They almost made me regret throwing away my hand-inserted super-wide flares a couple of years back! (Man, I loved those tatty old things.)

So, I chose the least trainer-y design, the Skechers Shape Ups black and white style. They were delivered to my office, and my first bout of excitement came when I realised they came with TWO sets of laces – black AND white so you can choose which you prefer! (I liked the white, FYI!) Then I tried them on and Wow. I’m not saying that most trainers wouldn’t be more comfy than my daywear of choice (i.e. heels!) but these were especially comfy. Being Shape Ups, like the Fit Flops I reviewed previously, I think it was to do with the support in the arch and the bouncy soles.

The trainers come with an explanatory DVD with full directions on getting the most from them, and although I was skeptical about needing to be told how to walk, I soon realised I actually don’t always do it… right! So I recommend sparing the time to watch!

Overall the trainers come with my highest recommendation. Again, I’m not sure yet just how well they work, but they did get me off my sofa and out of the door – which is no mean feat of late!

Skechers Shape Up trainers, available from Fitness Footwear £89.95 £80.95