A while ago, before they were on shelves everywhere and billboards and magazine ads, I blogged about Sketchers Shape-Ups-a moon-shoe looking sneaker that apparently helps people lose weight.

I doubted their ability to do so then, and I still do now.

Now, I haven't done extensive research on whether Shape-Ups actually help people lose weight. But apparently someone else has.

First, I guess there are all different kinds of these shoes in all different brands. They all basically preach the same purpose-to tone your bottom, increase your balance and help your posture.

Well, according to this article on MSN.com, the shoes actually can help you do all of the above-BUT you have to be careful because this type of footwear could easily cause a strain.

http://health.msn.com/fitness/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100253065

What I'm wondering is, do any of you use these types of sneakers? Do they work for you? Why or why not?