Hi -
I was asked these questions yesterday. I said no to the shoes -  don’t waste your money - marketing - could be harmful. I was told never use ankle weights while walking due to gait issues and I believe the rule of thumb is Do NOT use weights while doing a step class (though I still see this done in gyms).
3 part question: What are your thought on .......Specialized shoes for exercise ie: Sketchers “shape up” shoes,  weighted shoes and walking or doing step aerobics with weights?? Patty

I was asked these questions yesterday. I said no to the shoes -  don’t waste your money - marketing - could be harmful. I was told never use ankle weights while walking due to gait issues and I believe the rule of thumb is Do NOT use weights while doing a step class (though I still see this done in gyms).

And why is that?

What are your thought on .......Specialized shoes for exercise ie: Sketchers “shape up” shoes,  weighted shoes and walking or doing step aerobics with weights?? Patty

What is their reasoning for wearing specialized shoes? And are you talking about sports or just cardio?

First, don’t try to mix endurance and strength. Keep your weight training workout and cardio separate. I don’t see any logical reason to do step with weights.

The adaptations to cardio and strength are just diametrically opposite.