Are Skechers Good Walking Shoes? – Full Guide

Skechers Logo

The simple answer is, yes, Skechers are good walking shoes. But what exactly makes them so good?

Before you purchase a new pair of walking shoes, there must be many things running through your mind, and one of them must be, What makes a good pair of walking shoes? You have probably walked into some shoe shops and seen some Skechers sneakers and wondered to yourself, Are Skechers good for walking?

What Makes a Good Pair of Walking Shoes?

Podiatrists generally agree on these features of a good pair of walking shoes:

1. Comfortable cushions which support your foot and arch. 

Removable insoles are also useful as they can be taken out to dry or be replaced by newer ones.

2. Wide toe box. 

The shoe should have a spacious and round toe box to prevent callus formation and allow freedom of movement of your toes in order to minimize fatigue.

3. The coverings of the shoe should be either made of leather, mesh, or synthetic. 

For more breathability, mesh is a good choice.

With these features in mind, the simple answer to the question is, yes, Skechers is good for walking.

Which Brand of Shoes Are Best for Walking?

Based on one study done on RunRepeat which attempted to compare the reviews for different brands of shoes, they found that the average rated brands by users are ranked below.

Average prices and user ratings across brands
Average prices and user ratings across brands

As you can see, Skechers ranks first in both affordability and user ratings. We couldn’t help but wonder why this brand is so loved by all, so we decided to read and write up about this brand, in order for you readers to better understand what choices are available, what makes them so good, and who can wear them.

You can read more about the study here: Expensive Running Shoes Are Not Better Than More Affordable Running Shoes (Study)

What is Skechers?

Skechers has been around since the 1990s, and people have been talking about how comfortable Skechers shoes are. The owners of Skechers are Robert and Michael Greenberg.

Robert started the company in 1992 and had previously launched LA Gear. He quit LA Gear and formally resigned as CEO after launching the Skechers brand.

Skechers are recognised for their incredible performance and supportive design. Some of the many reasons as to why they are such a popular brand for comfortable walking shoes is because they have so many different styles, and they last for so long. But the biggest question is: Are they really good for walking? Let’s find out.

Why Are Skechers Good Walking Shoes?

We have researched on people’s responses to Skechers, and we have found that these are the reasons why the general public loves Skechers so much for walking:

1. Soft memory foam insoles

 This is one of the most distinct features of Skechers. If you know someone who wears Skechers, you probably would have heard from them that wearing Skechers feels like wearing nothing at all!

Their air-cooled memory foam technology allows exceptional cushioning and support for those of us who need to wear a pair of closed-toe shoes for long periods of time, such as for work.

It is also super airy, especially those with mesh coverings, which means that your feet are able to breathe from within, and you can have a much more comfortable experience throughout the day.

2. Convenient slip-ons

It is so much easier to wear slip-ons compared to the traditional lace-up design for all types of shoes. For strolling and working purposes, there is no need for lacing up when our activities are not that vigorous or do not involve much movement.

There is so much time and energy saved from wearing slip-ons when you just want to go out for a walk. However, Skechers cares about the experience for all, and therefore lace-up designs are still available for those who wish for more stability, such as those who would like to go for brisk walking or jogging.

3. Suitable for multiple occasions

You have probably seen your office colleagues wearing Skechers sneakers to work, and they don’t make them look out of place because their designs are so sleek and simple that you can wear them almost anywhere.

A pair of black or grey slip-on Skechers can be worn for many different events, like formal dinners, daily office work, or a casual day out with friends. In short, they’re very versatile! What’s not to love?

4. More affordable compared to other brands

Skechers are considered really good investments for those who want a pair of good-quality shoes without breaking the bank. One study revealed that Skechers is the top-rated brand for shoes and the most affordable one for running shoes.

Skechers generally costs an average of $92 based on the study we mentioned earlier.

This is a lot more affordable than other brands, such as

  • Nike – $115
  • Adidas – $122
  • Hoka One One – $155
Skechers is the number 1 rated brand
Skechers is the number 1 rated brand

After considering all of the above factors, it is easy to see why Skechers is so loved by all and is ranked number one among many shoe brands.

Read more: Expensive Running Shoes Are Not Better Than More Affordable Running Shoes (Study)

Are Skechers approved by podiatrists?

Yes, Skechers has specially designed their shoes to be podiatrist-approved.

Their Arch Fit and Stretch Fit features always get the podiatrists’ thumbs-up because their insoles often mold to the shape of your feet, providing a good amount of support for your  midfoot and your heel.

The coverings are also very flexible, which means that it will not be too tight for those with large toe boxes. For diabetic patients, especially, this can help prevent calluses, and later, ulcers. Since they use breathable mesh, this also means there would be less sweating. Buildup of sweat could result in the growth of bacteria on skin, which could then lead to bad odor. And no one likes stinky feet!

Related: Skechers launches podiatrist-certified walking shoes

Are Skechers good for foot problems?

Yes. We have previously written about how Skechers is suitable for those who have plantar fasciitis. It’s not only their walking shoes that’s good for plantar fasciitis, but they also have flip-flops which are good for people struggling with this as well.

Plantar fasciitis is a painful sensation on the sole of the foot. This pain usually comes on in the morning once you step onto the floor after getting out of bed.

Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis

Does this sound like you? Fret not. Skechers has your back. You can check out the Skechers Women’s On-The-Go 600-Sunny Flip-Flop if this problem is affecting you.

Skechers does not go wrong in making comfortable footwear for plantar fasciitis. It features a lightweight and responsive 5GEN cushioning midsole that makes you feel like you are walking on air.

The Skechers Goga Mat footbed offers comfort with every step while supporting the arch of your foot. The deep heel cup ensures alignment while maintaining good posture for your foot. It features a knit upper, which makes you feel like walking on a yoga mat. You might be wondering what makes the Goga Mat insoles different from the memory foam insoles. While both insoles are comfortable, memory foam is better for everyday use, while Goga Mat is more recommended for exercise and activities that involve more movement such as jogging, running, jumping, etc.

Related: Best Flip Flops for Plantar Fasciitis

What Are The Best Walking Shoes from Skechers?

Let’s get down to business and discuss the actual series of walking shoes that Skechers has. We shall start with the most widely known GO WALK series, which have garnered interest worldwide by men and women alike.

BEST OVERALL – Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit

Skechers GO WALK Arch Fit
Skechers’ GO WALK Arch Fit

Our best choice is the Skechers’ GO WALK Arch Fit collection, which features a removable, supportive cushioning insole system for a more comfortable walking experience.

The reason why we love this so much is because it has an insole that covers and protects the heels while supporting the arch, which molds itself to your foot to minimize shock and evenly distribute your weight under the midfoot, reducing discomfort during walking.

Since the insoles are removable, it is also possible to replace them when they are worn out.

 

SECOND BEST OVERALL – Skechers GO WALK Joy

Skechers GOwalk Joy
Skechers’ GOwalk Joy

Coming in second place is the Skechers GO WALK collection. 

As you can tell from the name, it is yet another series good for walking. They come in various colors and materials and can be in either slip-on or lace-up designs. 

If your feet are of average size, any form of closure will do. But if your feet are either especially narrow or wide, you’ll benefit from the increased flexibility that traditional laces provide.

Their Stretch Fit feature means that the mesh material of the coverings is stretchable and highly breathable, so they fit the structure of your feet and allow your toes to move freely.

Comfortable walking shoes for women

Of course, we must not forget to talk about the specific types of shoes which are designed for women, to be worn and matched with stylish tops. These are some of the more feminine-looking walking shoes that women of all age groups would most likely prefer:

1. Skechers Women’s GO WALK 5-Honor Sneaker

Skechers Women's Go Walk 5-Honor Sneaker
Skechers Women’s Go Walk 5-Honor Sneaker

Not only are these Skechers sneakers comfortable for walking, they are also very stylish. For women who like a sleek and minimalist design, this slip-on sneaker is perfect for you! Its design also makes it suitable for work, and it is surely going to turn some heads in the office because they simply look great!

Imagine yourself on a Monday morning running late for work. You have a few pairs of work shoes, and you see this laceless pair of sneakers. You simply slip your feet into them, and in just a few seconds, you’re out the door. They’re just the perfect no-fuss sneakers, especially  for women  who are always on the go.

 

2. Skechers Women’s Summits-Quick Getaway Sneaker

Skechers Women's Summits-Quick Getaway Sneaker
  Skechers Women’s Summits-Quick Getaway Sneaker

For the ladies who prefer something with a little more oomph, these quick getaway sneakers are perfect for a casual day out with friends or loved ones. This slip-on sneaker features a soft heathered jersey knit upper with a bungee-laced front and cushioned memory foam comfort insole.

It’s always fun to trick people into thinking that you painstakingly tied your shoelaces when, in reality, the shoelaces don’t even exist!

3. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker

Skechers Women's D'Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker
Skechers Women’s D’Lites Memory Foam Lace-up Sneaker

This series provides cushioned comfort as all the other brands, with an Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole, and Goodyear rubber outsole. It is designed to be a lace-up rather than  a slip-on, which is a good change of pace from what we mentioned previously.

This also features a leather and synthetic upper which provides better stability, especially for those with unstable midsoles, such as those with the tendency to overpronate (see later for further explanation).

Not to mention that it has a very sleek design and is stylish for all occasions! We highly recommend the white pair featured above as it goes well with any outfit.

 

Good walking shoes for men

Now moving on to walking shoes for men. These are some shoes which are more masculine-looking, which can also provide proper comfort as well as style for men of all generations.

1. Skechers Men’s GO WALK Max-54601 Sneaker

Skechers Men's Go Walk Max-54601 Sneaker
  Skechers Men’s Go Walk Max-54601 Sneaker

It is no surprise that Skechers has such a wide variety of designs for their GOwalk sneaker series.

The use of Comfort Athletics™ technology takes performance and comfort to the next level in the Skechers GO WALK Max – Effort shoe. This lace-up athletic walking style features a nearly seamless air-mesh upper with lightweight 5GEN cushioning midsole and outsole, plus Goga Max comfort insole.

As always, Skechers provides style and comfort on a budget.

 

2. Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra

Skechers Men's Go Walk Evolution Ultra
Skechers Men’s Go Walk Evolution Ultra

As always, Skechers is a great leader in walking technology.

This series has the Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat, which provides breathable insoles and high-rebound cushioning effect. It also features lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO cushioning and high-rebound ULTRA PILLARS for the ultimate walking comfort.

The upper side of the shoes are made of mesh for maximal comfort. The slip-on design  features dual side elastic panels for optimum flexibility too.

 

3. Skechers GO WALK 5 – Qualify

Skechers Go Walk 5 - Qualify
Skechers Go Walk 5 – Qualify

So far, we’ve been talking mostly about slip-ons. How about a change of pace? Here’s a pair of lace-up walking shoes that you can wear for more vigorous activities such as brisk walking or even soft jogging.

This lace-up walking style features a breathable knit mesh upper with lightweight ULTRA GO cushioning midsole, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ insole, and high-rebound Comfort Pillar Technology for added support.

 

Why Do My Feet Hurt After Wearing Skechers?

Some people struggle with feet pain after wearing Skechers for a long time. However, we have found that this applies not only to  Skechers shoes but also to a lot of other brands. That is because wearing shoes for a long period of time can cause some foot problems, such as pain or injury.

So what are some of the problems that people have with wearing walking shoes?

General Problems with Walking Too Much

Generally speaking, most shoes are not made to be worn for walking or running long periods of time. This means that anyone who wears Skechers to walk tens of thousands steps throughout the day will inevitably suffer the consequences of foot pain.

1. Friction causing discomfort

Some of the designs with nylon laces will cause friction to the upper part of the feet, which can lead to discomfort or skin damage.

This is a common problem for all shoes in general, especially those who walk a lot every day. That is why Skechers has come up with a solution for it – their slip-ons are lace-free, and super comfortable to wear.

2. Stiff insoles causing discomfort

Some Skechers insoles are designed to be hard and stiff initially, which will soften with time to mold the shape of your feet.

For people with flat feet or very high arch, the insoles may be uncomfortable initially, because they can be very hard, which make it uncomfortable to walk on.

It is therefore better to find shoes with a more specific design for the type of midsole support that you will need for your feet type.

Who Should Be More Cautious with Skechers Walking Shoes?

It is worth noting that some people might struggle with Skechers more than the others, and we have managed to find out who exactly should be more cautious when it comes to wearing their walking shoes.

1. People with flat feet.

First of all, this does not apply to all Skechers series, as different series come with different types of insoles.

The Skechers Arch fit is definitely a good option for people with flat feet, whereas Skechers Shape-ups are the total opposite.

The Skechers Arch Fit series has a removable and flexible insole that allows it to mold to your foot shape. They also help to distribute pressures in all directions, making it a comfortable choice for your flat feet.

The Skechers Shape-ups have stiff rubber soles and do not allow a comfortable walking experience for the wearer at first. It can cause the development of foot pain for people with flat feet.

2. Running athletes.

Walking shoes and running shoes should be considered separately. For people who wish to run, their shoes should be designed to be more supportive, as there will be excessive movements compared to someone who only walks in these shoes.

Injuries to the ligaments can happen without proper support when running, for example, someone who is wearing the Stretch Fit walking shoe series may accidentally sprain their ankles. This is because the flexible mesh materials overlying the runner’s feet are not made to provide stability for running athletes.

3. Those with a tendency to overpronate (inward collapse of midfoot).

As mentioned previously, the flexibility of Skechers walking shoes come at a cost for those with foot problems, and in this case, for those with the tendency to overpronate their feet.

This diagram below shows what it means to have overpronating feet:

Overpronation
Overpronation

Running shoes would usually have stronger materials that protect people from overpronating, but the walking shoes series tend to use the more breathable and flexible mesh materials, which allow the feet to move freely and allow maximum comfort. However, this lack of support obviously comes at the cost of risk of injuries.

In conclusion…

Overall, it is safe to say that Skechers sneakers can provide good comfort and support for your daily casual walks with their Arch Fit and Stretch Fit features, which both reduce the pressure over your soles and allow more flexibility for your feet.

Not only are Skechers comfortable and safe for most people, they are also very versatile in their appearance, ranging from black-and-white sleek designs to attract those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, to bright and colorful designs made to appeal to those who are more bold and adventurous when it comes to footwear.

It is important for us to remind you, however, that it is always best to seek professional consultation before buying any shoes, especially if you have any foot problems like we mentioned in the previous segment.

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Read Also:  How to Wash Skechers Shoes in 5 Steps (Longer Lasting)

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