40 best Skechers training shoes

What to expect from the best Skechers training shoes

The Skechers brand is known for marrying style and functionality. Since it entered the market in 1992, it has been promoting itself as a manufacturer of lifestyle footwear that could be used for various types of activities.

Like its other categories, Skechers training shoes are designed to be versatile. They are created using lightweight but durable materials that can endure rigorous training sessions. The upper is usually built of soft jersey, knit, or mesh fabrics which are pliable and breathable. These materials allow the foot to flex naturally and aerate the foot chamber, keeping the temperature at a comfortable level.

Most Skechers training shoes employ a single unit for its midsole and outsole. This type of construction keeps the weight of the trainer down and maintains a flexible nature. Some models utilize rubber pods in the high-wear areas to enhance durability and traction of the underside.

Types of Skechers training shoes

Skechers offers different kinds of footwear, including sandals, work, lifestyle, and training shoes, but they all have one thing in common - all of them are crafted to be comfortable for all-day wear. Skechers training shoes fall under the brand’s Sport and Performance categories and are usually named after the type of midsole used such as Flex Appeal, Elite Flex, Skech-Air, Skech-Flex, and FlexSole to name a few. All these midsoles have two things in common: they are made to be flexible to allow freedom of movement and soft to provide comfort and shock attenuation.

How to find the perfect pair of Skechers training shoes

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a new athletic shoe: type of activity it will be used for, price, fit and sizing, and style. Each of these elements could influence which pair a consumer would buy.

Activity

Skechers training shoes are meant to be used for various types of indoor and outdoor workout sessions. Though most of them use a single unit of foam for the midsole and outsole, the compound is engineered to be hard-wearing, so the platform does not get quickly worn out. Some Skechers training shoes employ rubber pods in the high-friction areas, amplifying the traction and durability of the sole unit so that they last longer. Thus, a pair of Skechers trainers could be utilized for casual wear, walking sessions, cross-training, dance classes, and many other athletic activities.

Pricing of Skechers training shoes

The price of an item could greatly affect the decision-making process of an individual. Some people will purchase footwear just because it is under $50 while others aren’t that bothered with the cost, as long as it is made of high-quality materials and is durable. Skechers training shoes are one of the most affordable on the market, ranging from $55 to $70.

• $55 - $60. Consumers who are new to working out can’t go wrong with Skechers training shoes since they are very affordable. For as low as $55 you could get a pair of basic Skechers training shoes like the Dynamight model which features an athletic mesh fabric with a bootie construction for an easy slip-on or slip-off action. It has bungee laces that deliver a locked-down fit but also allows the foot to move when needed. The sole unit is manufactured using a full-length foam cushioning that attenuates shock and promotes natural foot flexion. Inside is a Memory Foam sockliner that contours to the crevices of the underfoot for maximum coverage and comfortability.

• $61 - $74. Shelling out ten more bucks could afford buyers Skechers training shoes with more technologies such as the Flex Advantage 2.0 - The Happs. This model utilizes a one-piece Skech-Knit Mesh woven fabric that is soft and breathable to keep the foot comfortable and cool. It uses the FlexSole midsole which is a type of foam material that is lightweight yet durable since it also serves as the outsole. The high-wear areas are protected by rubber pods that not only amplify durability but also provide traction to the underside.

• $75 and higher. For those who want all the bells and whistles offered by Skechers training shoes, be prepared to spend about $75 for them. These trainers, like the Skech-Air Varsity, employ proprietary technologies such as the Skech-Air midsole which is intended to enhance cushioning and stabilize the rearfoot during workouts. Fabric eyelets could also be found in these higher priced Skechers training shoes as they serve to amplify the lateral support offered by the upper.

Fit and sizing

Skechers training shoes mostly come in a medium width profile, D for men and B for women. However, there are models that can be obtained in wide, 2E for men and D for women. Male users with even broader forefoot have 4E wide Skechers training shoes to choose from.

As for the sizing, it depends on the model of the trainer. But in general, Skechers training shoes for the male population are offered in US sizes 6.5 to 14, while women’s footwear typically comes in 5 to 11.

Some models are designed to give a sock-like fit because of how the upper was crafted. These trainers are usually the ones that sport a bootie construction and may or may not employ a lacing system that would allow users to adjust the fit to their liking.

Style

Skechers training shoes come in different styles. Some have uppers made of the proprietary Skech-Knit for a sock-like fit. Others wield mesh or jersey which are also soft and breathable but not as form-fitting as a knitted fabric. Some Skechers training shoes have a traditional lace-up closure, while others are equipped with bungee cords that don’t need to be tied but offer a locked-down fit. Some sport a slip-on style that may or may not use a lacing system. As for which style of Skechers training shoes to purchase, that solely depends on the wearer's preference.

Select special technologies used in Skechers training shoes

5GEN

This proprietary cushioning technology is engineered to be lightweight, flexible, and hard-wearing. It is produced with a high rebound property that enables it to reduce shock felt by the foot and the rest of the lower extremities and at the same time use that energy to propel the foot forward for the next step.

Air-Cooled Memory Foam

This foam insole is crafted to mold to a person’s foot, allowing it to deliver full coverage. It aims to enhance the protection and comfort offered by the midsole and at the same time keeps the air inside the footgear circulating for proper aeration.

Dual-Lite

Some Skechers training shoes are equipped with Dual-Lite, a type of midsole cushioning with two different densities. One is firm to give steadiness to the platform, while the other is soft to add shock-absorption and prevent discomfort.

FlexSole

This full-length foam midsole is intended to facilitate natural foot flexion. It is lightweight and flexible but is also firm enough to steady the foot while working out. Like other midsole technologies, it is also meant to decrease shock felt by the foot and lower extremities.

Skech-Air

The Skech-Air element is a part of the midsole that uses transparent rubber material and trapped pressurized air to enhance rearfoot cushioning. It also adds a stylish flair to the shoe since it uses transparent rubber, helping the people see how it works to keep their foot comfortable.

Skech-Knit mesh

The Skech-Knit mesh is a type of lightweight fabric that is created to conform to the shape of the foot to deliver maximum coverage and support. It is pliable, which promotes natural foot flexion, and at the same time breathable which ventilates the foot chamber.

History

After stepping down as the chairman and chief executive officer of L.A. Gear, Robert Greenberg launched another company called Skechers which started out selling Dr. “Doc” Martens boots. Eventually, Greenberg’s passion for designing and creating shoes reemerged and in 1992, the brand launched the Chrome Dome, an androgynous footwear with a worn-out and scuffed look. This pair became widely famous and iconic to the Skechers brand.

Though the brand started out as an urban streetwear accessory, it expanded into the athleisure market. The company produced footwear that is aimed at athletes who like to wear their workout shoe for everyday, casual wear.

Skechers has different footwear categories such as Sport, Casual, Relaxed Fit, You by Skechers, Performance, D’Lites, Skechers Streets, Mark Nason Los Angeles, Work, Sandals, Boots, and Bobs. Because Skechers training shoes are versatile, one pair could fall into two or three different categories. Some walking shoes or sneakers are also marketed as training shoes.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Skechers training shoes?

It depends on the type of activity you will be participating in. If you are more into taking walks, doing yoga or Pilates, the Performance GOwalk series might be more comfortable for you to use. But if you are looking for a cross-training footgear, then Skechers training shoes under the Sports category will probably be a more suitable choice.

How do I clean my Skechers training shoes?

Depending on the material used on the Skechers training shoes, the brand has different recommendations on how to clean them but the general rule is not to machine wash any of its training shoes as the tumbling action could deform the trainers.

Using a clean, dry brush, remove the excess dirt from the upper and the sole unit. Make a soapy mixture using warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Dip a clean brush or cloth into the soapy mixture and clean the dirty footwear or just the affected areas. Then dip a clean brush or cloth in clean, warm water to rinse off the soapy solution off the Skechers training shoes. Allow the footgear to air dry for 10 to 12 hours to ensure that it is completely dry.

The brand recommends using Skechers Water Proofer Spray to protect shoes from water and stains. To prevent odor from forming, a deodorizing spray like the Skechers Odor Eliminator Spray could be applied to keep the inside fresh and odor-free.

If the shoe has been fully submerged in water, the brand does not recommend putting it inside a dryer as the heat could deteriorate the shoe. It is advisable to put crumpled up newspaper inside to absorb the excess water and then air drying it for 12 to 24 hours.

Can Skechers training shoes be customized?

No, unfortunately, the brand has yet to offer a way for consumers to customize their pair of Skechers training shoes. The good news is, there is a wide range of Skechers training shoes available in the market.

Can I run in Skechers training shoes?

Yes, you can run wearing Skechers training shoes, but your feet might hate you for doing that. Though training shoes have cushioning, it is not as thick as the ones used in running shoes. Therefore the shock absorbency of the midsole is not the same and running in training shoes, especially long-distance runs, could be brutal to person’s feet.

How much do Skechers training shoes cost?

Unlike other brands, Skechers training shoes are quite affordable and they fall well below $100. Those new to training could purchase a pair for only $50 but if you want technologies such as the Skech-Knit upper or the Skech-Air midsole component, then be prepared to shell out $60 to $75 for them. Skechers drop the prices of its products a few times a year, so you could score a pair of training shoes for as low as half its original price. Also, shopping on RunRepeat guarantees you get the best deal for the trainers you like.

When should I replace my Skechers training shoes?

Generally, training shoes are replaced every six months to ensure that the shoe maintains adequate underfoot cushioning and the upper remains supportive. But several factors could affect the replacement cycle. If the Skechers training shoe is seldom used, then its lifespan may be longer than six months. If it is used extensively, several times a week, then the footwear might need replacing even before the sixth-month mark. There is no strict rule, as long as the midsole still effectively absorbs shock, the outsole still has traction, and the upper is still able to lock the foot down, then the footgear is good to use. It is important to replace training shoes to prevent discomfort or injuries while working out.

Author

Nicholas Rizzo

Nick is a powerlifter who believes cardio comes in the form of more heavy ass squats. Based on over 1.5 million lifts done at competitions, his PRs place him as an elite level powerlifter. His PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Forbes, Bodybuilding.com, Elite Daily and the like. Collaborating along the way with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.