7 Best Skechers Walking Shoes

Laci
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7 Best Skechers Walking Shoes
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Besides being a fashionable sneaker brand, Skechers also has a fantastic collection of walking shoes that you can wear comfortably around the town. With a plethora of shoe assortment available on the market, it's definitely a daunting task to pick which Skechers walking shoe suits your needs and style. 

Whether you're looking for a versatile pair to wear from the gym to the office or you're on the hunt for a kick that offers an amazing amount of support and cushioning, we've come up with our recommendations under various categories to help you out. 

But let us make something clear. Before we recommend a shoe, we ensure that it went through all the steps in our rigorous process of testing. One thing is for sure: we wouldn't suggest anything that we haven't tried and tested.

How we test walking shoes

For complete and well-founded reviews, here's our process:

  • We buy these Skechers walking shoes with our own money to avoid unbiased feedback.
  • We wear the shoes during our walks in concrete, cobblestones, and trails. Testers among us with foot issues also examined the shoes by sporting them in everyday activities. We even do light jogs and workouts in these shoes.
  • We put these shoes through a series of tests and comparisons in our lab to check their cushioning, support, and all other parameters. We even split the shoes in half and look inside to make sure that we don't miss anything.

Best Skechers walking shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Skechers walking shoe that stole our hearts during our rigorous testing process is the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit. It’s a master of all trades from top-notch and all-embracing comfort to outstanding quality!

One of the sources of our elating walks in this shoe is its cool environment that always keeps our feet fresh. To shed light on this matter, we released smoke inside the shoe. As the upper did fantastic in expelling the smoke, we rated the breathability a 4/5.

This shoe also greatly put us above the flooring, providing us with a hefty and comfy cushioning for us to land and distribute our weight. We substantiated this by measuring the midsole with our calliper. The heel punched in a 36 mm height, while the forefoot is 27.4 mm thick. These are significantly higher than the average by 15% and 30.5%, respectively. As is evident, the stress on our feet is mitigated, thanks to the generous foam.

With respect to its ability to last, the odds are in its favour, especially when our Dremel wasn’t able to completely drill through the shoe’s upper, heel, and outsole. In fact, our tool depleted the outsole by only 0.2 mm, which is almost negligible or 87.5% lower compared to the average. Due to the tough and stable nature of the shoe, we were counting on it to be stiff during walks. As it turned out, it took 19.4% more force than usual, or 21.5N to be exact to bend the shoe. If you prioritise smooth foot movements, we recommend picking other shoes.

Pros

  • Highly breathable
  • Outstandingly durable
  • Tonnes of cushioning
  • Super plush ride
  • Very supportive for flat feet
  • Really wide platform
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Adds height to wearers

Cons

  • Heavier than average
  • Not so flexible
Full review of Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit

Skechers walking shoes with the best arch support

What makes it the best?

Of all the Skechers walking shoes we have donned in our long walks and scrutinised in our lab, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 set itself apart for its incredible arch support. Our feet found a haven in the cushioning of this pair as it maintains our neutral foot alignment while walking. The best part is it delivered comfort and stability throughout the day.

There is no sensation of stress in our heels with the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0. One primary thing that caused this is their elevation due to the high heel-to-toe drop of this walking shoe. We measured it to be 15.2 mm, which is 43.4% greater than the average. When it comes to bolstering our feet and arches, we avoid marshmallowy softness. Fortunately with Skechers Arch Fit 2.0, the midsole is on the firm side, registering 30.4 HA in our durometer. This even transcended the average midsole firmness by 21.1%. 

When we tested it under a winter-like environment, aka our freezer, we found that the hardness of the midsole turned to 33.4 HA, which is closely aligned with the average plus demonstrated a slight change of 9.9% from the ambient temp. On our walks, this also didn’t exhibit a dramatic change.

What worried us was the durability of the shoe. The outsole sustained a significant 2.4 mm depression when we applied our Dremel to it. This is deeper by 60% than the average. If you’re seeking long-lasting shoes, better opt for other Skechers selections.

Pros

  • Amazing support for overpronation
  • Wide and stable platform
  • Tonnes of cushioning
  • Lighter than the Arch Fit 1.0
  • Perfect for all-day wear
  • Padded and cosy interiors
  • True to size and fit

Cons

  • Very poor breathability
  • Lacks durability
Full review of Skechers Arch Fit 2.0

Skechers walking shoes with the best comfort

Skechers Summits
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What makes it the best?

Skechers Summits is god-sent in terms of on-foot sensation, which is why we designated it as the Skechers walking shoe with superlative comfort. Every time we travel with Summits, our trips are no less than electrifying because of how this shoe quenches our feet’s thirst for goodness. 

One major contributor to the relaxed state of our feet is the non-constricting toebox of the Summits. In our lab, we measured the widest part of the toebox at 98.8 mm, which provided us with 0.9 mm of additional space compared to the average.

The shoe also oozes softness and pliability. In fact, when we poked our durometer into the midsole, it reflected 21.1 HA, which is 16.3% more cloud-like than average. Summits is also not hard to move at all when we are walking. We bent it using our digital force gauge and our device detected a low opposing force of 6.6N, which made it 63.3% more flexible than others.

Our only concern is the poor ventilation of the shoes which led to a clammy feeling in our toes. This manifested in our breathability test, where the upper discharged only a small amount of the smoke we deposited inside, therefore receiving a 2/5 rating. We suggest checking out shoes with porous uppers if you desire solid airflow.

Pros

  • Like walking on soft clouds
  • Super lightweight
  • Easy to put on and off
  • Very affordable
  • Highly flexible
  • Surprisingly durable upper
  • Suitable for casual attire

Cons

  • Lacks breathability
  • Exposed foam wears out fast
  • Memory Foam doesn't last long
Full review of Skechers Summits

Best slip-on Skechers walking shoes

What makes it the best?

The top-performing Skechers slip-on walking shoe among the ones we laid our tools and equipment on is the Skechers GO WALK Flex. It delivers an unmatched level of convenience, comfort, and ease while we are out, ruling the world during our walks! And the usual features we look for in a superb slip-on are also present: a gusseted tongue and a heel tab.

We liked how this slip-on nicely housed our feet. We found the reason behind this in our lab: the widest part of the toebox has a 99.5 mm width, which is 1.6 mm more spacious than the average. The platform of the shoe is also noteworthy, as our acquired 112.5 mm measurement in the forefoot and 92.5 mm in the heel both exceed the averages by 2.6 mm and 4.4 mm. This allowed us to be surefooted on our strolls.

Moreover, we didn’t have a hard time carrying the shoe on our feet even for long-distance walks. With only 7.73 oz (219g) flashed on our scale, GO WALK Flex is certainly light, and also 14.4% lighter than the standard! However, this came at the price of stability. Apart from discovering that it doesn’t comprise stabilising features, we observed that it easily caves into twisting, which leads to unsteadiness. If you strictly require supportive shoes, we advise exploring other selections.

Pros

  • Sock-like fit
  • Well-cushioned for all-day wear
  • Incredibly flexible
  • Pretty lightweight
  • Removable insole
  • Bends naturally with your feet
  • Plush, plush and more plush
  • Minimal design
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Not as breathable as expected
  • Slippery on wet surfaces
  • Poor sole durability
  • Not stable
Full review of Skechers GO WALK Flex

Best Skechers walking shoes with a sock-like fit

What makes it the best?

We are struck by the on-foot sensation of Skechers GO WALK 6 which we could only describe as magnificent. The upper of this shoe acted like our second skin, ensuring that our whole walking experience was as natural and as undemanding as ever. 

This walking shoe is moulded perfectly to our feet but constricting is something we can never call it. When we measured the broadest section of the toebox, we found that it surpassed the average by only 0.1 mm. Combining this with the stretchy upper gave us a good sense of what it feels like for our feet to be hugged nicely.

What blew our minds was the robustness of the shoe’s upper which we corroborated through our durability test. We employed our Dremel tool to see if the material would deteriorate but to our surprise, it didn’t break through the knit. 

Along with GO WALK 6’s sock-like characteristics is a weight that tricked us into thinking we are really wearing socks. The shoe registered 8.78 oz (249g) on our scale, which is 2.8% lighter than average. 

If there is one thing lacking in GO WALK 6, it’s a solid airflow. We looked at its upper under our microscope and it revealed that the material is tightly knitted, which is why air hardly passed through. If you desire a walking shoe to use in the summer, this isn’t it.

Pros

  • Pillow-like comfort
  • Cushioned for all-day wear
  • Amazingly lightweight
  • Surprisingly durable upper
  • Snug sock-like fit
  • Easy on and off
  • Super flexible
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Outsole lacks durability
Full review of Skechers GO WALK 6

Best lightweight Skechers walking shoes

What makes it the best?

The Skechers walking shoe that takes the crown for the best lightweight category is the Skechers Gowalk Joy. It might be hard to believe, but its incredible weight comes with generous cushioning which then provides us with over-the-top comfort even for prolonged hours of wear.

We determined how much the shoe weighed using our digital scale, which read 6.17 oz (175g). This outshined the average as it’s 31.7% lighter! Despite its ultra-light construction, Gowalk Joy still beat most of the shoes in terms of cushioning. We recorded 32.7 mm and 23.2 mm heel and forefoot stack heights, which by the way, exceed the averages by 4.5% and 10.5%, respectively. This made us feel like we were wandering on clouds instead of the ground. 

What’s also fantastic about Gowalk Joy is the fact that it isn’t only true to size but is also accommodating. We realised that the widest part of its toebox is as wide as the average at 97.9 mm. More good news is the upper expands as the foot also expands through the heat, providing a comfortable, adaptive fit.

However, we don’t suggest getting this shoe if you have foot issues because this wouldn’t be of any help. It is very pliable and contains no reinforcing elements, as proven when we assessed its torsional rigidity and later cut open the shoe. 

Pros

  • Very easy to put on and off
  • Fits the foot closely
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Well-cushioned for all-day wear
  • Marshmallowy plush sole
  • Highly flexible
  • Comfortable from the box
  • Minimal design

Cons

  • Less breathable than seems
  • Poor sole durability
  • Not supportive
  • Slippery on wet
Full review of Skechers GO WALK Joy

Best Skechers walking shoes for all-day wear

What makes it the best?

Among all the Skechers walking shoes we scrutinised outdoors and inside our lab, the undisputed champion for all-day wear is the Skechers Gowalk Joy - Ecstatic. The shoe imitated the sensation of wearing slippers, that’s why our whole day trips are as easygoing as ever.

Advancing in Gowalk Joy - Ecstatic is such an unconstraining experience. This is very similar to the flexibility test we conducted where the shoe easily bent under the influence of our digital force gauge. It withstood the bending with a 15.2N force, demonstrating that it’s 15.6% more pliable than most and allows effortless striding motions.

What’s even more exciting is that the shoe doesn’t lose its flexibility in the cold. We dumped it inside our freezer and left it there for 20 minutes. We then re-recorded a stiffness of 22.7N, which is still 20.9% more flexible than the average in cold conditions. 

Another thing that sustained us through day-long on-foot adventures was the super-loaded cushioning. Logging 32.7 mm and 24.4 mm heel and forefoot stack heights, the cushioning exceeded the average stack heights by 4.5% and 16.2%, leading to comfort-filled outings from dusk till dawn! However, we discovered that this isn’t the case for people with foot-related conditions as the shoe doesn’t have stabilising confines. We evaluated its torsional rigidity and it showed no resistance to twisting, thus a score of 1/5. We suggest skipping this shoe if you have podiatric concerns.

Pros

  • Cosy in-shoe feel
  • Relieves foot pain
  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Lighter than average
  • Breathable mesh
  • Easy on-and-off
  • Machine-washable

Cons

  • Laces can't be tied
  • No arch support
Full review of Skechers GOwalk Joy - Ecstatic

Skechers walking shoes tend to be quiet and unassuming. They sometimes fly under the radar compared to walking shoes from flashier brands, but when assessing quality and performance in our lab, the best Skechers walking shoes more than hold their own.

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Why choose Skechers shoes for walking?

Skechers have been creating popular walking shoes since the mid-90s. The brand historically focused on casual, everyday trainers, but over the past decade, it embraced innovation and high-performance running shoes.

Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit who should not buy

In recent years, the best Skechers walking shoes got even better thanks to this melding of everyday versatility and cutting-edge footwear design.

Understanding your walking style

Before deciding on Skechers walking shoes, it helps to know exactly what kind of walking they will be used for. Whether for work, working out, long days on your feet, or casual comfort, the right choice depends on your specific needs.

Factors to consider

Finding the right walking shoe is highly personal, but there are a few design features that all of the best Skechers walking shoes tend to share.

Cushioning

One of the most unique features of Skechers walking shoes is their cushioning. With midsoles blended from memory foam and supportive polyurethane (PU) foam, Skechers shoes deliver pillowy comfort and extended support – an ideal pairing for long walks or extended time on your feet.

skechers-gowalk-joy-ecstatic-heel-stack.JPG

Based on our lab measurements, Skechers walking shoes have a higher-than-average stack height - about 35 mm in the heel.

According to our durometer findings, Skechers shoes are also about 25% softer compared to the average of walking shoes.

skechers-gowalk-joy-cushioning-softness-durometer.JPG

Arch support and stability

Walking shoes with additional arch support and lateral stability are necessary for flat feet or overpronation. Shoes from the Skechers Arch Fit collection are among the best stability walking shoes.

Style

Skechers walking shoes retain the casual, everyday design sensibilities that the brand started from. Clean, solid colorways are the norm – this versatile and uncluttered style is another of Skechers' most notable strengths.

Skechers GOwalk Joy review

The tech in Skechers walking shoes

In the early 2010s, Skechers began a concerted push into the high-performance running shoe market. Their best walking shoes also benefited from the shoe tech innovations that followed.

Ultra GO Cushioning

Skechers Ultra Go Cushioning system combines high-density memory foam with light and springy polyurethane (PU) foam. The memory foam adds unmatched comfort, while the PU midsole foam ensures that Skechers walking shoes remain supportive and responsive.

Skechers GOwalk 6 outsole

Arch Fit Technology

Arch Fit is the patented insole found in Skechers support and stability shoes. The cushioned insoles mould to the bottom of your feet to create a more customised fit. Skechers Arch Fit shoes are often recommended by podiatrists to provide medial arch support and help address overpronation.

Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit midsole branding

Max Cushioning Technology

Some Skechers walking shoes add an extra layer of comfort via the brand’s Max Cushioning technology. These shoes, like the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit, add cooling Goga Mat cushioning to complement an Ultra GO midsole.

The extra cushioning and temperature regulation make Skechers Max Cushion walking shoes ideal for travel or jobs that keep you on your feet all day.

Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit Drop

FAQs

Can I use Skechers running shoes for regular walking?

Many Skechers running shoes will work well as walking shoes. However, some of the more performance-oriented running models include features like rockered midsoles and stiff, bouncy foams. These features improve running form but are not necessarily ideal for dedicated walking.

How often should I replace my Skechers walking shoes?

Skechers walking shoes perform better on comfort than durability. Memory foam is plush but not the sturdiest of cushioning materials. Expect to replace your Skechers every 300-400 miles.

How do Skechers walking shoes fit?

Skechers walking shoes tend to run true to size. Many models are available in standard and wide widths.

skechers-gowalk-joy-ecstatic-fit.JPG

Author
Laci
Laci
Laci is a contemporary dancer turned shoe aficionado. She is the most knowledgeable person when it comes to athletic shoes, size conversions and details people nitpick about footwear. She keeps the RunRepeat content gears turning 24/7. And she walks 20miles/week.