Our verdict
- Our top pick in best walking shoes
- Our top pick in best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
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
Audience verdict
- Top 27% in walking shoes
- Top 30% in walking shoes for plantar fasciitis
Comparison
The most similar walking shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audience score | 91 Great! | 90 Great! | 86 Good! | 91 Great! | |
Price | $90 | $115 | $130 | $150 | |
Arch-support | Stability | Stability | Stability | Neutral | |
Condition | Flat feetOverpronationHeavy personPlantar fasciitis | Flat feetOverpronation | Diabetic (A5500)Flat feetOverpronationHeavy personPlantar fasciitis | Heavy personPlantar fasciitis | |
Orthotic-friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 10.9 oz / 309g ‐ | 11 oz / 312g ‐ | 13.7 oz / 388g 14.5 oz / 411g | 9.6 oz / 271g 10 oz / 284g | |
Lightweight | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | |
Breathability | Warm | Breathable | Warm | Moderate | |
Use | For standing all dayCityDisneyEuropeFor nursesFor seniors | For standing all dayWorkCityDisneyEuropeFor nursesFor seniorsRecovery | For standing all dayWorkCityDisneyEuropeFor nursesFor seniors | For standing all dayTravelWorkCityDisneyEuropeFitnessFor nurses | |
Midsole softness | Firm | Soft | Balanced | Firm | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Normal | Small | Normal | |
Insole thickness | Thick | Average | Average | Average | |
Removable-insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Big | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | Moderate | |
Heel tab | None | Finger loop | None | None | |
Drop lab | 15.2 mm | 8.6 mm | 12.2 mm | 16.8 mm | |
Heel stack lab | 39.2 mm | 36.0 mm | 35.7 mm | 36.1 mm | |
Forefoot | 24.0 mm | 27.4 mm | 23.5 mm | 19.3 mm | |
Toebox width at the widest part | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Closure | Laces | Laces | Laces | Laces | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Decent | Good | Bad | |
Heel padding durability | Bad | Good | Good | Bad | |
Outsole durability | Bad | Good | Good | Good | |
Midsole width in the forefoot | Average | Average | Average | Wide | |
Midsole width in the heel | Average | Wide | Average | Average | |
Outsole hardness | Average | Average | Average | Average | |
Outsole thickness | Average | Average | Thick | Average | |
Tongue padding | Average | Average | Thick | Average | |
Tongue: gusset type | None | None | None | Both sides (full) | |
Slip-resistant | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | |
Material | Mesh | Mesh | Leather | - | |
Ranking | #9 Top 27% | #12 Top 36% | #26 Bottom 23% | #8 Top 24% | |
Popularity | #33 Bottom 2% | #21 Bottom 38% | #14 Top 42% | #11 Top 33% |
Who should buy
Much like the original Skechers Arch Fit, we found the 2.0 version a highly supportive and comfortable walking shoe. We believe it is ideal for people who have flat feet, overpronation, and other foot conditions that call for podiatrist-approved footwear.
Who should NOT buy
Given the shoe's fairly warm upper, we think that it's more suitable for temperatures between 50°F (10°C) and 70°F (20°C). So, if you need better breathability for summertime, we recommend the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit.
And if, like us, you are turned off by the shoe's lack of wear resistance, you will also find the Max Cushioning Arch Fit more reassuring. Or invest in a more expensive option like the Hoka Transport.
Breathability
The shape of the platform is pretty much identical in the two Arch Fit versions. Which is great news!
We found the first shoe's extended ground contact points extremely stable underfoot and are happy to experience the same in the 2.0.
According to our calliper, the distance between the widest points of the forefoot is 114.5 mm. A bit wider than average!
Breathability
The first edition of the Arch Fit wasn't a highly breathable shoe to begin with. And to our great disappointment, it got even worse in the 2.0.
Wearing this shoe on warm summer days, we ended up with damp socks and feet every time!
Back in the lab, we tested this Skechers shoe's ventilation with a smoke-pumping machine. Filling its upper with smoke from the inside, we observed how very slowly and reluctantly it came out on the other side.
On a breathability scale from 1 to 5, we gave it a sad rating of 2.
To give you even more visual proof, we hovered the shoe's half-cut upper over a bright light. It is shocking how NONE of those ventilation holes let the light shine through!
We also took a closer look at the upper fabric through our microscope.
It revealed that beneath those large pores, we've got even more layers of fabric as well as thick in-shoe lining.
Arch Fit 2.0 | 2 |
Average | 2.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Alright, we can save this shoe for cooler weather but do we at least get a more wear-resistant upper in return?
Unfortunately, no.
The fabric got even more prone to tearing in the Arch Fit 2.0, as our in-house durability test shows. For context, it is the exact same test with the exact same conditions: 12 seconds of pressing the Dremel against the same spot on the toebox, with the same speed (5K RPM) and pressure (3.2N).
Given that the tool's sandpaper tip cut almost entirely through the upper, we had to give the toebox a very low durability score of 2 out of 5. For reference, the original Arch Fit at least got 3!
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Toebox durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-toebox-durability-2-21015734-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 2 |
Average | 3.2 |
Heel padding durability
Sadly, the material quality of the collar padding and lining got worse as well... And it wasn't the best quality in the original either.
It only took 4 seconds of drilling to wreak havoc on the inside of the shoe's heel padding.
The tool went all the way through the collar padding and left a glaring hole. On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most durable, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 gets the lowest score for heel padding durability.
You can see what a 5-score durability looks like in the shoe on the right.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Heel padding durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-heel-padding-durability-2-21015736-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 1 |
Average | 2.3 |
Outsole hardness
At the bottom, this Skechers shoe protects the most hard-wearing parts with rubber. Measuring it with a durometer, we got an above-average reading of 85.9 HC.
Normally, harder compounds tend to be more durable but, unfortunately, not in the case of the Arch Fit 2.0.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Outsole hardness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-outsole-hardness-21015741-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 85.9 HC |
Average | 77.5 HC |
Outsole durability
We applied the Dremel to one of the shoe's rubber-covered areas for 22 seconds at a higher speed of 10K RPM. And to be honest, Skechers didn't even have to bother with rubber because it just melted under our Dremel much like the foam would.
Even before measuring the damage with a tread gauge, we could see that it was much worse than average. And when the tool showed a whopping 2.4 mm of depth, we weren't surprised.
Most walking shoes with rubber outsoles get no more than 1-1.5 mm of damage. And the kicker is, the original Arch Fit only got 0.7 mm!
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Outsole durability](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-outsole-durability-2-21015737-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 2.4 mm |
Average | 1.4 mm |
Outsole thickness
At least the rubber is decently thick at 2.6 mm. So, it will help the outsole hold up for a while before the pavement touches exposed foam.
Sure, we can't expect a lot for £90 but having tried the first Arch Fit, we were very much underwhelmed with the update.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Outsole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-outsole-thickness-21015738-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 2.6 mm |
Average | 3.0 mm |
Weight
But luckily, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 still carries some good news. It lost as much as 1.8 oz (51g)! Now that's impressive!
The shoe now tips the scale at only 10.9 oz (309g) as opposed to the hefty 12.5 oz (353g) of its predecessor! We must admit that despite the visual bulk, it feels weightless on the foot!
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Weight](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-weight-21015763-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 10.90 oz (309g) |
Average | 9.95 oz (282g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
One thing that remained unchanged in the Arch Fit 2.0 is the copious amount of cushioning. It is THE tallest platform among our lab-tested walking shoes so far.
Measuring the shoe's heel stack with a calliper, we got a whopping 39.2 mm! This is significantly thicker than average and gives the wearer a good height advantage.
But what's most important about this cushioning is its ability to support our feet for very long hours!
Arch Fit 2.0 | 39.2 mm |
Average | 32.0 mm |
Forefoot stack
But this Skechers shoe is not only super cushioned in the heel, it also turns out to be thicker than average in the forefoot!
Measuring stack height in this area, we got 24.0 mm on the calliper. This is, again, a bit taller than average. We experienced nothing but comfort in this thick-foamed beater.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Forefoot stack](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-forefoot-stack-21015742-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 24.0 mm |
Average | 21.6 mm |
Drop
The difference in height between the heel and the forefoot stack results in a drop of 15.2 mm. It is nearly identical to the drop on the original Arch Fit, so the feel was very familiar.
Because the shoe's primary purpose is to provide support, it relies on a higher drop to relieve some of the stress and strain from your ankles and Achilles. Plus, you feel the extra impact protection as you repetitively land on your heels when walking.
Arch Fit 2.0 | 15.2 mm |
Average | 10.4 mm |
Midsole softness
Assessing the shoe's cushioning softness on the foot, we really couldn't tell the difference with the original shoe. Even with one of each Skechers shoe on our feet.
Both feel soft enough to feel comfortable but also slightly firm for support.
Turning to our durometer, we measured the Arch Fit 2.0's foam at 30.4 HA. That's 20% firmer than the average walking shoe and definitely not a plush one.
And this is exactly what you need in a supportive shoe that can help flat feet, overpronation, and even conditions like plantar fasciitis.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Midsole softness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-midsole-softness-21015746-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 30.4 HA |
Average | 26.0 HA |
Insole thickness
It seems like Skechers kept the same insole design as in the original Arch Fit. And we are very happy with this fact! Our feet thoroughly enjoyed the generously padded and contoured feel of that insole.
Measuring its thickness with a calliper, we couldn't help but notice that it was more padded than average at 9.8 mm!
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Insole thickness](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-insole-thickness-21015747-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 9.8 mm |
Average | 5.9 mm |
Rocker
There's been a real craze with rocker-bottom shoes lately! Just look at the Nike Motiva for example.
But Skechers skips that in favour of stability in the Arch Fit 2.0 and we think it's a wise idea. The shoe's midsole is only slightly curved at the heel and forefoot to smoothen heel-to-toe transitions a little bit.
You need a stable platform if you try to relieve painful conditions!
Stability
Lateral stability test
And stability is exactly this Skechers shoe's forte.
As you can see in the video below, the sho responds to our ankle shifting by firmly keeping it planted on the ground. Amazing support!
Considering the shoe's extra tall stack, such stability is absolutely necessary to prevent the ankle from rolling over the shoe's edge.
Torsional rigidity
Twisting the shoe in our manual test, we did notice that it got stiffer than its predecessor. Not by too much but just enough to bump up the torsional rigidity score from 2 to 3! And that's on a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest.
We assume that it could be due to the slightly altered geometry of the midsole. Its sidewalls appear a bit taller.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 style](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-style-21015769-main.jpg)
![Skechers Arch Fit style](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/35442/skechers-arch-fit-style-20999419-720.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 3 |
Average | 2.8 |
Heel counter stiffness
As for the shoe's heel counter, it remained just as moderately stiff as in the predecessor. Together with the collar padding, it held our heel very securely without restricting the ankle or Achilles.
We gave it a score of 3 on the stiffness scale of 1 to 5.
Arch Fit 2.0 | 3 |
Average | 2.3 |
Midsole width in the forefoot
The shape of the platform is pretty much identical in the two Arch Fit versions. Which is great news!
We found the first shoe's extended ground contact points extremely stable underfoot and are happy to experience the same in the 2.0.
According to our calliper, the distance between the widest points of the forefoot is 114.5 mm. A bit wider than average!
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Midsole width in the forefoot](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-midsole-width-in-the-forefoot-21015749-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 114.5 mm |
Average | 111.6 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
Meanwhile, the widest part of the shoe's platform in the heel is 90.9 mm. Also plenty of landing area for someone who relies heavily on supportive shoes.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Midsole width in the heel](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-midsole-width-in-the-heel-21015750-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 90.9 mm |
Average | 90.1 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
With a bit more emphasis on stability, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 lost a little bit of flexibility too. But don't worry, the flex grooves throughout its platform still let the shoe bend with the foot a necessary amount.
To measure exactly how flexible this Skechers shoe is, we used a force gauge to bend it to a 90-degree angle. The tool then showed us that it took 23.6N to do that. That's 20% more than it takes an average walking shoe.
So, indeed, the Arch Fit 2.0 stiffened up a bit to provide a more stable experience.
Arch Fit 2.0 | 23.6N |
Average | 20.2N |
Grip / Traction
The Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 has a very basic rubber compound that doesn't even cover the entire contact area of the shoe. There are no toothy lugs to bite into tricky surfaces.
While the shoe's grip is just fine for most urban scenarios, we cannot recommend it for more challenging terrains like wet rocks and wood, oliy floors, slush, ice, mud, etc.
Size and fit
Toebox width at the widest part
We found that the fit and sizing of the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 is identical to that of its predecessor. So if you've worn the other shoe, you can confidently get the same size.
The shoe's toebox has a sufficient amount of space for a medium-width foot like ours. Measuring the widest part of the forefoot, our calliper showed 101.4 mm. That's even a couple of millimetres wider than average.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Toebox width at the widest part](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-toebox-width-at-the-widest-part-21015753-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 101.4 mm |
Average | 99.2 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
We also checked the toebox width where the big toe ends and got 76.1 mm. This is also consistent with the original shoe and with the average.
There is no aggressive tapering in the Arch Fit 2.0.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Toebox width at the big toe](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-toebox-width-at-the-big-toe-21015755-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 76.1 mm |
Average | 78.6 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
Like most budget-friendly shoes, the Skechers Arch Fit 2.0, features a regular tongue with no attachments on the sides.
But the shape and padding of the tongue helped to prevent it from shifting sideways uncontrollably.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Tongue: gusset type](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-tongue-gusset-type-21015759-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | None |
Comfort
Tongue padding
When we say padding, we mean very generous padding. As our calliper shows, the thickness of this shoe's tongue is 8.0 mm which is notably thicker than average.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Tongue padding](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-tongue-padding-21015761-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | 8.0 mm |
Average | 5.3 mm |
Heel tab
There is no heel tab to hold onto when getting the shoe on. But we found the on-and-off action fairly in the Arch Fit 2.0 anyway.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Heel tab](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-heel-tab-21015756-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | None |
Removable insole
Experiencing the contoured insole on the Arch Fit 2.0, we could understand why it was approved by podiatrists. It is removable in case you want to use your own orthotics, but we really don't see the point in it. It is that good.
![Skechers Arch Fit 2.0 Removable insole](https://cdn.runrepeat.com/storage/gallery/product_content/40238/skechers-arch-fit-2-0-removable-insole-21015762-main.jpg)
Arch Fit 2.0 | Yes |