Our verdict

The Skechers GOWALK Flex is a slip-on walking shoe with "comfort" written all over it. We established that it's perfect for people who don't have a single second to lose, as it helps our feet withstand everyday adventures. Even though its price point is really low, this pair exceeded our expectations with its lightness and plushness. But to us, the cherry on top is its simple yet beautiful design. Your wardrobe is gonna love it!

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

Audience verdict

89
Great!

Who should buy

We think that you should definitely go for the Skerchers GO WALK Flex if you need:

  • A shoe that is comfortable all day long
  • A plushy companion for your walks
  • A slip-on pair which is very easy to put on and off
  • A budget-friendly and lightweight option

Skechers GO WALK Flex who should buy

Who should NOT buy

If you are looking for a highly breathable pair of shoes that you can enjoy in the summer, go for the On Cloud 5.

If you need a more stable walking shoe that also has a durable sole, try the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit.

Skechers GO WALK Flex who should not buy

Breathability

As soon as you read that this shoe got a 2 out of 5 in our breathability test, you might not believe your eyes. But don't worry, we have this video to prove it! In it you can actually see how most of the smoke we pumped into the Skechers GO WALK Flex gets trapped inside.

We compared it with the On Cloud 5 Push, which got a 4/5 in this same test. Very breathable!

Skechers GO WALK Flex (on the left) vs. On Cloud 5 Push (on the right)

Its mesh material totally deceived us, and when we put this pair on we realised that it was not the best for sunny days.

We also put the upper through a transparency test. Holding the half-cut shoe against the light, we saw that it did not have any pores or perforations big enough to let the light shine through.

These two tests had already shown us that sweaty feet and this pair could easily become best friends. Just to know a bit more about its material, we decided to look for some ventilation holes using our microscope.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Breathability

But... nothing! Look at how tightly woven the fabric is. There's no way this shoe could go for yoga classes! Breathe in and breathe out? Impossible!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Breathability

Test results
GO WALK Flex 2
Average 2.7
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

When a pair is not very breathable, it usually makes up for it with its durability. And the Skechers GO WALK Flex is a clear example!

Look at our Dremel going all out. If this shoe had eyes, it wouldn't even have blinked!

So everyone knows just how incredible this is, we compared the Skechers GO WALK Flex once again with the On Cloud 5 Push.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Toebox durability
Skechers GO WALK Flex (on the left) vs. On Cloud 5 Push (on the right)

After 4 seconds of drilling its toebox, we could see how wear-resistant it is. If we take into account how affordable the GO WALK Flex is, the 5/5 we've given it in our toebox durability test becomes even more impressive!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Toebox durability

Test results
GO WALK Flex 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 25 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Strong at the front but... weak at the back?

That seems to be the case of the Skechers GO WALK Flex, a knight with only half of its armour that scored a 2/5 in our heel padding durability test.

The brand decided to go for softness here. We can see how flimsy the material is if we compare the results of this Dremel test in this shoe and in the Skechers Summits.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Heel padding durability
Skechers GO WALK Flex (on the left) vs. Skechers Summit (on the right)

Look at that! If we hadn't told you we also used the Dremel in the second one, you probably wouldn't even have guessed so. The Skechers Summit scored a solid 5/5!

Honestly, the Skechers GO WALK Flex could use a little more durability here.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Heel padding durability

Test results
GO WALK Flex 2
Average 2.3
Compared to 24 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

As we can see when we look at the bottom of the shoe, it doesn't have any extra protection.

Its foam is completely exposed, and its soft nature will definitely not survive constant contact with concrete and asphalt, or any other abrasive surfaces.

Measuring its hardness with a durometer, we only got 57.4 HC. The average for walking shoes is 72.3 HC, so this score is pretty low.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Outsole hardness

Test results
GO WALK Flex 57.4 HC
Average 76.3 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
50.1 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

Following the previous result, we were not surprised to find out that this shoe totally failed the durability test.

Using our Dremel to go all in for its outsole for 22 seconds at a speed of 10K RPM, we saw the damage was significantly higher compared to other pairs.

Once we were done, we measured the dent with a tread gauge. It was 2.5 mm deep, which is almost 1 mm deeper than average!

So... if you're planning on using the Skechers GO WALK Flex every day, you will most likely need a new pair sooner rather than later.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Outsole durability 

Test results
GO WALK Flex 2.5 mm
Average 1.5 mm
Compared to 24 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

There is no rubber outsole at the bottom of this Skechers shoe (0.0 mm). Not even rubber pods.

Test results
GO WALK Flex 0.0 mm
Average 2.8 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
7.0 mm

Weight

Should we call this shoe Skechers GO FLY instead of GO WALK?

Well, maybe! After weighing a women's US size 11 on our scale, we got 7.7 oz (219.0 g). This means it's way lighter than average.

Its lack of durability has a bright side. You might even forget that you've put them on when you go to work in the morning!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Weight

Test results
GO WALK Flex 7.73 oz (219g)
Average 9.77 oz (277g)
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
6.17 oz (175g)
Weight
14.25 oz (404g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

We know we've said this shoe is pretty light, but listen to it when it says "go walk"! We totally enjoyed our casual strolls with it!

Using our calliper to measure its heel stack, we got 33.0 mm. Even though this score is only slightly higher than average, the Skechers GO WALK Flex managed to keep us comfy during our 10-hour-long test!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Heel stack

Test results
GO WALK Flex 33.0 mm
Average 32.3 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
11.2 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

A slip-on design + a finger-loop = putting on your shoes at the speed of light!

Good one, Skechers!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Heel tab

Test results
GO WALK Flex 24.0 mm
Average 21.9 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
5.5 mm
Forefoot stack
31.2 mm

Drop

Based on the two previously mentioned measurements, we got a heel-to-toe drop of 9.0 mm.

Even though this is 1.3 mm lower than average, we did not feel that our feet were unprotected. Nothing to worry about here!

Test results
GO WALK Flex 9.0 mm
Average 10.4 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.3 mm
Drop
21.4 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

It's safe to say that if we're talking about Skechers, we will almost always mention plushness.

When we pressed our durometer against this pair's midsole, it showed 19.8 HA. This means that it's 21% softer than average. Marshmallow soft, it is!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Midsole softness

Test results
GO WALK Flex 19.8 HA
Average 24.6 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 30 walking shoes
Number of shoes
7.8 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
32.9 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

Even if temperatures drop, the cold won't act like Medusa and turn this pair's midsole into stone.

After sitting in our freezer for 20 minutes, we repeated the durometer measurement and saw the score changed to 30.3 HA. Its foam is 39% softer than average, so you can enjoy this shoe even during winter!

Good one, Skechers!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Difference in midsole softness in cold

Fighting our ice cream and frozen red berries, the Skechers GO WALK Flex's midsole became 53.2% firmer.

This is way higher than the average! If you're not very happy with this and want something softer which is also pretty durable, you should have a look at the Hoka Bondi SR.

Test results
GO WALK Flex 53.2%
Average 33.6%
Compared to 30 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

The Ortholite foam insole in this pair instantly levels up its comfort.

We measured its thickness at 5.1 mm, which is a bit lower than average. Even so, we felt supported during our whole walking test.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Insole thickness

Test results
GO WALK Flex 5.1 mm
Average 6.0 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Insole thickness
16.9 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

This shoe is designed to follow the natural movement of your feet, so don't expect it to be incredibly stable.

It felt pretty much like putting on a pair of bedroom slippers. So, if you have flat feet or overpronation, we recommend you stay away from it! What about trying the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit instead?

Just look at how wobbly our ankles are. No arch support and no stabilisers!

Torsional rigidity

The score this shoe got in our torsional rigidity test just re-confirmed what we stated in the previous section.

With an astounding and unbeatable 1/5, the Skechers GO WALK Flex is just like a sky dancer! Zero resistance to bending and twisting!

Test results
GO WALK Flex 1
Average 2.8
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

In order to keep maxing its flexibility skills, the shoe has no structure in the heel counter. But, like, at all.

Look at the video and tell us you wouldn't wear this as a slipper to walk around your house!

If you want something that bends naturally with your feet but gives your heel a little bit more of a stable ride, check out the On Cloud.

Test results
GO WALK Flex 1
Average 2.3
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Throughout our tests, this pair has shown us that it's definitely not what we'd call stable.

But, surprisingly, its midsole is wider than average! Measuring the widest part of the forefoot with a calliper, we got a reading of 112.5 mm.

This means that the landing surface is also wider, so we felt surefooted in our long walks with the GO WALK Flex.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Midsole width in the forefoot

Test results
GO WALK Flex 112.5 mm
Average 111.8 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
98.8 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
124.1 mm

Midsole width in the heel

In the widest part of the forefoot, this shoe scored 92.5 mm when we measured it, which means it's slightly wider than average. Some more extra points for surefootness!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Midsole width in the heel

Test results
GO WALK Flex 92.5 mm
Average 90.2 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
75.6 mm
Midsole width in the heel
104.0 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Based on the score of our force gauge, it only took 10.8N to bend the Skechers GOWALK Flex to a 90-degree angle.

This means that this shoe will bend along with your foot almost as if it was part of it!

Test results
GO WALK Flex 10.8N
Average 20.6N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1.1N
Stiffness
52.7N

Difference in stiffness in cold

After putting it in the freezer for 20 minutes, its stiffness only levelled up to 16.7N!

Our force gauge made clear that it's still really flexible.

In our cold exposure test, the Skechers GOWALK Flex stiffened up 54.6%! It might sound like a lot, but it wasn't enough to move this pair from the "very flexible" category to the "moderately flexible" one.

Test results
GO WALK Flex 54.6%
Average 47.5%
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
139%

Grip / Traction

When we tried this shoe in the city, our feet felt comfortable and safe. Cobblestone, asphalt... it was fine with that.

But slippery surfaces? Oh, heck, no!

This pair does not have any rubber protecting the foam of its sole, so it's not grippy. If you try to walk on wet floors, we hope you're good at ice skating!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Midsole softness in the forefoot

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

The Skechers GOWALK Flex fits just as expected in our regular-sized feet! We measured the widest part of its toebox at 99.5 mm, which is pretty close to the average.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Toebox width at the widest part

Test results
GO WALK Flex 99.5 mm
Average 99.2 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
110.9 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Its 77.7 mm width at the big toe tells us that this shoe is a little bit narrower than its pals from the same category.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Toebox width at the big toe

Nevertheless, its stretchy fabric accommodated our feet!

Also, when the day was almost over and our feet began to swell, the Skechers GO WALK Flex was there to save us! We didn't feel uncomfortable at all.

Test results
GO WALK Flex 77.7 mm
Average 78.6 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
73.7 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
94.3 mm

Tongue: gusset type

As this shoe has an incredibly convenient slip-on design, it has a one-piece upper that hugs your foot like a sock.

Skechers GO WALK Flex Tongue: gusset type

Test results
GO WALK Flex Sock like

Comfort

Tongue padding

It has no tongue, so we measured the thickness of the upper material instead. At 2.0 mm, we understood why this pair is so light. It's almost 2 mm thinner than the average!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Tongue padding

Test results
GO WALK Flex 2.0 mm
Average 5.2 mm
Compared to 31 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.3 mm
Tongue padding
11.5 mm

Heel tab

A slip-on design + a finger-loop = putting on your shoes at the speed of light!

Good one, Skechers!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Heel tab

Test results
GO WALK Flex Finger loop

Removable insole

This pair comes with a removable insole, which is perfect if you want to use your own orthotics!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Removable insole

Test results
GO WALK Flex Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

Forget about shining in the dark. This shoe doesn't have any reflective elements!

Skechers GO WALK Flex Reflective elements

Test results
GO WALK Flex No