Our verdict

For its super lightweight and dainty build, the Skechers Summits sure offers us tons of comfort. We found it to be one of the best slip-ons for the price. Its Memory Foam insole and marshmallowy soft cushioning make the shoe a love from the first step.

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

Audience verdict

91
Great!

Who should buy

We think that this basic walking shoe from Skechers is going to suit guys and gals who:

  • want a slip-on shoe that's super quick to put on and take off
  • need an exceptionally lightweight daily beater
  • look for a no-frills budget-friendly option
  • prefer plush cushioning with Memory Foam

Skechers Summits review

Who should NOT buy

There is absolutely no arch support in the Skechers Summits. If you struggle with overpronating feet or weak ankles, we definitely recommend reaching for the Skechers Arch Fit instead. This shoe comes in dozens of various styles and colorways.

And if you are willing to stretch your budget in return for higher quality, better breathability, and more lasting construction, consider the On Cloud 5 or the Cloud 5 Push.

Skechers Summits lab test

Breathability

This may come as a surprise, but this seemingly light and mesh-covered Skechers shoe really lacks in the breathability department.

Comparing the Summits to other walking shoes in our lab, we found that the air barely passes through its upper textile. In the video below, we pumped smoke through the uppers of both shoes at the same speed but you can see how the Skechers Summits is only letting out a tiny streak.

For that reason, we rated the shoe's breathability as only 2 out of 5.

To support our findings, we also put the upper through a transparency test. Holding the half-cut shoe against the light, we didn't see any perforations or pores that would be large enough to let the light shine through.

Looking at the upper through our microscope, it seems like the shoe's tightly woven fabric is the one to blame.

Skechers Summits microscope 2

Test results
Summits 2
Average 2.8
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The shoe's slightly warm upper really paid off when it came to the durability test.

Skechers Summits toebox durability test

Applying our Dremel to the shoe's toebox material at a 5K RPM speed, we were surprised to find that it didn't leave a see-through hole! Because the tool only damaged the topmost layer of the upper, we rated this shoe's toebox durability as 3 out 5.

Not bad for a £70 shoe!

Test results
Summits 3
Average 3
Compared to 20 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

It was also nice to see that such a sensitive area as the heel padding stood up to the test just fine!

Skechers Summits heel padding durability test

After applying the Dremel for 4 seconds at a 5K RPM speed, all we saw was a mere scratch. Thus, the heel padding received a solid 5 out of 5 score for durability.

Way to go, Skechers!

Test results
Summits 5
Average 2
Compared to 19 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

When it comes to the outsole, we wouldn't expect the same level of wear resistance from the Summits. The nature of the foam is too soft to withstand regular contact with asphalt and concrete.

Measuring its hardness with a durometer, we only got 53 HC, whereas walking shoes on average have an outsole hardness of 73.1 HC.

Skechers Summits Outsole hardness
Test results
Summits 53.0 HC
Average 75.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
50.1 HC
Outsole hardness
92.0 HC

Outsole durability

Quite expected, the shoe's "outsole" failed when we tested its abrasion resistance with our Dremel.

Having drilled the material for 22 seconds at a speed of 10K RPM, the damage was much larger compared to other shoes.

We measured the depth of the dent with the help of a tread gauge and got 2.5 mm. That's a millimeter deeper than average!

Skechers Summits outsole durability test

If you plan to wear the Skechers Summits outside daily, you will likely need a replacement after one season.

Test results
Summits 2.5 mm
Average 1.4 mm
Compared to 19 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Because there is no outsole protecting the shoe's exposed foam, we expect a shorter-than-average life span from this walking shoe.

Test results
Summits 0.0 mm
Average 2.6 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
5.9 mm

Weight

The Summits shoe is definitely on the lighter side of the spectrum of Skechers shoes.

Weighing it on our scale, we got 8.1 oz (230g), which is an ounce lighter than walking shoes on average!

This is the kind of shoe that can make you feel like you forgot to put your shoes on in the morning.

Skechers Summits heel cushioning

Test results
Summits 6.95 oz (197g)
Average 9.59 oz (272g)
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
6.17 oz (175g)
Weight
14.25 oz (404g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

Amazingly, for its super light weight, this Skechers shoe managed to pack more cushioning than average!

Measuring its heel stack with a caliper, we got 36.4 mm of height. This is about 5 mm thicker than average. Walking in the Summits, we indeed felt very comfy and well-cushioned.

Skechers Summits Heel stack
Test results
Summits 36.4 mm
Average 32.6 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
11.2 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

Upfront in the forefoot, we found the midsole to be 20.6 mm thick. This is the same stack height as the average of walking shoes.

There is enough foam to keep the balls of the feet comfortable, while still letting the foot bend naturally as it transitions from heel to toe.

Skechers Summits Forefoot stack
Test results
Summits 20.6 mm
Average 21.7 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
5.5 mm
Forefoot stack
31.2 mm

Drop

Comparing the difference in stack heights, we get a heel-to-toe drop of 15.8 mm. This is significantly taller than average, offering generous cushioning under the heel.

However, some of that drop gets lost as the Memory Foam insole squishes to take the shape of your foot.

Skechers Summits Drop
Test results
Summits 15.8 mm
Average 11.0 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
5.7 mm
Drop
21.4 mm

Midsole softness

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

Using our durometer, we measured the shoe's foam at 21.1 HA. That's a whole 21% softer than our lab-tested walking shoes.

Skechers Summits Midsole softness

Like most Skechers shoes, the Summits feels marshmallow soft!

Test results
Summits 21.1 HA
Average 25.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
7.8 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
32.9 HA

Insole thickness

The Skechers Summits uses a Memory Foam insole to make its wearers even happier. This material molds to the shape of your foot to provide that customized padding. No wonder our insole measurement came out so big - the insole is nearly a centimeter thick (9.6 mm)!

Skechers Summits Insole thickness

But as much as we enjoyed the memory foam effect, it deteriorated way too quickly. We couldn't feel it as vividly after about a week of regular wear.

Test results
Summits 9.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Insole thickness
10.3 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If you are looking for support and stability in this Skechers shoe, we recommend looking elsewhere (hint: Skechers Arch Fit).

The Summits was made as a 100% neutral walking shoe. There is no added arch support or any other features that would help to stabilize the gait. This shoe is meant to move along with the foot naturally.

Torsional rigidity

There is not even a bit of torsional stiffness in the Skechers Summits.

As our manual assessment shows, the shoe has zero resistance to bending and twisting. Thus, we rated its torsional rigidity with the lowest score of 1 out of 5.

Test results
Summits 1
Average 2.7
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter is just as pliable as the rest of the shoe. On a scale from 1 to 5 where 5 is the stiffest, we rated it as 1.

A firm foothold is not to be expected here.

Test results
Summits 1
Average 2.2
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The shoe has an average-width platform that is neither too narrow nor wide. We found its landing surface to be just right for a neutral walking shoe.

Measuring the widest part of the sole in the forefoot, we got 107.2 mm. 

Skechers Summits Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Summits 107.2 mm
Average 111.4 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
98.8 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
124.1 mm

Midsole width in the heel

As for the widest part of the heel, our caliper shows 88.6 mm. This is less than a millimeter away from the average measurement.

Skechers Summits Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Summits 88.6 mm
Average 89.5 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
75.6 mm
Midsole width in the heel
102.2 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

The Skechers Summits is a highly flexible shoe, even compared to its companions from the same brand.

Based on our force gauge, it took us as little as 6.6N to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. That's a whopping 180% less than it takes a walking shoe on average!

Test results
Summits 6.6N
Average 20.4N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
1.1N
Stiffness
52.7N

Grip / Traction

The shoe grips dry outdoor surfaces pretty well. However, we recommend staying away from wet floors or wood as the lack of rubber makes this Summits shoe a slippery disaster.

Skechers Summits outsole

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

The Skechers Summits fits just as expected in our regular walking shoe size. Our toes had enough room in the toebox and the material had just enough give for a snug but non-restrictive fit.

Measuring the widest part of the shoe's forefoot with a caliper, we got 98.8 mm. That's nearly the same as the average.

Skechers Summits Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Summits 98.8 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
103.1 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The shoe's toebox remains spacious enough around the toes too. Measuring its width at the big toe, we got 77.3 mm. Less than a millimeter narrower than the average.

Skechers Summits Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Summits 77.3 mm
Average 77.5 mm
Compared to 21 walking shoes
Number of shoes
73.7 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
82.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

As a slip-on shoe, the Skechers Summits has a fully integrated tongue.

Skechers Summits Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Summits Bootie

Bungee laces

The shoe features a bungee-laced instep in place of a conventional lacing system. The bungee laces cannot be used to adjust the fit; however, they stay taut, providing a lockdown when the foot is inside, and stretch easily when the trainer is being taken off or put on.

Skechers Summits lacing

Comfort

Tongue padding

As there is no tongue per se, we measured the thickness of the upper right above the instep. Our caliper returned 4.7 mm which is about the same amount of padding as the average.

Skechers Summits Tongue padding
Test results
Summits 4.7 mm
Average 4.9 mm
Compared to 26 walking shoes
Number of shoes
0.3 mm
Tongue padding
11.5 mm

Heel tab

This Skechers slip-on is pretty easy to put on in the first place. However, the brand still added a handy pull tab at the back to assist the wearer.

Skechers Summits Heel tab
Test results
Summits Finger loop

Removable insole

The shoe's Memory Foam insole is removable. This is a good thing given how fast its effect is wearing out. You can revive the shoe's underfoot comfort by replacing the insole.

Skechers Summits Removable insole
Test results
Summits Yes

Misc

Reflective elements

There are no reflective elements on the Skechers Summits.

Skechers Summits Reflective elements
Test results
Summits No