As someone who loves to walk for exercise and is a certified trainer, I know the importance of having a comfortable and supportive pair of shoes. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours researching and trying out different walking shoes (ok and so, so many running shoes). I’ve been consistently impressed with Skechers walking shoes.
Honestly, no one really believed me when I said they were great running shoes because the brand puts so little in to that marketing. But, if I find the cushion comfy for high intensity, then it’s absolutely lovely for walking or being on your feet all day long.
Walking is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to stay active and healthy. But, let’s face it, if you’re not wearing the right shoes, it can be a real pain in the… well, you know where (your feet obviously!!).
Previously, I’ve talked about On Cloud walking shoes and Hoka walking shoes, but one of the benefits to Skechers is the price point is a lot friendlier!
As a popular shoe brand, Skechers has been churning out comfortable walking shoes for men and women for years. Whether you’re a casual walker or a power-walking pro, finding the perfect pair of walking shoes is key to keeping your feet happy and your body in tip-top shape.
So, in this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the best Skechers walking shoes on the market, as well as offer some tips on how to choose the perfect pair for your unique needs and style. Let’s get walking!
Why You Need a Good Walking Shoe
If you’ve had that aching feet feeling after a day of standing around or a long day of walking on vacation, it’s time to make sure you have the right walking shoes.
Choosing the right walking shoe is critical to keeping your feet, legs, and back healthy and comfortable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a walking shoe.
If you don’t have a good walking shoe, you can experience a number of discomforts and even injuries. Here are some potential issues that can arise:
- Foot Pain: Walking in shoes that don’t fit properly or lack adequate support can cause foot pain, especially in the arches or heels. This can make it difficult to continue walking and can even cause pain when you’re not walking.
- Blisters: Poorly fitting shoes can cause blisters to develop on your feet. Blisters are painful and can make it difficult to continue walking until they heal.
- Knee Pain: When you walk, your knees absorb a lot of shock. If your shoes don’t provide enough cushioning, your knees can become sore and painful. This can be particularly problematic if you walk long distances or on hard surfaces.
- Back Pain: Wearing shoes that don’t provide enough support can also lead to back pain. This is because your feet and back are connected, and if your feet aren’t properly supported, your back can compensate and become strained.
- Injuries: Over time, wearing shoes that don’t fit properly or provide enough support can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or even stress fractures. These injuries can be painful and can take a long time to heal.
Skechers Walking Shoes Overview
Skechers offers a wide range of walking shoes for both men and women, designed to meet different needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of Skechers’ walking shoe line:
Go Walk Series
The Go Walk series is Skechers’ flagship line of walking shoes. These shoes feature innovative designs and advanced technology to provide maximum comfort and support for walkers. They are available in a range of styles and colors to suit different tastes.
Arch Fit Series
The Arch Fit series is designed to provide superior arch support for people with flat feet or other foot conditions. These shoes feature removable insoles that can be customized to fit the shape of your foot, as well as cushioned soles for extra comfort.
Go Run
The Go Run series is geared towards people who want to take their training to the next level. You don’t need to use them for running, they are absolutely great for lots of long walks. These shoes are designed with advanced materials and technology to provide maximum support, stability, and traction for power-walking or other high-intensity activities.
Relaxed Fit Series
The Relaxed Fit series is perfect for people who want a comfortable, casual walking shoe. These shoes feature roomy toe boxes and relaxed-fit designs that provide plenty of space and comfort for your feet.
Best Skechers Walking Shoes for Women and Men
Within the Go Walk line up there are so many options! I would say it depends some on if you want a shoe for walking workouts, being on your feet all day or just something casual for vacation.
Let’s start with workout shoes!
Best for Daily Walks – Go Walk Speed Walker ($150)
This is a go to shoe for your daily walks. It’s going to have just enough cushion to feel good underfoot without being too heavy or clunky. I truly LOVE the HYPER BURST® cushioning midsole and tend use my Go Road Max shoes for walking just because that cushion is so fantastic.
You’ll also be getting the arch support and a carbon fiber plate. I’m not really sold on walking shoes needing carbon fiber. For runners, it’s theoretically to make you faster. For walking, what you’ll be getting is a little more stiffness which could be helpful for dealing with things like ankle or foot pain.
From the side you can see that there is still a slight rocker to Skechers. It’s nothing that’s going to overwork your ankles, but enough to give you just a better roll from heel to toe.
See current colors and pricing >>
Best for More Stability – Go Walk Distance Walker ($140)
You’ll notice immediately that this shoe has a higher stack height. That can take a little getting used to, but it also means a shoe that has a lot more cushion and is in fact a bit more stable.
The Distance Walker also features the Arch Fit® insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support. While unnecessary for speed, the carbon fiber plate in these shoes could also provide some support for anyone dealing with frequent lower leg injuries or things like plantar fasciitis. Just remember that plate is increasing the cost of the shoe.
Just remember that more cushion is not always better. For standing all day, I would not choose these because you may actually shift your posture to sink in to the cushion a little bit. I’d go for the lower version or one of the other listed shoes.
See current colors and pricing >>
Best for Wide Toe Box – Relaxed Fit ($90)
They really should come up with a better naming system for their shoes, but alas let’s clear this up. The relaxed fit is not a wider overall shoe, they actually have wide models. Instead, what you’ll be getting here is more room in the toe box.
That is in fact all that a lot of people need. It allows your feet to move more naturally with your big toe being able to better push off the ground. It’s also extremely nice if you deal with bunions or often feel your toes are too squished in your shoes.
These also have the Arch support and a decent amount of cushioning for standing around all day. I’d probably opt for the Go Walk models if you want these for a workout.
Best for Long Walks – Go Run Max Road ($145)
Hear me out…for the same price as the walking shoes, you’re getting a shoe that I think is just better overall. In fact, I’d 100% say you could buy the older models of this shoe on sale and absolutely love them as much as the walking shoes.
Welcome to an ultracushioned shoe that has shocked a lot of runners. If we’re raving about the cushion for running many miles, why wouldn’t you love it for those long walks? Maybe, especially ideal, if you’ve got any inkling of wanting to try some run walk run!
Once again, you have that great arch support, along with their newest Hyper Burst ice midsole. Which is to say they’ve found a way to combine the plush softness we all want, with enough firmness that you don’t just sink in to the shoe.
Additionally, you’ve got a good rubber on the outsole for grip and potentially a longer lifespan in these shoes than some daily walking shoes. These shoes are NOT good for those with Achilles issues due to the lower heel to toe drop.
What About Skechers Work Shoes?
If your focus in standing on concrete all day long, then the Work Relaxed Fit is going to be your go to option! You’ll be getting that slip resistant outsole, along with electrical protection, water and stain resistant upper, and that lovely aircool memory foam.
It’s also a slip on shoe with a bungee option, so you’re getting that wider toe box and quick to put on.
What About the Skecher’s Slip-ins? ($75 – $100)
These aren’t a bad option, especially if you want them to run errands or do things around the house. But you will be missing out on that arch support which we tend to need more of as we age or if you deal with flat feet.
That being said, these to have a memory foam cooling and what a fabulous sensation that is. Many of us get hot feet when we end up standing for long periods, so it could be worth the trade off of arch support.
What About the Skechers Go Walk Massage Fit?
No. Just no.
Remember when rocker shoes first came out and a lot of people ended up injured? This feels like it’s trending in that direction to me. So enjoy the cooling in the Slip-ins or the support of the other Go Walk shoes.
What To Look For in A Good Walking Shoe
The footstrike is different in running than walking. Your heel will absolutely hit first and then roll through the forefoot to push off the ground. So we want to ensure the shoe has a good heel cushion and enough arch support to keep you aligned.
Arch Support
Look for shoes with good arch support. This will help distribute your body weight evenly and reduce the risk of over-pronation (when your foot rolls inward too much while walking).
Cushioning
Walking can be hard on your joints, especially if you’re walking on hard surfaces like pavement or concrete. Make sure your walking shoes have adequate cushioning to absorb shock and reduce impact.
Breathability
Your feet can get hot and sweaty during a long walk, so look for shoes made with breathable materials like mesh. This will help keep your feet cool and dry, reducing the risk of blisters and other foot problems.
Fit
Make sure your shoes fit properly. They should be snug but not tight, with enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes. Your heel should fit snugly in the back of the shoe without slipping.
Style
Finally, don’t forget about style! While it’s important to choose a shoe that fits well and provides adequate support, there’s no reason you can’t also find a pair that looks good. Skechers offers a range of stylish walking shoes in a variety of colors and designs, so you can find a pair that fits your personal style.
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