The Best Skechers for Walking Aren’t Just Comfy—They’re Podiatrist-Approved
The expert-backed picks for support, comfort, shock absorption, and all-day wear.
Reviewed by Natascha Grief, NASM-CPTFitness & Reviews Editor
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I begged my parents for a pair of Skechers in middle school and proudly paired them with nearly everything. Skechers were perfect for my needs back then and are some of the most comfortable sneakers that mix style and affordability to get me through long days at school and walking home afterward. They even held up during gym class.
Skechers has changed its technology since then, of course. The brand is still affordable, but Skechers has created an arsenal of walking shoes that are specifically designed for all-day comfort thanks to features like a cooling Goga Mat insole for a cushiony feel and extra bounce.
Many of these shoes are also machine washable to deliver footwear that can take a beating and keep on being used. That’s probably why Skechers has a devoted following across a wide range of age groups.
“Skechers can be a really affordable option for patients looking for arch support, but not necessarily needing any customization with respect to a high or low arch foot,” says Melissa Lockwood, DPM, a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill. She calls these shoes a “nice middle ground” for people, giving them the thumbs up for their affordability. (Many Skechers are under $100, with some as low as $40.)
Best Skechers for Walking
- Best Overall: Skechers Go Walk 8
- Best Stability: Skechers Cozy Fit
- Best Laceless: Skechers Go Walk Joy
- Best Everyday: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0
- Best Non-Slip: Skechers Go Walk Anywhere Vivi
- Best for Distance Walking: Skechers Go Walk Glide-Step 2.0
To help find the best Skechers for walking, we consulted with Lockwood, as well as Richard H. Graves, DPM, a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Fla., for advice on what to look for in these shoes. We also put seven pairs of Skechers to the test by wearing them during daily walks, workouts, and leisure to see how well they held up. Read on to see which styles made the cut and be sure to check out our 4-Week Walking Plan for the perfect workout to break in your new kicks.
Skechers Go Walk 8
Skechers Go Walk 8
Pros
- Impressive level of cushioning
- Shoes are still comfortable after long days of use
- Elastic laces make the shoe easy to get on and off
Cons
- Pebbles and small rocks can get into the outsole's cushioning
- Shoes run a little wide if you have narrow feet
Of all the Skechers walking shoes we tested, the Go Walk 8 has the most comfortable, cushiony feel and provides all-day support. While some of the sneakers we tested have features that target specific foot needs like higher arches, the Go Walk 8 has a design that balances cushioning and stability that works for anyone. Plus, it’s a favorite of Lockwood.
“I love the Go Walk 8—it’s the ‘high end’ Skecher and what I recommend to patients who want a lightweight, supportive walking shoe,” she says. “It does run at a higher price point, so I explain to patients that this shoe is similar to a New Balance and the less costly options do not provide the same support and will wear down more quickly.”
Skechers released the Go Walk 8 in September, with a few tweaks from the Go Walk 7. The latest shoe uses the brand’s Ultra Go foam for a lightweight, cushiony feel underfoot.
This is a little less bouncy than the Go Walk 7’s Hyper Burst midsole, making the latest version of this shoe a better fit for supportive all-day wear. But the Go Walk 8 still has an airy feel, along with the brand’s signature Goga Mat insole. That creates a breathable and cushiony sensation without feeling like you’re sinking into the shoe.
These shoes are slip-ons with stretchy laces, and they do a solid job of staying put. We had no issue with our feet slipping around during testing—they felt like lace-ups. And, like most Skechers, you can toss these in the wash when they get dirty.
Read More: Best Walking Shoes for Women
Features at a Glance
| Sizes | 5-13 |
| Materials | Mesh |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 8 oz |
Skechers Cozy Fit
Skechers Cozy Fit
Pros
- Extra heel padding
- Breathable fabric
- Machine washable
Cons
- Wide sizes not available
While all Skechers shoes are supportive, the lightweight slip-on Cozy Fit features a heel pillow, which is designed to secure and lock down your feet. This is especially useful if you have flat feet or overpronate, which is when ankles roll inward, causing the arch to collapse.
Like our best overall, it has a snug fit and foam midsole that molds to feet. Plus, the memory foam is cooling for optimal air circulation to help combat sweat. We're big fans of the machine-washable quilted fabric, too. Just make sure not to put them in the dryer—they can shrink!
Read More: Best Weighted Vests for Women
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Materials | Vegan materials |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Yes |
| Stability | High |
| Weight | 8 oz |
Skechers Go Walk Anywhere Vivi
Skechers Go Walk Anywhere Vivi
Pros
- Outsole has extra grippy features for solid footing
- Easy to slide your feet into
- Lots of padding around the ankle for comfort
Cons
- Arch support may feel too intense to some (but it's removable)
- Outsoles are squeaky at first
Pretty much any sneaker with treads on the outsole will help you get a good grip as you walk. The Go Walk Anywhere kicks things up a notch with an anti-slip Goodyear (like the tire) outsole you can feel as you walk.
These treads, which are arranged all over the bottom, make these shoes a great choice for slippery conditions, uneven ground, or when you need next-level grip. They’re a little squeaky at first, but that stops after you break them in.
The shoes have a lot of padding around the ankle for extra comfort, while there’s a removable insole for extra arch support. The support may feel like too much if you’re not used to high arch support or have low arches, but removing the insole relieves this issue.
While plenty of Skechers are slip-ons, these sneakers use the brand's “slip-in” technology, which means you can put them on hands-free (I found them easy to slide into).
| Sizes | 6-8.5 |
| Materials | Vegan materials |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
Skechers Go Walk Glide-Step 2.0
Skechers Go Walk Glide-Step 2.0
Pros
- Thick outsole creates a bouncy feel
- Lots of cushioning all over the shoe
- Breathable material is ideal for sweaty workouts
Cons
- Shoe's secure fit makes it hard to put these on hands-free
- Center tread can collect pebbles
All of the Skechers we tested are designed for walking, but the Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 is the best athletic shoe since it has extra thick cushioning for impeccable bounce-back in each stride. The sensation creates the feeling of being propelled forward, which is great when racking up steps.
The shoes have a noticeable molded exterior for added support and structure around the heel, creating a solid locked-in feeling. The combination of a padded tongue and tight laces also helps keep feet secure without feeling too tight. Just keep in mind that while Skechers advertises these shoes as being hands-free slip-ins, we found you really need to use a hand or two to get them on comfortably.
| Sizes | 6-10 |
| Materials | Mesh and synthetic |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 10.2 oz |
Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0
Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0
Pros
- Simple style matches with nearly everything
- Loose feel is comfortable during long wear
- Stretchy fit works for a variety of foot types
Cons
- May not feel secure enough for narrow feet
- Rocks can get caught in the outsole's big groove
There are plenty of situations where you want to feel locked into your walking shoe, like when logging some serious miles. However, a looser fit can be more comfortable when on your feet all day. The Ultra Flex 3.0 has a less constrictive feel around the ankle than the shoes we tested, making these feel like slippers with extra support on the bottom.
These shoes have laces, but they’re for show. The specialized memory foam insole delivers pressure relief throughout the day, while the outsole has a slightly squishy feel for extra bounce as you step. It comes in three neutral shades, which makes these shoes perfect for pairing with anything.
| Sizes | 6-11 |
| Materials | Mesh |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 8 oz |
Skechers Go Walk Joy
Skechers Go Walk Joy
Pros
- Slip-on style is hands-free
- Secure, but not tight
- Good arch support
Cons
- Upper is too airy for cold weather
While Skechers are affordable overall, some of the brand’s walking shoes go up to $120 (gasp!). If you’re looking for a shoe you can wear anywhere that won’t blow your budget, the Go Walk Joy is a great option. These sneakers retail for $60 and have lightweight, breathable material that lowers the risk of your feet getting sweaty during walks.
The extra-cushiony midsole offers great arch support. While they’re not the shoes you want to reach for when you’re heading out on a marathon walk, they’re perfect for everyday needs and when you quickly want to slip your feet into something.
The stretchy mesh provides compression without rubbing, keeping the shoe firmly in place. While the slip-on style makes these shoes great for pairing with everything from jeans to dresses, the low ankle profile may make you cold in the winter if you don’t wear socks.
| Sizes | 6-11 |
| Materials | Mesh |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 6 oz |
Skechers On-The-Go Flex
Skechers On-The-Go Flex
Pros
- Classic style can be paired with dresses and pants
- Impressively secure fit, despite the wide ankle opening
- Easy to put on hands-free
Cons
- Boat shoe style isn't for everyone
- Not ideal for workouts
Skechers’ On the Go Flex is noticeably different from others in our guide thanks to its boat shoe design. But while many classic boat shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable, the On the Go Flex has hidden cushioning for a comfortable, sneaker-like feel. It also offers a thick outsole and memory foam insole for a bouncier sensation than you’d get with a standard boat shoe.
These shoes pair well with dresses and can even be worn to the office. They are slip-ons, allowing you to get them on hands-free. While some slip-ons can feel loose, the On the Go Flexes are surprisingly secure and don’t slide around. There's also extra padding around the heel that mimics a pillow to avoid rubbing and blisters. Plus, it can be tossed in the wash just like the other Skechers we tested.
| Sizes | 5-11 |
| Materials | Canvas and vegan leather |
| Machine Washable | Yes |
| Lacing System | Slip-on |
| Stability | Medium |
| Weight | 8 oz |
What to Consider
Weight
Skechers has a reputation for lightweight, supportive footwear. The weight of Skechers shoes ranges from six to 12 ounces, and all the sneakers on this list have a breezy, lightweight feel. That’s a helpful feature in walking shoes when you’re constantly raising and lowering your feet, says Lockwood.
Stability
Walking shoes should have a strong level of stability, according to Lockwood. She suggests giving sneakers the “twist test,” where you hold the ends of the front and back of the shoe and try to bend it. Meaning, you shouldn’t be able to fold your walking shoe like a taco.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
Heel-to-toe drop is the difference in height between the heel and forefoot. Having a drop of at least three millimeters can help accommodate tight Achilles tendons, prevent injury, and keep you comfortable as you stride, says Lockwood and Graves. “Most people function better in a shoe with a mild to moderate heel rise,” he says. “It’s what we’re used to and it’s what prevents injuries.” (Of course, if you have a specific foot issue, your doctor may tell you otherwise.)
Cushioning
Cushioning and stability don’t always go hand-in-hand. “More stability—a stiffer shoe with a firmer midsole—usually means less cushioning,” Graves says. “You want to have the best combination of both, but what’s ‘best’ varies from person to person.” If you have flat feet or your feet are on the flatter side, you usually need a more stable shoe, Graves explains. But, most people enjoy at least some level of cushioning, which gives your shoe that soft, slightly springy feel. Ultimately, you want a good balance.
Arch Support
Everyone’s arches are slightly different, and some people need more arch support than others. If you have high arches, you’ll likely enjoy having more cushioning or arch support under them to lower the risk of pain and discomfort in your feet, Graves says. If your arches are lower, your arch support should also be lower. (Learn more about how to determine your arch type.)
How We Chose
I'm a longtime long-distance runner and daily walker who is experienced in testing sneakers for every need and purpose. For this story, I consulted with Women's Health fitness editors to put seven pairs of Skechers to the test by wearing them during daily walks and leisure to see how they held up. I also consulted with two podiatrists for important features to consider, as well as potential pain points to look out for. Each shoe was evaluated based on cushioning, comfort, stability, and overall style.
Meet the Experts
- Melissa Lockwood, DPM is a podiatrist at Heartland Foot and Ankle Associates in Bloomington, Ill.
- Richard H. Graves, DPM is a podiatrist at Sol Foot & Ankle Centers in Longwood, Fla.
More of the Best Shoes for Women
Best Motion Control Shoes | Best Treadmill Walking Shoes | Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet | Best Walking Shoes for Women | Best Cross Training Sneakers | Best Running Shoes for Women | Best On Cloud Shoes for Walking | Most Comfortable Shoes | Walking Shoes for Women Over 50 | Best Nike Walking Shoes
Korin Miller is a seasoned freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Everyday Health, Food & Wine, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University and lives by the beach.
Natascha is an editor and writer covering health, fitness, and the ways people move through the world. She’s been a NASM-certified personal trainer for more than a decade, with a background in functional strength training, corrective exercise, nutrition, and behavior change. She has additional CES, CNC, BCS, and SFC certifications. She is also a level-2 certified Spinning instructor. Her work has appeared in Bicycling, Runner’s World, and other outlets, and her experience spans both editorial and hands-on work across the fitness industry. Whether she’s writing about training, health, or performance, she’s most interested in making complicated topics useful, approachable, and helpful.
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