I’ve Spent Years Testing Skechers Walking Shoes. Here Are the 4 Best, Ranked
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
As a shopping editor, I've tested a ton of sneakers over the past few years—and if there's one shoe brand that's consistently surprised me with its exceptional comfort at affordable prices, it's Skechers . The brand makes comfortable, cushioned shoes for nearly any activity, from casual walking shoes to high-performance running shoes for beginners and pros alike—not to mention, they've seriously changed the sneaker game with their signature hands-free shoes , designed with the brand's patented slip-in technology for easy on and off without having to bend over or tie laces.
Unsurprisingly, Skechers shoes come highly recommended by podiatrists, too. Many styles have earned the coveted American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance , a distinction awarded to products that promote good foot health. "Skechers can be a good option for casual walking or low-impact use. They offer walking shoes with lightweight construction, memory foam insoles, and flexible outsoles," Anne Sharkey, D.P.M. , a board-certified podiatrist and founder of Solely Podiatry in Austin, previously told Prevention .
So, which Skechers styles are truly worth buying? As someone who personally swears by the brand, I decided to rank all the pairs I've tested over the years, starting with my top overall favorite pick. Ahead, find my picks for the best Skechers shoes for comfort, support, and overall performance, ranked.
1) Skechers Slip-ins: Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit - Areena
The Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit - Areena sneakers are definitely my top pick for their overall comfort. They're the ones I wear the most often, having quickly become my go-to pair for daily walking and casual wear, thanks to the plush, maximum cushioning and excellent arch support.The cushioning feels lightweight and cloud-like underfoot, while the removable insole, designed with the brand's patented Arch Fit contoured footbed, offers comfortable support for my flatter arches, hugging the curve of my feet naturally without feeling too dense or aggressive.
These sneakers offer a comfortable fit with their soft and flexible mesh upper, which also feels breathable on my feet. I also really appreciate that they're designed with Skechers' signature hands-free slip-in technology , which makes them easy to slip on and off without having to bend over—yet they still provide a secure fit thanks to the heel pillow that holds my foot in place.
It's no wonder that this pair boasts the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) and has been recommended by many of our experts. Sharkey previously called it "the most supportive and cushioned shoe in the [Skechers] lineup," noting it has "removable supportive arch as well as max cushioning for shock absorption."
Note: In addition to the black colorway available at Skechers.com , these shoes are also available in two other color options at Amazon .
Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit vs. Vionic 23Walk 2.0 Full Review
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Maximum cushioning with a plush, cloud-like feel
- Removable Arch Fit insole with podiatrist-certified arch support
- Hands-free slip-in technology for easy on and off
- Some reviewers say they run small
- Only available in medium width
2) Skechers Slip-Ins: Aero Spark
Coming in second in my ranking is the Skechers Aero Spark —a versatile everyday trainer from the brand's Aero Running collection that also has the APMA Seal of Acceptance. I'm not a runner, but I've been loving these running shoes for faster-paced walks; they feel noticeably springier and bouncier than the Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit - Areena sneakers with their dual-density Hyper Burst Ice Cushioning . However, the trade-off is that they also feel less plush and shock-absorbing, as well as less flexible with their more structured fit—ultimately making them less comfortable overall for daily walks and everyday wear. So, I've personally found myself lacing up this pair less often.
Still, I've found that the springy, responsive cushioning of the Aero Sparks makes them great for faster-paced walks and runs.These shoes also offer extra stability and energy return with a carbon-infused H-plate, while a curved Hyper Arc rocker sole promotes smooth transitions from landing to toe-off. This design allows the shoes to give a subtle pop whenever I pick up the pace for a faster speed walk—with a smooth rolling feel from heel to forefoot and then a snappy toe-off.
The Aero Sparks also provide great support for my low arches with the brand's patented Arch Fit insole. They come in both a traditional lace-up style as well as in the slip-in option —with the latter featuring a runner-optimized design with a specialized heel-counter for a secure, structured, and locked-down feel.
- APMA Seal of Acceptance
- Lightweight, responsive cushioning with great energy return
- Removable Arch Fit insole with podiatrist-certified arch support
- Comes in both slip-in and lace-up style
- Available in wide widths
- May feel too structured and stiff for those who prefer a flexible feel
3) Skechers Slip-Ins: Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 - Belah
Also featuring Skechers' hands-free slip-in technology, the Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 - Belah sneakers come in at third in my ranking. The Ultra Go cushioning with the Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole in these walking shoes feels lightweight and responsive, but it's not as plush or shock-absorbing as the Max Cushioning—and it doesn't offer the same level of arch support as the Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit - Areenas and the Aero Sparks , both of which have the Skechers' Arch Fit insole.
Still, I'd say these sneakers are a great middle ground between those two previous styles: They're more springy than the plush Areenas, but feel more suited to daily, easy-paced walks than the more performance-focused Aero Sparks . The Glide-Step midsole , a geometric foam design designed to provide natural momentum while walking, offers a soft landing with every step I take and then helps my feet roll smoothly from heel to toe to carry my stride forward. But, it doesn't feel as snappy or energetic as the Aero Spark; instead, these shoes feels smoother and more flexible, making it great for cushioning and smoothing out my walking strides at more easy, relaxed paces.
- Lightweight, responsive cushioning
- Breathable, high-rebound insole
- Great shock absorption and a smooth, forward-rolling feel
- Hands-free slip-in technology
- Less structured arch support than other styles
- Only available in medium width
4) Skechers Aero Elite
Last but not least is the Skechers Aero Elite —the star of the Aero Running collection and the brand's first-ever "super shoe" that's designed for race-day performance. It's only last in my personal ranking as I'm not a runner myself, and have found it to be less well-suited for my daily walks—so I don't lace it up as often as the other three pairs. But, I'd say this sneaker is definitely worth the splurge if you're a runner. Why? This high-performance running shoe feels seriously lightweight and amazingly springy, thrusting you forward on your runs with propulsive energy return.
Seriously, I was shocked at how lightweight these shoes are—at just 5 oz, they feel practically weightless on my feet. Yet, they still feel very bouncy and springy with great energy return, thanks to the highly responsive Hyper Burst supercritical foam cushioning system. I did try these shoes out on a short jog, and definitely noticed the effect of the full-length carbon-infused Quantum Plate within the shoes—it felt like my feet were propelled forward with every step, with the Hyper Arc rocker technology allowing for super smooth transitions from landing to toe-off.
Another thing that surprised me about the Aero Elites : The upper is made of a knit material that's remarkably thin and see-through, making it ultra-lightweight and super breathable—yet it still delivered a secure and supportive fit, gently wrapping around my feet like a comfy sock.
- Super lightweight
- Springy, responsive cushioning with great energy return
- Full-length carbon-infused Quantum Plate promotes accelerated propulsion
- Breathable woven jacquard upper
- Priciest style on this list
- Specifically designed for running; may not be ideal for walking
- Only available in medium width
How I Ranked the Best Skechers Shoes
As a shopping editor, I've tested several pairs of Skechers shoes over the past few years. I ranked them based on comfort, fit, support, and overall performance during everyday wear and walking. I paid attention to how each pair felt on my feet while walking, evaluating its fit, cushioning, arch support, stability, and ease of getting on and off.
You Might Also Like
