11 Pairs of Skechers That Belong in Your Walking Shoe Collection

They’re lightweight, comfy, and easy to slip on as you head out the door—Skechers sneakers are true workhorses of the walking shoe world. They’re expert-approved too: “This is a go-to brand and I think that people should have it in their closet,” Suzanne Levine, DPM, a podiatrist with Millennium Podiatry in New York City, tells SELF.

If you’re new to Skechers (or mainly remember it as the brand behind the D’Lites of the late 2000s), you may be surprised to find that many of its styles are excellent for walking and spending long days on your feet. Some even come with a seal of acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which is only awarded to footwear that podiatrists consider beneficial for your foot health.

To save you some time browsing for your next pair of Skechers, we’ve highlighted the best styles below. But first, we’ll go over a few walking shoe basics so you know exactly what to look for while you shop.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite
2. Best Budget: Skechers Summits
3. Best for Wide Feet: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Flex Grand Entry
4. Best for Sweaty Feet: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Brilliant Slip-Ins
5. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0
6. Best Maximalist: Skechers Go Run MaxRoad 6
7. Most Supportive: Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
8. Best Waterproof: Skechers Uno Rugged Spotted Terrain
9. Best Hiking Boot: Skechers Relaxed Fit Trego Trail Kismet
10. Best Sandal: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandal Exhilarate
11. Best for Running: Skechers Go Run Razor 5

What should you look for in a good pair of walking shoes?

Shop the best Skechers for walking

Ready to lace up (or, depending on the pair, slip in)? We’ve curated the best of Skechers’s styles for all your bopping needs.

Best Overall: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite

Pros

• Shock-absorbing
• Stable design
• Machine-washable

Cons

• May run narrow, according to Zappos reviewers

Dr. Levine recommends the Max Cushioning Elite above all other Skechers for walking—and it just so happens to be a SELF Sneaker Award–winner too. She likes its large platform and stable heel, which will help you feel steady while you stroll.

Our testers were pleasantly surprised by how supportive the Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 felt, given the high stack of foam in its sole. Turns out, that level of cushioning helped the shoe feel secure and comfortable for extended periods of time, whether testers were standing for hours or enjoying long walks. “They have outstanding arch support that keeps my arthritic knees feeling amazing all day,” one wrote.

Best Budget: Skechers Summits

Pros

• Under $70
• Lightweight
• Machine-washable

Cons

• May wear out quickly, according to Skechers reviewers

Skechers as a whole tends to be less expensive than other top-rated sneaker brands. But the Summits, clocking in at $65, stand out even among Skechers’s many sub-$100 pairs. Still, their price is far from their main selling point: The Summits have an easy slip-on design with elastic laces, a breathable memory foam insole, and over 1,700 five-star reviews on Skechers’s site.

“I needed a comfortable yet stylish sneaker to wear on a walking vacation,” one reviewer wrote. “This shoe fit like a glove, provided ample support, and was so nice and cushy inside.”

Best for Wide Feet: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Flex Grand Entry

Pros

• Flexible fit
• Holds your heel securely inside the shoe
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Only available in one wide width

Walking shoes for wide feet should be made with a roomy toe box, flexible materials, and an overall shape that suits your foot. The wide-cut Go Walk Flex Grand Entry Slip-Ins check all of those boxes. Its mesh upper and elastic laces stretch to accommodate swelling throughout the day, while its forefoot gives your toes room to spread. It also has responsive padding in the footbed and around the heel (so you don’t have to worry about your foot slipping out after you slip it in).

Best for Sweaty Feet: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Brilliant Slip-Ins

Pros

• Stretches to fit your foot
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Decorative shoe laces can’t tighten

If your feet tend to sweat, a pair of breathable shoes is a must—and not only do Skechers’s Ultra Flex 3.0 Brilliant Slip-Ins keep air flowing through their insoles and knit uppers, but they also prevent smells from hanging around, according to one SELF editor. “I’ve put a lot of miles on these, and they don’t have any foot odor,” she says.

Another bonus: If the stink does eventually sink in, you can just throw these sneakers in the washing machine for a quick refresh.

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0

Pros

• High amount of foam in the heel
• Removable insoles can accommodate orthotics if needed
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Some Skechers reviewers say they feel too narrow

Plantar fasciitis is commonly characterized by a stabbing pain in your heel, especially while you’re walking. Shoes with good cushioning and substantial arch support can help take some pressure off your heels and alleviate that discomfort.

If you’re set on buying Skechers and you want some plantar fasciitis relief, the APMA accepted Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Slip-Ins are a solid option. “Having the APMA Seal of Acceptance demonstrates that these shoes do promote foot health,” Dr. Daughtry says. “With their lightweight cushioning, knit upper, and removable insoles, these shoes would be a great option for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.”

Plus, they have the same padding around the heel as the Go Walk Flex Grand Entry, which will keep your foot from shifting around while you’re on the move.

Best Maximalist: Skechers Go Run MaxRoad 6

Pros

• Responsive yet cushy
• High-traction outsole
• Machine-washable

Cons

• On the pricier side for the brand

When we reviewed the previous iteration of the Go Run MaxRoad for the 2022 Sneaker Awards, our tester was impressed by its bouncy ride. The MaxRoad 6 only improves on that feel, thanks to its shock-absorbing insole, springy carbon plate, and sizable stack height.

For all those features and foam, it’s surprisingly lightweight at 8.50 ounces per shoe. Overall, the Go Run MaxRoad is a great option for regular joggers or anyone who just likes a ton of cushioning under their feet.

Most Supportive: Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit

Pros

• Insole molds to your foot over time (it can also be swapped out for custom orthotics)
• High-traction rubber sole
• Machine-washable

Cons

• May require a break-in period, according to some Skechers reviewers

Here’s another APMA-accepted pair of kicks, with ample arch support and the brand’s plush (yet sturdy) Maximum Cushioning through the midsole. We love that they’re easy to put on (just step right in—no need to fiddle with laces or a pull tab), but still feel secure and stable.

“Cushioned bottom, arch support, and fit that melds to your feet—they are the first shoes I’ve had in years that I don’t have to swap out as soon as I get home,” one Skechers reviewer wrote. “I wear these shoes all day and my feet, knees, and hips feel great.”

Best Waterproof: Skechers Uno Rugged Spotted Terrain

Pros

• Fully waterproof
• Cute, casual design

Cons

• Hand-wash only

Getting caught in the rain on your walk means dealing with soggy sneakers, so it’s a good idea to have a cute pair of waterproof shoes that aren’t full-blown galoshes. The Uno Rugged is a water-tight spin on one of Skechers’s most popular models, with sealed seams and a synthetic leather upper.

Its unique midsole features a visible airbag, which keeps a bounce in your step (and looks cool and sporty, to boot).

Best Hiking Boot: Skechers Relaxed Fit Trego Trail Kismet

Pros

• Rugged sole
• Roomy forefoot and toe box
• Under $90—cost-effective for a hiking boot

Cons

• Not fully waterproof

Water-repellent, with ankle support and an outsole built for uneven terrain, the Relaxed Fit Trego Trail Kismet boot is ready to hit the trails. Its roomier fit means it accommodates a wide range of foot shapes and won’t feel too tight if you like to hike in thick, high-cushion socks.

“Purchased these shoes for a hiking trip, but didn’t break them in prior to leaving,” one Skechers reviewer wrote. “I was very surprised and pleased that they didn’t need any breaking in. They were comfortable and good to go with the first wear!”

Best Sandal: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandal Exhilarate

Pros

• Thick heel platform
• Adjustable strap
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not available in half sizes

Sturdy sandals with arch support and a secure fastening system are key to keeping your feet happy during warm weather. Enter the APMA-accepted Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandal, which has an adjustable ankle strap; a contoured, moldable footbed; and a flexible yet thick sole.

You can also comfortably walk all day long in these sandals without worrying about losing a shoe in the sand or slipping at the pool thanks to the traction on their outsoles.

Best for Running: Skechers Go Run Razor 5

Pros

• Very responsive
• Lightweight
• Machine-washable

Cons

• Not as stable as the other options on this list
• On the pricier side for the brand

If you sometimes walk and sometimes run on your jaunts around the neighborhood, you may want a shoe with a little more pep. Dr. Levine recommends Skechers sneakers that feature the brand’s Hyper Burst technology, which provides lightweight, responsive, and durable cushioning throughout the midsole. In addition to the Hyper Burst midsole, the Go Run Razor 5 running shoe also has a grippy rubber sole, good arch support, and a breezy mesh upper. It’s perfect for when you want to pick up the pace.

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