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
- Best Overall: Skechers Max Cushioning Elite
- Best Budget: Skechers Summits
- Best for Wide Feet: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Flex Grand Entry
- Best for Sweaty Feet: Skechers Ultra Flex 3.0 Brilliant Slip-Ins
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Skechers Slip-ins Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0
- Best Maximalist: Skechers Go Run MaxRoad 6
- Most Supportive: Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit
- Best Waterproof: Skechers Uno Rugged Spotted Terrain
- Best Hiking Boot: Skechers Relaxed Fit Trego Trail Kismet
- Best Sandal: Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 Sandal Exhilarate
- Best for Running: Skechers Go Run Razor 5
What should you look for in a good pair of walking shoes?
Leakna Ung, DPM, a podiatrist at Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopaedics Institute, tells SELF that your shoe’s arch should feel thick and rigid (read: it shouldn’t collapse under your foot when you walk). That’ll help it distribute your weight evenly and prevent pressure points from building on the ball of your foot or your heel, Thomas A. McDonald, MD, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Hartford Hospital Bone & Joint Institute tells SELF. He adds that proper arch support can even help relieve foot pain related to conditions like shin splints and plantar fasciitis.
When we talk about how plush or cushy a shoe feels, we’re really talking about its level of shock absorption, which is key if you spend a lot of time walking or standing on hard surfaces, Dr. McDonald says. “It reduces the impact on joints (knees, hips, and spine), making walks more comfortable,” he says.
It’s important to note that more cushioning isn’t necessarily always better—some people may feel unsteady in a heavily padded shoe, Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist based in North Carolina, tells SELF. Dr. McDonald says it’s a matter of personal preference, so consider trying on a few pairs with different levels of cushioning before making your pick.
It’s important to look for shoes made with breathable materials in their uppers, Dr. Ung says. Mesh is your best bet for airflow, Dr. Daughtry says, adding that it’ll also feel more flexible and accommodating than stiffer materials like leather. Meanwhile, the shoes’ midsole materials (usually various types of foam) should provide cushioning and stability, Dr. McDonald says—a.k.a. it shouldn’t feel overly marshmallowy or rock hard.
“The outsole is critical for traction and stability,” Dr. McDonald says. “It needs to provide enough grip for walking on various surfaces—wet, dry, or uneven.” Look for shoes with grooved, treaded soles made of rubber. And if you’re shopping for hiking boots or trail shoes, check for deep lugs along the outsole that can give you even more grip, Dr. Daughtry says.
It might sound obvious, but your shoes need to suit the shape of your foot—otherwise, they won’t support your arches and may even cause blisters, chafing, and other uncomfortable conditions, Dr. McDonald says. Make sure the length of the shoe is snug (but not tight), and that the toe box is roomy enough for your toes to spread out comfortably.
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.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium
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.”
Sizes: US 6 to 13 | Widths: Medium and wide
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).
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Wide
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.
Sizes: US 6 to 13 | Widths: Medium
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.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Widths: Medium
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.
Sizes: US 6.5 to 9.5 | Widths: Medium
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.
