The Best Skechers for Walking Aren’t Just Comfy—They’re Podiatrist-Approved

ProsImpressive level of cushioningShoes are still comfortable after long days of useElastic laces make the shoe easy to get on and offConsPebbles and small rocks can get into the outsole's cushioning Shoes run a little wide if you have narrow feetOf 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 WomenFeatures at a GlanceSizes5-13MaterialsMeshMachine Washable?YesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight8 ozProsExtra heel paddingBreathable fabricMachine washable ConsWide 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 WomenSizes5-11MaterialsVegan materialsMachine WashableYesLacing SystemYesStabilityHighWeight8 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsOutsole has extra grippy features for solid footingEasy to slide your feet intoLots of padding around the ankle for comfortConsArch support may feel too intense to some (but it's removable)Outsoles are squeaky at firstPretty 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).Sizes6-8.5MaterialsVegan materialsMachine WashableYesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight10.2 ozProsThick outsole creates a bouncy feelLots of cushioning all over the shoeBreathable material is ideal for sweaty workoutsConsShoe's secure fit makes it hard to put these on hands-freeCenter tread can collect pebblesAll 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.Sizes6-10MaterialsMesh and syntheticMachine WashableYesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight10.2 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSimple style matches with nearly everythingLoose feel is comfortable during long wearStretchy fit works for a variety of foot typesConsMay not feel secure enough for narrow feetRocks can get caught in the outsole's big grooveThere 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.Sizes6-11MaterialsMeshMachine WashableYesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight8 ozProsSlip-on style is hands-freeSecure, but not tightGood arch supportConsUpper is too airy for cold weatherWhile 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.Sizes6-11MaterialsMeshMachine WashableYesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight6 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsClassic style can be paired with dresses and pantsImpressively secure fit, despite the wide ankle openingEasy to put on hands-freeConsBoat shoe style isn't for everyoneNot ideal for workoutsSkechers’ 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.Sizes5-11MaterialsCanvas and vegan leatherMachine WashableYesLacing SystemSlip-onStabilityMediumWeight8 ozKorin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master’s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.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.