If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet all day, having comfortable, supportive shoes is essential.
Skechers Go Walk shoes are a popular choice for all-day standing shoes, but are they up for the task?
We will takes an in-depth look at Skechers Go Walk shoes to help you decide if they are the right option for you.
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Are Skechers Go Walk Good for Standing All Day
The Skechers Go Walk line can be a solid choice for jobs or activities that require being on your feet all day. Their well-cushioned soles, flexible knit uppers, and roomy toe boxes help reduce foot fatigue and discomfort from prolonged standing and walking.
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An Overview of Skechers Go Walk Shoes
Skechers Go Walk shoes are designed specifically for walking and casual wear. Key features include:
- Extremely lightweight and flexible construction
- Soft, breathable mesh fabric uppers
- Goga Mat foam insoles for cushioning and support
- High-traction rubber outsoles
There are several different styles in the Go Walk collection, including slip-ons, lace-ups, sandals, and more. However, all styles share the same DNA of prioritizing comfort and wearability.
Skechers markets these shoes as “the next best thing to walking barefoot” due to the flexible, almost sock-like feel. And with high-rebound cushioning underfoot, they promise all-day comfort even for those on their feet for extended periods.
But does this check out in real life? Let’s evaluate how they perform.
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Why Proper Shoes Are Essential for Standing Occupations
Before assessing Skechers Go Walk specifically, it’s important to understand why appropriate footwear matters if you have to stand all day.
Spending hours on your feet puts tremendous strain on the body. Factors like:
- Uneven weight distribution
- Excess tension on muscles and joints
- Poor posture
- Pressure points on the feet
Can all contribute to pain, soreness, swelling, and other issues over time without proper foot support.
Additionally, your shoes serve as the critical link between your feet and the ground. So the stability, cushioning, grip, and wear resistance also come into play.
With the right footwear, you can alleviate these problems and avoid short and long-term damage to your feet, back, and body.
Having reviewed why proper footwear matters, let’s analyze how Skechers Go Walk performs in these key areas:
Cushioning & Support
A supportive insole absorbs impact and stabilizes the feet, two necessities for standing all day without excessive soreness or fatigue buildup.
All Go Walk shoes come equipped with a Goga Mat Resalyte insole. This proprietary foam compound aims to provide high-rebound cushioning along with distributing weight evenly across the feet.
Independent product reviews and consumer reports praise the plush comfort delivered by the Goga Mat insole, especially in the heel and arch. However, some find it starts to flatten after 6 months to 1 year of heavy wear.
The thicker midsole (compared to regular Skechers) also boosts comfort and absorbency while standing. Just note it comes at the expense of stability. So for those who need more support due to high arches or overpronation, an additional insole may be advisable.
Verdict: Very comfortable at first with ample cushioning, but loses some softness over time. Stability can be an issue for some foot types.
Traction
Outsoles need to adequately grip the floor, especially if you’ll be walking on slick or uneven surfaces. Otherwise, slips and falls represent a major safety hazard.
Go Walk shoes come equipped with a textured high-traction rubber outsole. Flex grooves allow the sole to flex naturally along with the foot while also providing dependable traction.
User feedback confirms the outsoles perform well at supplying sufficient slip resistance across an array of floor types. Even so, results can vary based on specific floor conditions.
The good out-of-box traction does diminish quicker than average with ongoing wear, according to reviews. But overall grip holds up respectably over the lifespan of the shoe.
Those wanting maximum traction may need to replace their Go Walks somewhat more often than shoes made for rougher use. However, under normal walking conditions, the traction should adequately get the job done for standing occupations.
Verdict: Out-of-box traction is above average but fades faster over time. Grips well across most surfaces but is not ideal for demanding environments.
Breathability
Proper airflow around the foot helps minimize sweat, bacterial buildup, and the stench that comes with it. This takes on added importance when feet are enclosed in shoes for 8+ hours.
Skechers Go Walk shoes stand out for their breathable uppers. Lightweight mesh fabric makes up the entire upper, save for synthetic overlays on some models. This allows ample airflow to reach the foot from all angles.
In real-world testing, wearers praise the Go Walks for keeping feet cool and dry even in hot conditions. The overall consensus is they are among the most breathable walking/standing shoes in regular usage.
One downside is the mesh fabric uppers provide minimal weatherproofing in wet or cold conditions. So free airflow has its tradeoffs. But in temperate indoor environments, air circulation excels.
Verdict: Extremely breezy mesh fabric uppers allow excellent airflow around the feet for their class of shoe.
Weight
The more a shoe weighs, the more effort is required to lift it, leading to premature exhaustion for stand-all-day occupations. Just a few extra ounces make a substantial difference over a work shift.
True to their DNA as a lightweight walking shoe, all Go Walk models are exceptionally feather-light on the scale. Depending on the exact style, you can expect roughly 7-11 oz (198-312g) per shoe.
For comparison’s sake, most work sneakers fall in the 14-22 oz range. So Skechers has shaved off considerable weight without sacrificing cushioning.
You’ll notice the ultra-lightweight build right away when handling or wearing them. Reviewers praise their barely-there feel which prevents leg and foot fatigue from setting in too early.
On the downside, heavy-duty support and stability features add bulk, so the stripped-down Go Walk can’t replicate those functions. But strictly talking weight savings, these are hard to beat in the casual walking category.
Verdict: Extremely lightweight with most styles under 12 oz per shoe. Helps minimize fatigue from long hours on your feet.
Durability
Even the comfiest shoe won’t cut it long-term if it starts falling apart after just weeks or months of use. Durability determines whether your investment pays off or fails prematurely.
The flexible mesh fabric upper common among Go Walks provides feather-light comfort but at the expense of resilience. Scuffs and tears in the fabric emerge more frequently compared to leather or knit uppers.
On the plus side, the rubber outsoles stand up respectably well against abrasion and wear issues relative to the lighter overall build. Skechers’ reputation for durability applies to a reasonable extent here.
Many reviewers report getting around a year of near-daily use before replacing their Go Walks, longer if on a rotation. While not tank-like, the durability lives up to expectations for such a lightweight walking shoe.
Just don’t expect the ruggedness of a hardcore work boot. These shoes trade supreme durability for higher comfort and lower weight – an acceptable tradeoff for standing occupations according to user feedback.
Verdict: Durability is about average for an ultralight walking shoe. Outsoles hold up better than uppers. Expect around 12 months of regular use before replacing.
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Skechers Go Walk Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
- Generous cushioning from Goga Mat insoles
- Mesh fabric uppers allow excellent breathability
- Very lightweight (7-11 oz) to minimize fatigue
- Better traction than typical walking/casual shoes
- Competitively priced vs. rivals (typically $40-$80)
Cons
- Insoles lose some bounce after 6-12 months
- Limited stability features for overpronators
- Uppers prioritize airiness over durability
- Traction fades quicker than heavy-use shoes
- Lacks weatherproofing of leather/knit shoes
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Go Walk Alternatives for Standing All-Day
While Skechers Go Walk makes a solid pick for all-day standing-intensive jobs based on overall comfort, support, and value, it’s not necessarily the only viable option.
Occupations demanding long hours on your feet also benefit from these types of footwear:
- Work sneakers – More rugged and supportive athletic shoes better suited for occupational stresses.
- Compression socks – Improve circulation and stamina while standing.
- Orthotic insoles – Custom or over-the-counter insoles providing personalised arch support.
- Standing mats – Cushion and support feet, knees, and back with anti-fatigue matting.
- Support shoes – Specifically designed to assist flat
Conclusion
Finding shoes able to go the distance while standing all shift long poses a challenge for those in retail, hospitality, and healthcare roles. Based on criteria like cushioning, weight, traction, and breathability, Skechers Go Walk makes a sensible choice according to hands-on testing.
Are they a magic bullet that miraculously eliminates all foot pain and fatigue even after 14 hours on your feet? Of course not. But for an affordable, comfortable lightweight walking shoe, Skechers Go Walk holds up respectably well for hardcore standing occupations compared to pricier options.
Give them a try if you desire both cushioned comfort and cloud-like lightness along with decent value. Just supplement with insoles, compression socks, or aftermarket support as needed. Your feet will thank you after a tough day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Skechers Go Walk good for jobs like retail, warehouse, nursing, etc?
Yes, thanks to the cushioning and lightweight feel, most wearers find Go Walks comfortable for long stretches working retail registers, distribution centers, hospitals, and similar environments. They supply both cushioning and airflow important for enduring long shifts on hard floors.
How long do Skechers Go Walk shoes last?
Approximately 12 months is typical for Go Walks with daily usage before signs of wear like diminished cushioning and tread make replacing them advisable. But they remain a good value over this lifespan according to most wearers.
Are Skechers Go Walk better than brands like Nike or Adidas?
Comfort and weight-wise, most consumers find Go Walks comparable or slightly better than Nike or Adidas lightweight walking shoes. They supply equivalent or better cushioning at a lighter weight. But Nike/Adidas may edge out Skechers in areas like stability and durability.
Can I replace the insoles with something more comfortable?
Yes, Go Walk shoes permit swapping out the factory insoles with alternative insoles like Superfeet or Dr. Scholl’s. This allows you to customize arch support and potentially prolong comfort as the OEM insoles lose bounce.
What jobs don’t suit Skechers Go Walks?
Occupations like construction, healthcare, food service, and manufacturing with greater demands for things like slip resistance, spill/stain protection, and safety toe support necessitate more heavy-duty footwear. Go Walks prioritizes comfort over ruggedness.
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