Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam vs Memory Foam Shoes

If you’re searching for comfortable shoes that feel like you’re walking on clouds all day, memory foam shoes should be at the top of your list.

Known for conforming to the shape of your foot and providing unmatched cushioning and support, memory foam has become an extremely popular shoe technology over the past decade.

Within the world of memory foam shoes, Skechers has emerged as an industry leader. Skechers produces various types of memory foam footwear, including their unique Air Cooled Memory Foam technology.

But how does this compare to regular ole’ memory foam? What’s the difference and which option is best for your needs?

I’m here to break down the distinctions between Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam vs Memory Foam Shoes, overview the pros and cons of each, and help you determine which version is right for your feet!

Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam vs Memory Foam

The main difference between Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam and Memory Foam shoes is that the Air Cooled version has extra ventilation to keep feet cool, with an air cooled insole and breathable mesh fabric lining, while regular Memory Foam traps more heat around the foot.

Both provide cushioning and mold to the foot’s shape.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam vs Memory Foam Shoes:

Feature	Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam	Skechers Memory Foam
Cushioning	Air Cooled Memory Foam insole	Memory Foam insole
Cushioning Feel	Cool, breathable cushioning	Dense, pillowy cushioning
Temperature Control	Airflow channels reduce heat	Can retain heat
Ideal For	Hot climates, sweaty feet	Colder climates, cushion lovers
Insole Removable	Yes	Yes
Outsole	Flexible traction outsole	Flexible traction outsole
Weight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Toe Box	Roomy toe box	Tapered toe box
Breathability	Mesh upper	Knit or leather upper
Arch Support	Moderate arch support	Moderate arch support
Stability	Some stability features	Some stability features
Usage Time	All day wear	All day wear
Work Safety Certification	Some styles certified	Some styles certified
Washable	Some styles machine washable	Not machine washable
Sizing	Runs true to size	Runs true to size
Break-In Time	Minimal break-in time	Minimal break-in time

In summary, the key differences are the Air Cooled Memory Foam offers better breathability and temperature regulation while the regular Memory Foam provides dense, pillowy cushioning that retains more heat.

The right choice depends on your climate and cushioning preferences.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam

• Memory foam insole provides enhanced comfort and cushioning
• Air Cooled technology helps improve breathability and temperature regulation
• Available in a variety of casual, everyday styles

Cons: Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam

May be slightly more expensive than the standard Memory Foam models
Air Cooled technology, while beneficial, adds some complexity
Limited color/style options compared to broader Skechers lines

Pros: Skechers Memory Foam

• Memory foam insole offers plush, conforming comfort
• Generally more affordable than the Air Cooled version
• Still provides a comfortable, cushioned ride for daily activities

Cons: Skechers Memory Foam

• Does not offer the enhanced breathability and temperature control of the Air Cooled version
• Memory foam may break down and lose cushioning over time more quickly than other materials
• May not provide as much overall comfort and support as the Air Cooled option

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

• Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam: The Air Cooled Memory Foam shoes are not primarily designed for running. While the memory foam provides some cushioning, they lack the stability, support, and impact protection needed for high-intensity running activities.
• Skechers Memory Foam: The standard Memory Foam shoes are also not well-suited for running. They have a similar basic design and focus on comfort rather than performance features.

Shoes for Walking

• Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam: The Air Cooled Memory Foam shoes excel at providing comfort and support for walking. The memory foam midsole offers excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making them a great choice for extended walks.
• Skechers Memory Foam: The standard Memory Foam shoes are also very comfortable for walking. The memory foam provides a plush and supportive ride, making them a suitable option for casual, everyday walking.

Shoes for Standing All Day

• Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam: The Air Cooled Memory Foam shoes are an excellent choice for standing all day. The memory foam midsole and air-cooled design help reduce foot fatigue and provide lasting comfort, even during prolonged periods on your feet.
• Skechers Memory Foam: The standard Memory Foam shoes are also a good option for standing all day. The cushioned memory foam sole helps alleviate discomfort associated with extended standing.

Now that you have an overview of Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam vs Memory Foam differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.

What is Memory Foam?

First, let’s start with an overview of what exactly memory foam is and why it’s so popular in shoes.

Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic polyurethane foam, has an open-cell solid structure and contains temperature-sensitive materials.

This allows the foam to slowly mold and conform to the shape of your foot through the heat and weight applied from standing and walking.

Once the pressure is removed, high-quality memory foam will slowly return to its original uncompressed state. Lower-density memory foam may retain impressions permanently.

Compared to standard shoe materials like canvas, rubber, leather, or basic EVA foam, memory foam stands out for these reasons:

• Conforms to the unique foot shape
• Alleviates pressure points
• Provides unmatched comfort
• Offers excellent shock absorption
• Relieves foot pain
• Adds stability and support

With those basics covered, let’s move on to the signature Air Cooled Memory Foam found in many Skechers shoe lines.

What Makes Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam Special?

Skechers first introduced their Air Cooled Memory Foam in 2017, starting with a comfortable walking shoe called the Skechers GOwalk Joy.

This technology has now expanded into many of their popular lines like GOwalk, GOrun, D’Lites, and more.

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So what sets Air Cooled Memory Foam apart from a basic memory foam shoe? There are two key differences:

1. Airflow Channels

Air Cooled Memory Foam contains unique airflow channels within the foam itself. These vertical holes allow air to flow in and out freely, helping reduce heat and moisture build-up inside the shoe.

This creates a cooler, drier foot environment than typical solid memory foam, increasing breathability and comfort on hot days or for sweaty feet.

2. High Rebound

In addition to the airflow channels, Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam formulation incorporates advanced “High Rebound” qualities.

This means the foam returns to its original shape quickly after being compressed under your foot. The rapid rebound helps provide an extra bounce or responsiveness with each step you take.

Regular memory foam rebounds slower in comparison, creating more of a sluggish, lagging feel underfoot.

By combining airflow channels FOR breathability AND high rebound qualities FOR extra bounce-back and responsiveness, Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam aims to take ordinary memory foam to the next level in terms of cushioning comfort.

Feature	Air Cooled Memory Foam	Regular Memory Foam
Construction	Contains vertical airflow channels	Solid foam
Breathability	Increased airflow channels	Less breathable
Rebound Rate	High rebound = faster bounce back	Slower rebound
Responsiveness	More energy returns with each step	Less response

Now that you understand the unique properties of Air Cooled Memory Foam over basic memory foam, let’s compare some pros and cons of each option.

Now that you see the pros and cons of Air Cooled Memory Foam versus regular Memory Foam, how do you decide which option is better for YOUR individual needs?

Here are a few key factors to consider:

Factors for Determining the Best Option

1. Climate & Sweat

• Do you live in a hot climate?
• Do your feet overheat or sweat excessively, even in cooler weather?

If you answered YES, Air Cooled Memory Foam would provide better breathability, airflow, and moisture wicking to keep your feet drier.

2. Cushioning Needs

• Do you have joint pain or chronic foot issues that require enhanced cushioning?
• Will you be standing or walking for long periods where fatigue relief is key?

If you answered YES, basic memory foam would provide slightly better pressure point relief and contouring around arches and ankles over long durations.

3. Weight

• Are you looking for lightweight shoes for activities like walking, travel, etc?
• Do you prefer a barely-there feel?

If yes, Air Cooled Memory Foam runs lighter due to the airflow channels.

4. Bounce Back

• Do you want extra pep in your step or spring with each stride?
• Are you looking for an energized feel?

If yes, the high rebound qualities of Air Cooled would give you better bounce back and responsiveness underfoot.

Consideration	Best Option
Hot climate or sweaty feet	Air Cooled Memory Foam
Need enhanced long-term cushioning	Memory Foam
Want lightweight shoes	Air Cooled Memory Foam
Seeking better bounce back / responsiveness	Air Cooled Memory Foam

Skechers Shoe Lines Showcasing Both Technologies

Multiple Skechers shoe lines utilize both air-cooled memory Foam and regular Memory Foam across different models – typically varying based on intended use (walking, running, etc).

Below are some top examples where you’ll find both types of memory foam cushioning systems:

GOwalk – Extremely popular Skechers walking shoe line. Various GOwalk models feature one technology or the other.

GORun – Skechers high-performance running and training shoes. Some GOruns spotlight Air Cooled while others tout standard Memory Foam.

D’Lites / Me Time – This fashion-forward line has options showcasing each type.

Bobs – Their Eco-friendly “Bobs” shoes come in both memory foam varieties.

Work – Their occupational footwear includes work sneakers with air-cooled or Memory Foam.

The key is checking the specific product descriptions and details to understand exactly what type of memory foam is used in that model. Don’t assume all options have Air Cooled or regular memory foam!

User Reviews and Rating

Curious about what actual customers have to say? Here’s a sampling of Skechers memory foam shoe reviews from real users:

Shoe Model	Memory Foam Type	Rating	Review
Skechers GOrun 7	Air Cooled	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“The air-cooled memory foam makes my feet feel like they’re walking on air! Very lightweight and breathable but still comfortable for my sore feet.”
Skechers Gratis Bungee	Memory Foam	⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Excellent arch support from the memory foam footbed. Feels very cushy yet stable for long walks.”
Skechers GOwalk Supreme	Air Cooled	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	“Absolute heaven after 8+ hours retail shifts! No more tired, sweaty feet thanks to the Air Cooled foam.”

Average pricing runs $45-$120 depending on the specific shoe model and included features:

Version	Pricing
Air Cooled Memory Foam	$60-$120+
Memory Foam	$45-$100+

Conclusion & Takeaways

Determining whether Air Cooled Memory Foam or regular Memory Foam is “best” depends largely on your individual needs and preferences. No unanimously superior option works optimally for every foot or situation.

By understanding the unique properties and composition of each type of Skechers memory foam, along with weighing your own climate, cushioning requirements, weight priorities, etc – you can decide what technology is right for YOU.

Some key concluding takeaways are:

• Skechers Air Cooled Memory Foam shines for breathability, cooling, moisture wicking, and extra bounce-back while walking
• Regular Memory Foam offers long-lasting contouring comfort and pressure relief but can retain more heat
• Multiple popular Skechers shoe lines incorporate BOTH types of memory foam
• Be sure to check the specifications of any model you’re interested in to confirm which exact foam is used
• Consider factors like climate, sweat, activity level, weight needs, and desire for responsiveness or cushioning longevity when deciding between the two options

No matter which memory foam formulation Skechers uses, their shoes are known for outstanding comfort and support all day long. Review the pros and cons, your needs, and any models you might be interested in to pick between air-cooled and plain Memory Foam with confidence!

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