Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run – Choose Your Stride!

As the popularity of athletic footwear continues rising, Skechers has firmly established itself with its Performance Go line of shoes.

Two of their most sought-after options are the Skechers Go Walk and Skechers Go Run models.

But with relatively similar branding, many get confused about the ideal usage of each.

Are the Skechers Go Walk or Go Run shoes better suited for walking or running?

We’ll compare Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run models by weighing how the key features cater to walking needs versus running needs.

You’ll get insights on differences in cushioning, responsiveness, stability, and more so you can confidently choose which model works for your priorities and fitness regimen.

Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run

The main difference between Skechers Go Walk and Go Run is that Go Walk prioritizes cushioning and comfort while Go Run offers more responsiveness and bounce. Go Walk uses Resalyte foam for shock absorption while Go Run has Flight Gen cushioning for energy return.

Go Walk has a flexible walking shoe design while Go Run has a performance-driven running shoe build.

Both offer lightweight mobility but Go Walk focuses on all-day comfort and Go Run aims to deliver responsive runs.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run Shoes:

Feature	Skechers GOwalk	Skechers GOrun
Cushioning	Goga Mat foam insole	Flight Gen cushioning
Cushioning Feel	Responsive cushioning	Soft, flexible cushioning
Arch Support	Moderate support	Minimal support
Outsole	Goga Pillars traction outsole	Flexible GOimpulse pods
Weight	Ultra lightweight	Very lightweight
Toe Box	Rounded toe box	Rounded toe box
Upper Material	Mesh fabric	Mesh, synthetic overlays
Usage Time	Long walks, exercise	Running, tempo workouts
Insoles	Removable insoles	Removable Hyper Burst insoles
Safety Features	Reflective accents	Reflective accents
Washable	Not machine washable	Not machine washable
Traction	Multi-surface traction	Durable road traction
Fit	Relaxed fit	Second skin fit
Sizing	Runs true to size	Runs small, size up
Ideal For	Walking, mild pronation	Running, racing, tempo runs
Break-In Time	Minimal break-in	Moderate break-in time

In summary, the GOwalk offers cushioned walking comfort while the GOrun prioritizes lightweight speed for running.

The GOwalk works for long walks while the GOrun excels for serious runners wanting responsiveness.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Go Walk

• Very lightweight and flexible construction
• Designed specifically for walking and everyday use
• Affordable price point compared to some other walking shoes

Cons: Skechers Go Walk

• May not have as much cushioning or support as higher-end walking shoes
• Limited durability compared to more rugged walking shoe models
• Relatively basic design and features

Pros: Skechers Go Run

• Focused on providing responsive, high-performance running features
• Incorporates advanced cushioning and shock absorption technologies
• Available in a variety of models and styles for different running needs

Cons: Skechers Go Run

• Generally more expensive than the Skechers Go Walk line
• May not be as comfortable or suitable for casual everyday wear
• Some models may have a more specialized, technical running-focused design

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

Skechers Go Run

• Designed specifically for running with a more structured and supportive upper, and a responsive midsole for cushioning and energy return.
• Features Skechers’ proprietary Hyper Burst cushioning technology, which provides excellent shock absorption and a springy, responsive feel.
• The outsole is made with durable rubber for traction and grip on various running surfaces.
• Overall, the Skechers Go Run is a great option for road running, offering a comfortable and efficient ride.

Skechers Go Walk

• While the Go Walk line is primarily designed for walking, the cushioning and support may not be adequate for serious running.
• The midsole is softer and more flexible, which can lead to instability and energy loss during running.
• The outsole is not as durable or grippy as the Go Run, which could cause traction issues on the road.
• For casual, shorter runs, the Go Walk may be suitable, but for more serious running, the Go Run would be the better choice.

Shoes for Walking

Skechers Go Walk

• Engineered for walking, with a lightweight and flexible construction that promotes a natural stride.
• Features Skechers’ proprietary “Goga Max” technology in the midsole, which provides excellent cushioning and arch support for all-day comfort.
• The outsole is designed with a textured pattern for grip and traction on various surfaces.
• The Go Walk line is an excellent choice for daily walking, whether it’s for exercise, running errands, or standing for extended periods.

Skechers Go Run

• While the Go Run is a great option for running, the more structured and responsive design may not be as comfortable for prolonged walking.
• The midsole and outsole are optimized for running efficiency, which may not provide the same level of cushioning and support for walking.
• For casual, short-distance walks, the Go Run could be suitable, but for longer walks or all-day wear, the Go Walk would be the better choice.

Shoes for Standing All Day

Skechers Go Walk

• The Goga Max technology in the midsole provides exceptional cushioning and arch support, which is crucial for standing for extended periods.
• The flexible and lightweight construction of the Go Walk helps reduce foot fatigue and discomfort during long hours of standing.
• The textured outsole offers good traction on various surfaces, providing stability and preventing slipping.
• Overall, the Skechers Go Walk is an excellent choice for those who need to stand for extended periods, such as in retail, healthcare, or industrial settings.

Skechers Go Run

• While the Go Run is designed for running, the more structured and responsive design may not be as comfortable for prolonged standing.
• The midsole and outsole are optimized for running efficiency, which may not provide the same level of cushioning and support for standing all day.
• For occasional standing or light walking, the Go Run could be suitable, but for extended periods of standing, the Go Walk would be the better option.

Now that you have an overview of Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.

Skechers Go Line Overview

Before diving into distinctions of the Go Walk and Go Run, let’s briefly explain the Skechers Performance “Go” line:

• Skechers Go Line: Range of athletic lifestyle shoes for walking, training and running
• Category Focus: Go models targeted for specific use cases
• Key Models: Go Walk (walking/lifestyle), Go Run (running), Go Train (training)
• Similar Technologies: Use of innovative cushioning and materials across models

There are additional models like the Go Golf and Go Vulc shoes. But the Go Walk and Go Run make up popular lifestyle and performance options tailored for their distinct purposes.

Now let’s examine how the Skechers Go Walk and Go Run differentiate across the key factors most impacting walking compared to running shoe needs.

Cushioning Comparison

Cushioning and responsiveness refers to both the softness underfoot and energy return or “bounce back” sensation with each step.

Ideally walking shoes prioritize plush cushioning for lengthy comfort while running shoes focus more on responsive bounce to push off during your gait cycle striding.

And the Skechers Go Walk versus Go Run cater their technologies towards those specialized needs.

Skechers Go Walk Cushioning

Models like the Go Walk Arch Fit implement Skechers Air Cooled Goga Mat insole:

• Goga Mat Technology: High rebound foam insole for cushioning
• Air Cooled Goga: Perforations help airflow to prevent overheating
• Flexible 5GEN Midsole: Shock absorption and heel/toe durability

So you enjoy plush comfort for lengthy wear time thanks to the Goga Mat insole paired with decent flexibility from the midsole compound.

Just don’t expect significant “bounce back” given extra foam focus over responsiveness.

Skechers Go Run Cushioning

Alternatively, Skechers Performance models like the Go Run Ride 9 utilize FLIGHT GEN® cushioning:

• FLIGHT GEN Technology: Highly responsive compression resistant cushioning
• Resalyte Midsole Compound: Proprietary lightweight injection molded foam
• M-Strike Outsole Technology: Promotes efficiency by reducing shock forces

So while underfoot comfort is still adequate, the priority shifts to elasticity and propulsion to minimize energy loss during foot strikes while running.

This translates to less fatigue allowing you to run stronger and longer.

Cushioning	Skechers Go Walk	Skechers Go Run
Key Technology	Goga Air Cooled Matcomfort foam insole	FLIGHT GEN responsive compression resistant cushioning
Priority	Plush cushioning for lengthy comfort	High energy return to reduce shock forces while running
Fatigue Reduction	Okay – comfort slowly wears down	Excellent – delayed onset of fatigue

Beyond the cushioning material itself, midsole shaping also plays a role in aligning the foot for efficiency based if walking or running.

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Weight and Materials Comparsion

The weight and materials used in constructing the shoe makes a significant difference if planning to walk long casual distances versus training intensely on runs.

And the Skechers Go Walk vs Go Run models utilize slightly varied textiles and construction methods to serve their unique purposes of walking versus running.

Skechers Go Walk Materials

Models like the Go Walk Arch Fit utilize lightweight, breathable mesh fabric upper with synthetic overlays for structure:

• Knit Mesh Fabric Upper: Extremely lightweight and breathable for air flow
• Hotmelt Overlays: Synthetic leather pieces support foot structure
• Injection Molded Midsole: Single-piece EVA foam provides flexibility
• Rubber Outsole Pods: Grippy rubber arranged in flexible pods

This results in an exceptionally lightweight model able to flex naturally with the motion of your stride.

But the compromise is lessened stability and pronation correction features crucial for intense running.

Skechers Go Run Materials

In contrast, Go Run models like the Ride 9 leverage more dense protective materials:

• Engineered Air Mesh Upper: Hotmelt fabric reinforcements balance durability and breathability
• Stitched Midfoot Stripe: Provides lateral structural support and lockdown
• Injection Resin Plate: Stiff resin plate enhances torsional stability
• Rubber Outsole: Solid high-abrasion rubber outsole in triangular pattern

So while you sacrifice some weight and breathability, the benefit is unprecedented stability and support even during quick cuts and fast strides.

This protects runners against injury risk associated with excess strain or poor mechanics.

Feature	Skechers Go Walk	Skechers Go Run
Intended Use	Walking	Running
Weight	Very lightweight mesh and podded outsole	Slightly heavier protective layers
Breathability	Extremely high breathable knit mesh	Moderate breathability with support overlays
Stability Features	Minimal – flexible non restrictive cushioning	Ample pronation and stabilizer technology

Now that we’ve compared materials and construction methods, let’s examine the comfort and responsiveness technologies built into each line.

Midsole Design Comparison

The contours and shape of the midsole greatly impacts comfort and performance by influencing foot positioning:

• Curved Outsole: Encourages natural stride walking motion
• Straight Lasting: High rigidity for stability during intense runs

This nuance significantly changes whether foot muscles relax in comfort or engage springy support.

Skechers Go Walk Midsole

The Skechers Go Walk midsole utilizes a curved podded construction:

• Sculpted Comfort Outsole: Anatomically angled to follow natural foot shape during walks
• Flex Grooves: Grooves between pods allows natural flexibility freedom of motion
• Detailed Contouring: Cupped heel, arch support and rounded toe shape

You relax into plush cushioning that seamlessly flows from heel to toe encouraging your natural low impact walking gait without restriction.

Skechers Go Run Midsole

But the Go Run midsole takes almost the polar opposite approach:

• Linear Platform: Flat lasting lines up toes straight for forward propulsion
• Medial Post: Denser foam prevents excess rotation reducing injury risk
• Firm Cushioning: Doesn’t envelop entire foot but provides springy support

While you sacrifice some comfort shaping, the advantage is amplified running efficiency guiding your foot intuitively forward as you pick up speed stride after stride.

Midsole Design	Skechers Go Walk	Skechers Go Run
Contour Profile	Curved comfort	Linear precision
Cushioning Flex	Flexible freedom	Structured guidance
Performance Benefit	Natural walking form	Forward propulsion while running

The last area of difference is the traction pattern and stability of the outsole determining grip over varied terrain.

Outsole Traction and Control Comparsion

Traction, flexibility and control across the outsole are defining features of the walking experience versus running needs.

The Skechers Go Walk strike an effective balance while Go Run models prioritize control to mitigate injury risks associated with poor footing at fast speeds.

Skechers Go Walk Outsole

The grippy outsole of Go Walk models like the Arch Fit feature:

• Podular Design Outsole: Segmented traction pads provide multi-directional flexibility
• Wet/Dry Traction: Siped lugs effectively grip both wet and dry surfaces
• Some Midfoot Control: Decent midfoot support bars combat rollover

You get equipped for varied walking environments with the flexibility to move naturally without feeling overly constricted.

Skechers Go Run Outsole

But the outsole design of Go Run options like the Ride 9 is precision engineered for control:

• Triangular Lug Pattern: Angled lugs grip surfaces variably based on pressure
• Omni-Grip Outsole: Provides exceptional traction across all environments
• Midfoot Strike Zone: Stabilizing midfoot fins prevent excessive pronation
• Raised Arch Bar: Prevents sliding and rollover on uneven terrain

While the structured platform feels slightly rigid, the control and assurance it provides during quick cuts and fast foot strikes reigns superior for logging serious running mileage over time.

Outsole	Skechers Go Walk	Skechers Go Run
Traction Design	Segmented pods	Directional triangles
Control Features	Some midfoot support	Ample pronation prevention
Usage Benefit	Natural movement for lengthy walks	Injury protection and propulsion when running

And that covers the key performance differentiators regarding cushioning, support and traction technologies! Now let’s briefly touch on sizing and style options across both lines.

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Sizing and Style Variety Comparison

While performance technologies make up the bulk of deciding factors between walking versus running shoes, aesthetics and sizing are still worth considering in your decision journey.

Style Variety

• Skechers Go Walk: Mix of sporty athletic with a casual lifestyle look
• Skechers Go Run: Sporty performance focus with bright colour pops
• Wide Range: Options across the style spectrum in both lines

Sizing and Fit

• True to Size: Follow your standard shoe size in both Go Walk and Go Run
• Multiple Widths: Wide sizing available across many Go models
• Removable Insole: Can insert custom orthotics if needed

So regardless of your style preferences or foot proportions, you’ll likely find options in both lines suiting your needs.

Now that we’ve covered all the critical similarities and differences, let’s drive home clear recommendations based on intended walking compared to running usage.

User Reviews and Rating

Shoe Line	Rating	Review
Skechers Go Walk	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	I’ve been wearing my Go Walk shoes for over a year now walking my dogs daily. They are super lightweight and have great arch support for all day wear. The mesh fabric does pill easily though. Overall extremely comfortable for walking long distances.
Skechers Go Run	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	I bought these to start a couch to 5K running program. The cushioning feels nice and supportive when jogging but I find they don’t breathe very well. My feet get quite sweaty in these which leads to blisters on longer runs. I wish the upper was more air mesh.

Price Comparison

Shoe Line	Amazon Price	MSRP
Skechers Go Walk	$54.95	$65
Skechers Go Run	$69.95	$80

The user reviews compare the comfort and breathability of the two shoe lines for walking versus running.

The Go Walk earns a higher rating for all-day walking comfort, while the Go Run is criticized for poor breathability on runs.

Recommendations: Skechers for Walking vs Running

When synthesizing this comprehensive feature-by-feature comparison, a few performance priorities emerge:

• The Skechers Go Walk shines for all day wear comfort optimized for lengthy walking activities like travel, errands and casual cardio sessions.
• The Skechers Go Run caters towards serious runners logging heavy weekly mileage who require amplified stability and propulsion technologies protecting against injury while reaping athletic performance gains.

So in summary:

For Walking – Choose Skechers Go Walk

If you primarily will be using the shoes for lengthy casual walks, light jogs and daily activewear, the Skechers Go Walk is tailored towards walking comfort and support.

For Running – Choose Skechers Go Run

If you plan to use the shoes for intense running whether training for races or sprinting short intervals, the Skechers Go Run better equips the biomechanics and injury protection required of a true performance running shoe.

Hopefully this detailed breakdown has helped illustrate whether the signature technologies within the Skechers Go Walk or Go Run better match your intended walking versus running usage needs!

Both are top quality options in their specialized areas so choose wisely based on how you plan to utilize them.

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