Skechers is a popular footwear brand offering lifestyle, performance, work, and casual shoes with a comfortable fit and affordable price point.
Two of their most popular lines are the Skechers Summits and Skechers Flex Appeal.
But with overlapping styles and uses, how do you decide whether Skechers Summits vs Flex Appeal which is the best choice for your needs?
This guide breaks down key similarities and differences between the collections to help you determine the ideal pair.
We’ll compare critical factors like:
- Intended uses
- Comfort and support levels
- Available styles
- Durability
- Cost per wear
Read on for a detailed overview of Summits versus Flex Appeal shoes so you can shop the Skechers line with confidence!
Comparison: Skechers Summits vs Flex Appeal
The primary distinction between Skechers Summits and Flex Appeal shoes lies in their intended use: Summits are designed for outdoor trail walking with rugged traction, while Flex Appeal prioritizes flexibility and lightweight cushioning ideal for fitness walking on paved surfaces.
Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Skechers Summits vs Flex Appeal:
| Feature | Skechers Summits | Skechers Flex Appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Air Cooled Memory Foam | Air Cooled Memory Foam |
| Comfort | Padded tongue and collar | Lightweight flexible materials |
| Support | Stabilizing midfoot design | Sculpted rubber sole |
| Traction | Multi-traction tread for trails | Flexible traction outsole |
| Use Cases | Hiking, trail walking, outdoors | Casual walking and exercise |
| Upper Material | Leather/mesh upper | Knit mesh fabric upper |
| Lining | Moisture-wicking fabric lining | Soft fabric lining |
| Insole | Removable contoured insole | Air Cooled Memory Foam insole |
| Outsole | Durable high-traction outsole | Flexible grooved outsole |
| Sizing | Runs true to size | Runs true to size |
| Widths | Medium or wide widths | Medium or wide widths |
| Price | $$ $60 – $90 | $ Affordable under $60 |
In summary, Skechers Summits are rugged, durable hiking shoes designed for trail use, with features like a lugged outsole, water-resistant upper, and reinforced toe protection. On the other hand, Skechers Flex Appeal shoes are lightweight, flexible, and breathable walking and casual shoes with a knit mesh upper and responsive midsole. The choice between the two depends on the intended activity – Summits for hiking and rough terrain, or Flex Appeal for casual walking and everyday wear.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Skechers Summits
- Features more advanced comfort and performance technologies
- Designed for higher-impact activities like hiking and trail walking
- Available in rugged, outdoorsy styles suitable for various terrain
Cons: Skechers Summits
- Generally more expensive than the basic Skechers Go Walk line
- May feel bulkier and less flexible than the streamlined Go Walk models
- Limited color/style options compared to some of Skechers’ lifestyle lines
Pros: Skechers Flex Appeal
- Flexible and comfortable design suitable for a variety of activities
- Available in a range of stylish color and design options
- Generally more affordable than some other Skechers performance models
Cons: Skechers Flex Appeal
- May not provide as much specialized support and technology as dedicated athletic shoes
- Cushioning and overall performance may be more limited compared to higher-end Skechers models
- Durability may not be as high as more premium sneaker options
Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities
Shoes for Running
- Skechers Summits: The Summits line is not primarily designed for running. While they may provide some cushioning and support, they lack the specialized features needed for high-impact, performance-oriented running.
- Skechers Flex Appeal: The Flex Appeal models are also not focused on running performance. They are more suited for casual, everyday activities rather than running.
Shoes for Walking
- Skechers Summits: The Summits can be a good option for casual, everyday walking. They provide a decent level of comfort and support.
- Skechers Flex Appeal: The Flex Appeal shoes are a comfortable choice for walking. Their flexible, supportive soles and breathable upper materials contribute to a pleasant walking experience.
Shoes for Standing All Day
- Skechers Summits: The Summits can work reasonably well for standing all day, though they may not provide the same level of comfort and support as other Skechers models.
- Skechers Flex Appeal: The Flex Appeal line is a solid option for prolonged standing. Their flexible, cushioned soles help mitigate discomfort associated with extended periods on your feet.
Now that you have an overview of Skechers Summits vs Flex Appeal differences, read on for an in-depth feature-by-feature comparison.
Intended Uses Comparison
The first factor to compare is what type of activity and usage you intend for your Skechers footwear.
Understanding key differences in what the shoes are designed for will clarify which line offers better features for your needs.
Summits
Summits are outdoor adventure and hiking shoes. Key features include:
- Durable outsoles with deep aggressive tread for all-terrain traction
- Weatherproof, waterproof, or water-resistant variations
- Reinforced toes for protection
- Plush cushioning for shock absorption
The durable build and slip-resistant traction make Summits ideal for hiking, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities, especially in wet or cold conditions.
Flex Appeal
While you can wear Flex Appeals outside for casual activities, they are best suited as indoor athletic or lifestyle/casual shoes. Characteristics that support indoor usage include:
- Low-tread flex groove outsoles provide flexibility for high-movement activities
- Cushioned Memory Foam insoles for impact absorption
- Athletic style variations have breathable mesh fabric
- Machine washable comfort
So if you want versatile everyday shoes for activities like exercise classes, running errands, or casual wear, Flex Appeal is likely the better choice.
Comfort and Support Level Comparison
Beyond how you’ll use your Skechers, choosing adequate comfort and support is key to happy feet!
How do Summits and Flex Appeal compare when it comes to cushioning and stability features?
| Comfort & Support Features | Summits | Flex Appeal |
| Midsole Cushioning | Air Cooled Memory Foam | Air Cooled Memory Foam |
| Custom Fit Insoles | Optional in some models | YES |
| Shock Absorption | Excellent due to thick outsoles | Very Good due to flexible groove design |
| Stability | Excellent – rigid stability plate insole and sturdy sole | Good – decent lateral support from the upper design |
| Weatherproofing | Many waterproof variations | Primarily non-weatherproof |
Both lines offer Memory Foam cushioning and the option for custom orthotic insoles.
But Summits provide more advanced stability and shock absorption, especially critical for impact-intensive hiking over rough terrain.
Flex Appeal prioritizes flexibility and breathability in tradeoffs. So for casual everyday activities, Flex Appeal excels in lightweight comfort.
Styles and Variations Comparison
Skechers Summits and Flex Appeal now each come in dozens of colors and style options from athletic sneakers to boots to sandals.
Style Overlap
Let’s first examine where their style offerings overlap:
| Similar Shoe Styles | Description | Example Uses |
| Slip-on Sneakers | Easy elastic strap closure, stretch knit fabric upper | Travel, errands, casual wear |
| Outdoor-Styled Sandals | Sturdy sole, some waterproof models | Beach, hiking, summer wear |
| Flats & Loafers | Low slip-on profile, some buckle details | Work, business, or business casual outfits |
The almost identical slip-on sneakers and flats make differentiating more about subtle design details in areas like stitching rather than significant functional differences.
Unique Styles
Of course. each line also offers unique styles.
Summits Footwear Specialties:
- Hiking boots
- Hiking shoes
- Trail runners
- Outdoor waterproof boots
Flex Appeal Signature Styles:
- Low-top lace-up sneakers
- Fashion athletic shoes like metatarsal design
- Mary janes
- Ballet flats
So Flex Appeal excels for versatile athleisure footwear you can wear to work and then brunch.
But Summits offers more technical performance designs optimized for the trails.
Durability Comparison
Considering you’re making an investment with every shoe purchase, evaluating long-term durability ensures your Skechers last season to season.
How does the expected usable lifespan compare across categories?
| Durability Factors | Skechers Summits | Skechers Flex Appeal |
| Outsole Material | Thick durable rubber | Flexible rubber |
| Wear and Tear Resistance | Excellent due to reinforced toe and solid structure | Average due to flexible fabrics and materials |
| Quality and Construction | Outdoor adventure-level quality | Lifestyle wear quality |
| Expected Years of Use Per Pair | 3-5 years average | 1-2 years average |
Summits are built to handle more rugged adventures and intensive mileage.
Reinforced rubber soles and tightly woven, abrasion-resistant uppers hold up well against the elements.
Expect a long service life from your Summit investment.
Meanwhile, the Flex Appeal’s flexible, non-reinforced design trades off some longevity for better freedom of motion during wear.
Plan on replacing Flex Appeals more frequently for maximum comfort, support, and aesthetics.
Evaluating Cost Per Use Value
While sticker price affects affordability upfront, examining estimated cost per wear helps calculate long-term value.
Let’s assume the average lifespan per shoe and typical pricing for non-sale Skechers models.
| Cost Factor Per Pair | Skechers Summits | Skechers Flex Appeal |
| Typical List Price Range | $45-$120 | $40-$85 |
| Average Years of Use | 4 years | 2 years |
| Cost Per Year of Use | ~$11-$30 | ~$20-$43 |
The durable build means Summits deliver better value long term.
Flex Appeal seems more affordable at face value.
But factoring in wear tradeoff tells a different value story.
User Reviews and Rating
| Style | Rating | User Review |
| Skechers Summits Waterproof Boots | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | “These waterproof boots kept my feet bone dry in heavy rain during my hike. Very comfortable with excellent ankle support.” |
| Skechers Flex Appeal 3.0 Engineers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “So lightweight and flexible! Perfect for my Zumba classes while adding some style.” |
| Skechers Summits Agility Peaks Sneakers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “Great traction but run slightly small. Order a half size up.” |
| Skechers Bobs Flex Appeal First Glance Flats | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “The memory foam insole molds perfectly to my feet. So comfy for all-day wear!” |
Conclusion – Finding Your Perfect Pair
We’ve covered a lot of comparative factors to digest! Let’s summarize key learnings:
- Summits excel for outdoor activities needing weatherproofing and traction thanks to durable adventure-grade construction.
- Flex Appeals’ flexible build suits indoor versatility. Expect a tradeoff of some plush comfort for better freedom motion.
- Both provide Memory Foam cushioning but Summits offer more advanced support and stability.
- Summits also prove a much better value long-term based on cost per estimated years of use per pair.
Ideally after reviewing intended uses, style priorities, comfort needs, and budget, you now feel better equipped to decide whether Skechers Summits or Flex Appeal shoes are the best choice for your needs and lifestyle.
Both quality Skechers lines have a lot to offer. So go try some on and let your feet guide you to the perfect pair!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Skechers Summits or Flex Appeal better for walking?
For long walks, especially outdoors, Summits are likely the better choice. The durable outsole can handle miles of pavement while their plush midsole cushioning prevents foot fatigue. Flex Appeals work fine for short casual walks but lack the support for all day.
What is the difference between regular and relaxed Fit Skechers?
Relaxed fit shoes run about a half size larger with wider dimensions through the heel and forefoot than a regular fit. So if you prefer roomier sizes or have wider feet, choosing a relaxed fit can prevent squeezing at pressure points.
Can you wear Skechers Flex Appeal to work out?
Yes, Flex Appeal athletic shoe options work great for moderate workouts like walking, cardio dance classes, or light weights. Their flexibility facilitates movement while the padded insole still absorbs impact. Just don’t expect them to provide the lateral support you’d get from dedicated cross-trainers for activities like lateral motion aerobics or Crossfit.
Do Skechers Summits come in wide-width options?
Some do! Summits with wide width indicated on the shoe box run nearly an extra half inch wider than standard D medium options. So be sure that wide calf or extra wide feet are accommodated by ordering properly marked pairs.
What is the Arch Fit design in Skechers shoes?
The Arch Fit insole has a podiatrist-certified contoured arch design that custom-fits your foot for advanced comfort and support. It helps promote alignment and takes pressure off key areas. Look for the Arch Fit badge if you need extra stability or struggle with plantar fasciitis or pronation. Both Summits and Flex Appeal styles offer this.
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