Skechers Ultra Go vs Go Walk Shoes

Skechers makes some of the most popular walking and casual shoes thanks to their comfortable cushioned designs.

Two of their top performance walking shoe lines include the Skechers GOwalk series and the Ultra GO line.

But with so many technical features to consider across both options, deciding between GOwalk and Ultra GO can feel overwhelming.

That’s why in this in-depth comparison guide, we’ll carefully contrast Skechers Ultra Go vs Go walk key differences across all the categories that matter most:

Cushioning and support, Weight and flexibility, Traction and durability, Ideal uses & activities, Sizing & fit insights, Style preferences, Pricing and value distinction.

Skechers Ultra Go vs Go Walk

The main difference between Skechers Ultra Go and Go Walk is that Ultra Go has a higher stack height with more responsive cushioning for energy return while Go Walk has a lower profile with a cloud-like soft cushioning.

Ultra Go uses a bounce back sole while Go Walk focuses more on flexibility and comfort for all day wear. Both provide lightweight cushioning perfect for walking.

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

FeatureSkechers Ultra GoSkechers Go Walk
CushioningUltra Go responsive cushioningGoga Mat insole cushioning
Cushioning FeelSoft, flexibleVery responsive
Arch SupportModerate supportModerate support
OutsoleFlexible GOga Mat tractionGoga Pillars traction outsole
WeightLightweightUltra lightweight
Toe BoxTapered toe boxRounded toe box
Upper MaterialKnit meshBreathable mesh
Usage TimeAll day wearLong walks, exercise
InsolesRemovable insolesRemovable insoles
Safety FeaturesNoneReflective accents for visibility
WashableNot machine washableNot machine washable
Odor ControlLacks odor controlAntimicrobial treatment
SizingRuns true to sizeRuns true to size
Ideal ForMedium to high archesMild pronation, walking
Break-In TimeMinimal break-in timeMinimal break-in time

In summary, the Ultra Go has a stretchy knit upper for flexible wear while the Go Walk provides better stability for walking.

The Ultra Go works well for all day use while the Go Walk is ideal for regular walkers needing support.

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Pros and Cons

Pros: Skechers Ultra Go

  • Highly cushioned and comfortable ride
  • Responsive and energetic feel
  • Breathable and lightweight upper
  • Versatile for various activities

Cons: Skechers Ultra Go

  • May not provide as much arch support and stability as the Go Walk
  • Cushioning may break down faster than the more durable Go Walk
  • Outsole treads may wear down quicker on rougher surfaces

Pros: Skechers Go Walk

  • Lightweight and flexible design
  • Breathable mesh upper
  • Responsive 5GEN cushioning
  • Affordable price point

Cons: Skechers Go Walk

  • Not as lightweight and plush as the Ultra Go
  • May not have as much responsive cushioning as the Ultra Go
  • Treads may not be as durable as the more athletic Ultra Go

Which Shoes Are Good for Different Activities

Shoes for Running

  • Skechers Ultra Go is not primarily designed for running. While it has some cushioning features, it lacks the stability and motion control properties needed for high-impact activities like running.
  • Skechers Go Walk is also not suitable for serious running. It is focused on walking and everyday comfort, not the specific performance requirements of running.

Shoes for Walking

  • Skechers Ultra Go is a very good walking shoe. It has a responsive, cushioned midsole that provides comfort and energy return for long walks.
  • Skechers Go Walk is an excellent walking shoe. It features Skechers’ advanced 5GEN midsole technology, which provides responsive, supportive cushioning for extended walks.

Shoes for Standing All Day

  • Skechers Ultra Go is a great option for standing all day. The soft, shock-absorbing midsole helps alleviate foot and leg fatigue when standing for extended periods.
  • Skechers Go Walk is also a very good choice for standing all day. The cushioned insole and flexible sole help reduce foot fatigue when standing for long hours.

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

Cushioning and Support Comparison

Proper cushioning to reduce injury risk along with arch support for comfort are two of the most important factors to evaluate in any walking shoe.

So how do Skechers Ultra Go and GOwalk models compare when it comes to cushioning and support?

CategorySkechers Ultra GoSkechers GOwalk Series
Midsole CushioningULTRA GO cushioning + Ultra Pillars shock absorptionSuper soft Resalyte or Air Cooled Goga Mat cushioning
Arch SupportModerate arch supportVaries from low to high arch support
Ideal Foot TypeMore for neutral gaitsModels for all foot arches

As the table reveals, Skechers Ultra Go prioritizes responsive ULTRA GO midsole cushioning and extra arch support, best suited for neutral gaits.

Meanwhile, GOwalk offers models tailored to all foot arches with its famously ultra-soft Resalyte or Air cooled cushioning foam.

Now let’s unpack those key differences in more detail when it comes to shock absorption and arch support in the Ultra Go vs GOwalk lines.

Midsole Cushioning Showdown

  • The Skechers Ultra Go line prides itself on ULTRA GO responsive cushioning foam in the midsole, designed with extra high energy return properties to feel both springy and supportive stride after stride. The midsole also incorporates Skechers Ultra Pillars technology for stability and heel/toe transition flexibility.
  • GOwalk shoes alternatively utilize either Resalyte cushioning – Skechers’ proprietary closed-cell foam renowned for feeling exceptionally plush and “marshmallowy” underfoot – or the Air Cooled Goga Mat insole known for extra breathability. So GOwalk prioritizes flexible underfoot softness over responsiveness.

Arch Support Contrast

  • Ultra Go lines provide a moderate, normal arch design best tailored to runners with neutral pronation and average arch height. This strikes an agile balance between cushioning comfort and sufficient arch support in the insole.
  • GOwalk walking shoes understand not everyone’s feet are identically shaped, so they offer various models specialized for low arches, high arches, and normal arches. That way walkers of any foot type can find a contoured GOwalk option to provide arch-hugging comfort specific to their needs.

So in summary regarding midsole feel and arch support:

  • Ultra Go excels for neutral gaits wanting responsive cushioning with a balanced arch-hugging fit tailored to average arches.
  • GOwalk is better equipped with options for both lower OR higher arched feet wanting plush, flexible softness than active arch support.

Now onto weight and flexibility comparisons…

Weight and Flexibility Comparison

Responsiveness and flexibility often have an inverse relationship with overall shoe weight – the lighter the shoe, usually the less stiff and more agile it feels underfoot.

CategorySkechers Ultra GoSkechers GOwalk Series
Weight8.5oz average6oz average
FlexibilityRigid energy plate for stiffnessUltra flexible zero drop bend points

As shown in the table:

  • Ultra Go models skew slightly heavier for more of a sturdy feel
  • GOwalk has the clear advantage of being impressively light and ultra-bendable

This weight and flexibility distinction stems from a few key design differences:

  • Ultra Go incorporates a full-length rigid energy return plate in its midsole to prevent excessive motion for overpronators. This adds stability but reduces flexibility.
  • By contrast, GOwalk models are crafted as flexible walking shoes first and foremost to move fully naturally with the foot. This includes multi-directional flex points at the toes, arch, and heels for “zero drop” flexibility. And using lightweight foams sheds bulk ounces.

So if you require or prefer maximum groundfeel bendability or want an incredibly lightweight walking shoe model under 7oz, GOwalk is the runaway leader.

Otherwise Ultra Go better suits those wanting a bit more balanced sturdy stability.

Moving onto perhaps the most important category differentiator of all: traction and durability.

Traction and Durability Comparison

No matter what fancy cushioning tech or flexibility features walking shoes boast, awful traction or lack of mileage durability instantly make any model worthless.

So how do Ultra Go and GOwalk models hold up on both fronts?

Traction & Durability Distinctions

CategorySkechers Ultra GoSkechers GOwalk Series
Outsole TractionWet/dry multidirectional lugsMOGO rubber pods
Durability500+ miles300-400 miles average

Reviewing the key contrasts:

  • Ultra Go wins out for both wet AND dry grip reliability thanks to aggressively lugged outsoles with durable rubber in strategic zones. Expect a good 500+ miles before signs of wear.
  • GOwalk models utilize circular MOGO grip pods that excel on dry paved paths but can’t match Ultra Go’s tenacity on wet or uneven terrain. And softer midsole foams tend to compact after 300-400 miles.

Ultra Go models are the undisputed traction and durability gods! But GOwalk still works well for straightforward strolls on gentler surfaces.

With cushioning, flexibility, and durability comparisons covered, next, let’s contrast which activities and footwear Ultra Go vs GOwalk work better for.

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Ideal Use Case and Activity Profiles

Given all the performance attributes covered thus far, how do Ultra Go and GOwalk Skechers shoes shake out for being matched to various walking activities or footwear needs?

Ideal Use Case Comparison

Usage NeedBest ChoiceRunner Up
All-day city walking shoeGOwalkUltra Go
Lightweight travel shoeGOwalkUltra Go
Hiking rugged trailsUltra GoGOwalk
Walking exercise shoeUltra GOGOwalk

To briefly explain the recommendations:

  • For all-day Urban wear or packing light shoes, plush and flexible GOwalk models excel
  • For serious walking performance or unpredictable trails, Ultra Go has the traction and stability
  • But BOTH work well enough for basic walking exercise routes in a pinch!

And for one last vital category – sizing, width options, and fitFeel personality.

Sizing, Width, and Fit Insights Comparison

It’s meaningless to simply know your standard shoe size in general – achieving that personalized comfort fit depends entirely on how a given shoe model runs small/large, narrow/wide, and matches your foot proportions.

So how do Ultra Go and GOwalk typically fit and size?

Sizing:

  • Ultra Go runs very TRUE to size, with excellent overall proportionality.
  • GOwalk models overwhelmingly trend small, so size UP 1/2 to 1 full size.

Width Options:

  • Ultra Go comes in wider widths beyond standard D options.
  • GOwalk seldom deviates from medium width even in “wide” sizes.

And each line has its general fit personality:

  • Ultra Go has a secure hug heel, and a roomier toe box
  • GOwalk fits narrower throughout, especially the toebox

So all said for fit and sizing takeaways:

  • If you need wide widths beyond D or have wider feet, Ultra Go accommodates better
  • For narrower feet, GOwalk might suffice to assume you size up
  • But for long walks without squeezing, Ultra Go’s roomier box wins

Finally, let’s wrap up with style and pricing considerations.

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Style Variety and Price Comparison

While performance should predominantly drive athletic shoe purchases, style preferences and budget ceilings play a role for many buyers too.

So how do Ultra Go vs GOwalks stack up here? See the high-level contrasts

Style and Pricing Distinctions

ConsiderationSkechers Ultra GoSkechers GOwalk Series
Style PersonalitySporty athleisureMore casual & lifestyle
Price range$$$
Color/pattern optionsMedium VarietyVery wide variety

To summarize the style and pricing takeaways:

  • Ultra Go leans sporty in aesthetic, and comes in mid-range price tags, with solid if unexceptional style variety to choose from.
  • GOwalk focuses more purely on lifestyle fashion appeal with a budget-friendly price ceiling but vast style selections from conservative to wild colors/patterns.

So there you have it – all the detailed performance, fit, use case, and style differences summarized between Skechers Ultra Go vs GOwalk shoe lines! Let’s wrap up with some closing thoughts…

User Reviews and Rating

Shoe ModelReviewRating
Skechers Ultra Go“I love my Ultra Go shoes! They are so lightweight and breathable. I can walk for miles without my feet feeling tired or sweaty. The cushioning is soft but still provides great support. These are hands down the most comfortable walking shoes I’ve ever owned.”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skechers Go Walk“The Go Walk shoes are amazing for all day wear. They have a roomy toe box that allows my feet to splay naturally when walking. The Goga Mat insole is extremely cushioned and supportive. These shoes make walking feel nearly effortless. I’d recommend them to anyone looking for comfort.”⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

When contrasting Skechers Ultra Go and GOwalk technologies and models to determine the right walking shoe choice for YOUR individual needs:

  • Ultra Go better suits neutral runners needing go-anywhere traction and stability with some style sprinkled in.
  • GOwalk shines for affordability and flexibility in ultra-lightweight packages dressed to impress around town.

At the end of the day, prioritizing COMFORT and SUPPORT should trump all else for athletic walking footwear. And thankfully between GOwalk and Ultra Go’s outstanding offerings, Skechers has you covered no matter your comfort preferences and use cases.

Just keep your individual performance needs and style priorities in mind.

Have fun choosing your perfect pair designed for both functionality AND fashion! Try walking in true comfort and see where your soles take you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Skechers technologies focus more on comfort versus performance?

GOwalk prioritizes flexible lightweight comfort in walking shoes.
Ultra Go emphasizes performance stability with cushioning.

Do Ultra Go or GOwalk shoes tend to run small or large?

Ultra Go runs true to size consistently.
GOwalk skews at least 1/2 to full size SMALL – so size up accordingly!

How much mileage durability can I expect from each?

Ultra Go reliably achieves 500+ miles lifetime.
GOwalk averages closer to 300-400 miles.

Which is better for all-day wear or travel?

GOwalk wins for lightweight packing and all day wearability.

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