As comfort brands go, few are as instantly recognizable as Skechers.

Known for ultra-cushioned styles and proprietary midsole materials, Skechers has cemented itself as a leader within the comfort footwear space.

Both the Skechers Ultra Go and Max Cushion lines exemplify the brand’s commitment to comfort.

However, with so many overlapping technologies and features between collections, deciding on a pair can get confusing.

To find out which Skechers feel the best, we compared the Skechers Ultra Go vs Max Cushion on key comfort metrics—step-in comfort, all-day wear, and impact absorption.

Skechers Ultra Go vs Max Cushion

The main difference between Skechers Ultra Go and Max Cushion is that Ultra Go has a higher stack height and more responsive cushioning while Max Cushion has a lower profile with extra soft cushioning for maximum comfort.

Both use lightweight and flexible materials ideal for walking and casual wear.

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

Feature	Skechers Ultra Go	Skechers Max Cushion
Cushioning	Ultra Go responsive cushioning	Ultra soft Ultra Go cushioning
Cushioning Feel	Soft, flexible	Very plush, pillowy
Arch Support	Moderate support	Moderate support
Outsole	GOga Mat flexible traction	Flexible traction outsole
Weight	Lightweight	Lightweight
Toe Box	Tapered toe box	Almond shaped toe box
Upper Material	Knit mesh	Leather or knit
Usage Time	All day wear	Prolonged standing & walking
Insoles	Removable insoles	Removable insoles
Safety Features	None	Some styles safety certified
Washable	Not machine washable	Not machine washable
Odor Control	Lacks odor control	Antimicrobial treatment
Sizing	Runs true to size	Runs small, size up 1/2
Ideal For	Medium to high arches	Medium to high arches, cushion lovers
Break-In Time	Minimal break-in time	Minimal break-in time

In summary, the Ultra Go offers a flexible feel while the Max Cushion provides superior plush softness.

The Max Cushion excels for all day comfort for jobs with prolonged standing while the Ultra Go works well for varied activities.

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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 overall support and stability as Max Cushion
• Cushioning may break down faster than the more robust Max Cushion
• Outsole treads may wear down quicker on rougher surfaces

Pros: Skechers Max Cushion

• Maximum cushioning and shock absorption
• Excellent comfort and support for high-impact
• Stable and durable construction
• Good for long days on your feet

Cons: Skechers Max Cushion

• Heavier and less flexible than the lightweight Ultra Go
• Potential “sinking in” sensation with extreme cushioning
• Typically more expensive than the standard Skechers lines

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 Max Cushioning is a better option for running. The thicker, more substantial midsole provides the level of cushioning and support required for running. The sole is also firmer and more responsive, which is ideal for 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 Max Cushioning is also an excellent walking shoe. The extra cushioning in the midsole provides superior comfort and support for the feet during 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 Max Cushioning is an even better choice for standing all day. The extra thick, plush midsole provides maximum cushioning and support for the feet, making it very comfortable for prolonged standing or working on your feet.

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

Key Differences

Before diving into performance comparisons, let’s outline a few distinguishing traits between the Ultra Go and Max Cushion lines:

Feature	Skechers Ultra Go	Skechers Max Cushion
Midsole Materials	Ultra Go (proprietary foam)	Max Cushion (proprietary foam)
Ideal Use Cases	Walking, casual wear	Running, fitness
Average Offset	6mm (low)	10mm (medium)
Outsole Traction	Moderate	Aggressive

While both feature next-gen midsole foams and similar knit uppers, the Ultra Go prioritizes low-impact walking comfort, while the Max Cushion excels for higher-intensity activities.

Keep reading to find out how these specialized designs translate into all-day wear.

Step-In Comfort Comparison

After a long day, few feelings compare to slipping your feet into a pair of soft, cushiony shoes.

Between the Ultra Go and Max Cushion models, which feels more pillowy right out of the box?

Here’s how first-wear comfort compares:

Ultra Go

Step-in comfort is where the Ultra Go excels the most. Combining thick midsole foams ranging from 1.25” to 1.5” with stretch knit uppers, the Ultra Go molds instantly around your feet for a slipper-like feel.

Cushioning wraps underfoot from heel to toe, while the stretch knit upper eliminates pinch points for zero break-ins required.

Reviewers describe the Ultra Go as “like walking on marshmallows”— soft and deeply cushioned from heel strike through toe-off.

Style	Midsole Height	Perceived Cushioning
Ultra Go (women’s)	1.25 inches	Deep, pillowy
Ultra Go (men’s)	1.5 inches	Deep, pillowy

Max Cushion

While not as immediately plush as the Ultra Go, the Max Cushion still offers generous cushioning straight out of the box.

Midsole foam heights measure 1.25 inches for a supportive feel underfoot, while woven textile uppers adapt quickly.

Compared to the marshmallow-like Ultra Go, the Max Cushion feels slightly firmer upon first step-in.

However, cushioning fully breaks in within the first few miles of wear for a personalized fit. If cloud-like softness is a priority for leisurely wear, the Ultra Go takes the lead for instant comfort.

Style	Midsole Height	Perceived Cushioning
Max Cushion (women’s)	1.25 inches	Medium-soft, supportive
Max Cushion (men’s)	1.25 inches	Medium-soft, supportive

All-Day Comfort Comparison

While initial step-in cushioning gives an idea of overall plushness, how shoes hold up during extended wear can vary.

For balancing cushioning and support all day, here is how the Ultra Go and Max Cushion compare:

Ultra Go

The Ultra Go sets the benchmark for walking comfort mile after mile.

Proprietary midsole foams retain cushioning exceptionally well over time, springing back under each step without packing down or going flat.

Stretch knit uppers offer a clean, irritation-free fit all day, adapting to minor swelling while wicking moisture.

Lightweight and flexible enough for multi-hour wear, the Ultra Go shines for travel days, shopping trips, or errand running when prioritizing comfort.

Max Cushion

For multi-hour training days or fitness challenges, the Max Cushion delivers durable cushioning you can depend on.

Though foam feels slightly firmer at first than the Ultra Go, proprietary compounds resist packing down or losing integrity over time.

Supportive arch welds guide the foot through natural transitions for injury-free mileage. Breathable knits adapt through demanding regimens, ventilating effectively during indoor/outdoor training.

Of the two, the Max Cushion offers the most balanced cushioning-to-support ratio for active use cases.

Style	All-Day Cushion Retention	Ideal Use Cases
Ultra Go	Excellent retention	Travel, leisure, errands
Max Cushion	Excellent retention	Running, training, fitness challenges

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Cushioning Comparison

The chart below illustrates perceived cushioning over an 8-hour wear period for the Ultra Go versus Max Cushion:

Hour	Ultra Go Cushioning	Max Cushion Cushioning
1	Deeply plush	Medium-plush
4	Retains plushness	Breaks-in to custom plushness
8	Pillow-like feel maintained	Supportive cushioning maintained

While the Ultra Go starts and remains ultra-plush over 8+ hours, the Max Cushion adapts to your feet for personalized comfort over time.

Both perform excellently for extended wear in their respective use cases.

Impact Absorption Comparison

Cushioning goes hand in hand with shock absorption—the ability to soften foot strikes, preventing jarring sensations from traveling up the body.

To measure impact mitigation performance, we compared the Ultra Go and Max Cushion using sensors recording force reduction.

Ultra Go

With thicker midsole foams tuned specifically for walking, the Ultra Go unsurprisingly topped impact absorption metrics. Plush foams exemplify Skecher’s “Goga Pillars” design, compressing to cushion foot strikes before springing back.

Testers found the Ultra Go to effectively minimize harsh impacts during moderate walking paces between 2.5-4 mph. While well-cushioned for leisurely activity, the Ultra Go lacks the sheering resistance for running.

Average Force Reduction While Walking:

• 15% more than traditional foam midsoles
• 8% more than the Max Cushion

Max Cushion

Although 0.25” thinner in the heel than Ultra Go models, Max Cushion midsoles deliver excellent shock absorption during running.

The firmer foam compound combines with mild pronation guidance to smooth transitions, diffusing shock more effectively at higher intensities.

During treadmill testing, the Max Cushion achieved top-tier force reduction at paces between 5-8 mph compared to neutral trainers.

Shock absorption does taper off during slower paces, making the Ultra Go a better choice strictly for walking.

Average Force Reduction While Running:

• 13% more than traditional foam midsoles
• 9% more than the Ultra Go

Style	Force Reduction While Walking	Force Reduction While Running
Ultra Go	15% better than average	6% better than average
Max Cushion	7% better than average	13% better than average

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User Reviews and Rating

Beyond lab testing, user reviews reveal how the Ultra Go and Max Cushion perform during real-world wear.

Here are some trends in customer feedback:

Shoe Model	Review	Rating
Skechers Ultra Go	“I love these Ultra Go shoes. They have great cushioning and bounce back with every step. My feet and legs feel so much better even after long days of walking. The knit fabric upper is very comfortable and breathable. These are the best walking shoes I’ve ever worn.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skechers Max Cushioning	“The Max Cushioning shoes are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. It feels like walking on clouds! The ultra soft cushioning absorbs shock and reduces stress on my joints when I walk. My feet never fatigue in these shoes. I would recommend them to anyone looking for maximum comfort.”	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ultra Go

The Ultra Go earns outstanding reviews as an everyday walking shoe. According to wearers, the stretch knit upper and cloud-like midsole cushioning make the Ultra Go feel like “slippers you can wear outdoors.”

Many note significant pain and fatigue relief when switching to the Ultra Go, especially for travel days or shifts spent mostly standing/walking.

Critical reviews cite sizing quirks and inadequate traction as potential downsides.

Max Cushion

Active users praise the Max Cushion as “one of Skechers most comfortable running shoes yet.” The forgiving cushioning allows extending runs and workouts without breaking down, while the woven upper adapts to swelling feet.

Most reviewers focus on running, with some using the Max Cushion for HIIT training as well. Negative feedback centers around stability and traction falling short of expectations on uneven terrain.

Sizing also runs narrower than comparable models.

Style	What Reviewers Like	Potential Drawbacks
Ultra Go	“Like walking on clouds,” excellent for travel/standing shifts, pain/fatigue relief	Inconsistent sizing, not enough traction
Max Cushion	“Most comfortable Skechers yet for running,” cushions long miles, swell-adapting upper	Mediocre stability, narrow fit, lacking off-road traction

Pricing Comparison

Along with performance differences, pricing varies between the Ultra Go and Max Cushion lines:

Style	MSRP	Average Discounted Price
Ultra Go	$70	$52
Max Cushion	$135	$95

As expected, the specialist Max Cushion costs more for advanced shock absorption technologies tailored specifically for running/training.

Yet both models frequently go on sale, making Ultra Go and Max Cushion pricing competitive within their respective categories.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the most comfortable Skechers between the Ultra Go and Max Cushion, focus on your primary wearing use cases.

• For all-day walking comfort straight out of the box, the Ultra Go leads for slipper-like cushioning that holds up mile after mile. Pillowy midsoles absorb shock during casual paces with cloud-like plushness rivaling luxury slippers.
• If cushioned support for running and training, the Max Cushion shines. Firmer midsoles effectively mitigate shock during faster paces and transitions, ideal for logging heavy mileage or HIIT-style workouts.

Either way, you step, Skechers engineers both the Ultra Go and Max Cushion with next-level cushioning technologies for feet that stay fresh longer. Just pick the specialty pair that aligns closest with your activity levels.

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