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Living in New York City, I’m always in need of a comfy pair of walking shoes—a stylish yet functional pair of sneakers that can keep my feet pain-free through long walks, errands, and outings all over the city. But those who are good about getting their steps in know that not just any old pair of sneakers can do the job; they need to be cushioned for comfort, supportive, and durable enough to last for miles. While popular Hoka walking shoes can set you back upwards of $160, the best Skechers walking shoes are also podiatrist-recommended, but a lot more affordable.Meet the experts: Anne Sharkey, DPM., a board-certified podiatrist at the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas; Priya Parthasarathy, DPM., a board-certified podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic.Related video above: A 30-minute walk is all it takes to reduce risk of stroke, heart diseaseSkechers offers a wide range of walking shoes for different needs and styles, from athletic sneakers with arch support to casual slip-on shoes and more. Many of their shoes feature the brand’s signature hands-free slip-in technology, which makes them easy to slip on and off without bending over or tying laces—making them especially great for seniors and those with mobility issues. “Skechers can be a good option for casual walking or low-impact use. They offer walking shoes with lightweight construction, memory foam insoles and flexible outsoles,” says Anne Sharkey, DPM., a board-certified podiatrist at the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas, who specifically recommends the Skechers’ Go Walk collection for everyday walking. “These shoes are great for those with neutral foot structure.”In my search for the most comfortable sneakers, I got a chance to test out some of the most popular styles of Skechers walking shoes out there—while also consulting podiatrists on what to look for and for their top recommended picks. Ahead, shop favorites from me, as well as podiatrist-approved Skechers walking shoes that will keep your feet comfy, supported, and pain-free this summer.Rating: Best overall Skechers walking shoeFor cloud-like cushioning with great arch support, look no further than the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit—it boasts the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health. Sharkey recommends this pair for exercise as it’s “the most supportive and cushioned shoe in the line-up,” noting it has “removable supportive arch as well as max cushioning for shock absorption.” Parthasarathy also agrees that the brand’s Arch Fit line “offers the most support,” specifically recommending this pair for its lightweight cushioning and the slip-in technology with a lacing system that allows for easy on-off.Along with the responsive and lightweight midsole, these shoes also feature a breathable engineered mesh upper, a flexible traction outsole, and a removable insole that molds to your foot to reduce shock and improve weight dispersion. What an editor says: The Max Cushioning Arch Fit sneakers were my favorite Skechers shoe that I tested—they were immediately comfortable right out of the box with a very plush, cloud-like feel, thanks to the super thick and soft cushioning. My feet are on the flatter side, and these offer great support for my lower arches with their podiatrist-certified Arch Fit contoured footbed.Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Plush, maximum cushioning Great arch support with removable insole Slip-in technology with stretch lacesCons Some reviewers say it runs small/tightRating: Best shock-absorbing Skechers walking shoeThe Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 combines lightweight, responsive Ultra Go cushioning with a Glide-Step geometric midsole that’s specially designed to provide natural momentum while walking, offering a soft landing into an explosive takeoff with every step. “These are going to be great for anyone looking for the most shock absorption and cushioning to joints in the Skechers line-up,” says Sharkey. “The Glide Step technology helps to absorb shock on landing and assist in energy transfer allowing for ease of movement. The Ultra Go cushioning also aids in shock absorption and comfort.”What an editor says: I was definitely impressed with these shoes’ Glide-Step midsole technology when testing them out—it truly provides a springy, bouncy feel and the feeling of being propelled forward with every step! Because of that, I found them especially great for longer walks.Pros Lightweight, responsive cushioning Great shock absorption and energy return Slip-in technology with stretch lacesCons Some reviewers say the holes in the sole collect dirt and are hard to cleanRating: Best Skechers laceless walking shoeSkechers are well-known for their comfy, laceless slip-on shoes—like the best-selling Go Walk Joys, which we’ve previously named one of our best walking shoes and best shoes for walking on concrete. “These are great for casual use. They are lightweight and constructed with Skechers’ hands free technology,” says Sharkey. “They also have a memory foam insole for cushioning.” Also featuring a stretchy mesh knit upper and a heel pillow for sock-like comfort, these shoes have also racked up a ton of rave reviews (more than 71,000 five-star Amazon ratings, in fact!) from shoppers who love that they’re comfortable, lightweight, and easy to slip on and off.What a reviewer says: “These were amazing. I’m super picky and I felt like I was walking on air,” one customer shared. “By the end of each day, not one single pain... Haven’t found a sneaker or sandal yet to offer such comfort. My husband got tired of me telling him whole trip how great my feet felt after eight hours of walking on concrete, cobble stones, and rocky dirt.”Pros Lightweight Cushioned memory foam insole Laceless slip-on styleCons Some reviewers say it doesn’t provide enough arch supportRating: Most comfortable Skechers walking shoeSharkey recommends the Go Walk 7 sneakers for daily wear and everyday errands. “This shoe has excellent support, but without the stacked cushioning of the Go Walk Max,” she notes. They’re made with the brand’s lightweight and responsive Ultra Go cushioning, but also have added high-rebound support with what Skechers calls their Hyper Pillar Technology (the big foam cylinders you can see on the outsole). They also feature a breathable and cushioned Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole and a durable dual-density traction outsole for stability. Bonus: They come in wide sizes (in select colors) and are also available in a laceless style.What a reviewer says: “Not only were they amazingly comfortable and cute, but my feet and legs were still going strong until late at night,” wrote one reviewer. “I’m 67, with chronic pain, and overweight, so I’m limited on how long I can stay on my feet. These were absolutely magical. I feel like the clock has turned back 20 years and I can do almost anything as long as they’re on my feet. I immediately purchased another pair for backup.”Pros Lightweight, responsive cushioning High-rebound support Come in wide sizesCons Some reviewers say the grooves in the soles collect dirt and rocksRating: Best everyday Skechers walking shoeThe Go Walk Now sneakers feature the brand’s Ultra Light cushioning, paired with an Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole—a breathable insole that offers lightweight, responsive, and high-rebound cushioning that’s ideal for all-day wear. Along with an engineered mesh upper with stretch laces, these shoes also feature the brand’s hands-free slip-in technology with a cushioned heel pillow that holds your feet securely in place.What an editor says: I found the Go Walk sneakers to be a super comfortable, reliable everyday walking shoe—it’s definitely one of my new go-to pairs for daily walks and errands. I especially love the soft and lightweight cushioning, combined with the breathable mesh upper and the easy slip-on style with stretch laces.Pros Lightweight and responsive cushioning Breathable insole with high-rebound cushioning Slip-in technology with stretch lacesCons Some reviewers say it runs small/narrowRating: Best supportive Skechers walking shoesBoasting the APMA Seal of Acceptance, this style comes recommended by both Parthasarathy and Sharkey. “My mom loves this shoe. She has a drop foot and wears a brace so it is easier for her to slip into them and they come in a wide!” shares Parthasarathy. “They provide her with stability support as well as cushioning.” They’re made with Hyper Burst cushioning, which features spherically-shaped cells compressed into the midsole for a highly responsive and lightweight feel. A removable Arch Fit insole also provides great arch support, while the anti-slip outsole provides enhanced traction and stability. They also come in a laceless style.What a reviewer says: “These fit absolutely perfect...as my first pair of actual slip ins I’m so happy at how easy it is to pop them on,” one customer wrote. “They are super comfortable, the arch and Hyper Burst cushioning is very nice. They keep your feet comfortable all day. As someone who has plantar fasciitis and flat feet I appreciate how comfortable my feet are in these. They breathe well which is a great feature.”Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Lightweight, responsive cushioning Great arch support with removable insole Comes in wide sizesCons Some reviewers say the toe box is too narrowRating: Best Skechers walking shoe with arch supportIf you’re looking for great arch support, the Go Walk Arch Fit 2.0 has you covered. These sneakers have the APMA Seal of Acceptance, featuring the brand’s Arch Fit technology with a removable, supportive insole that molds to your foot to reduce shock. Also coming in Skechers’ hands-free slip-in technology, these shoes also have lightweight, responsive Ultra Go cushioning, a breathable mesh upper, and a comfy heel pillow for a secure, comfortable fit.What the reviews say: “Great support and fit...Shoes are extremely comfortable. They have an arch support that is awesome!” one shopper said. “I have a high instep and these shoes are not only a nice looking shoe but very supportive and comfortable.”Pros APMA Seal of Acceptance Great arch support with removable insole Lightweight, responsive cushioningCons Some reviewers say it runs narrowHow to choose the best walking shoes✔️ Look for soft, supportive cushioning. The best shoes for walking are those that provide support and cushioning, which provide proper shock absorption and “allow for efficient movement with reduced strain on the joints of the feet, ankle and knees,” says Sharkey.✔️ Find shoes with good arch support. Proper arch support helps promote foot alignment while reducing strain on the foot, leading to improved comfort, less fatigue, and reduced foot pain, says Sharkey.✔️ Choose shoes with a firm heel counter. Parthasarathy recommends shoes with a firm, supportive heel counter, which can help keep the heel steady and minimize stretching of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot.✔️ Check for a roomy toe box. Experts say that shoes with a spacious and wide toe box are ideal, as they can help prevent pressure, squeezing, and discomfort in the toe area of your foot.✔️ Opt for a removable insole. Ideally, you should look for shoes with a removable insole, says Parthasarathy. This will allow you to fit in your own custom or over-the-counter orthotic for personalized comfort, especially if you have conditions like plantar fasciitis.✔️ Find the right shoe for your foot type. “It’s important to know your foot type which would be pronated, neutral, or supinated so you are buying the correct shoe for you,” says Parthasarathy. “A visit with your podiatrist will narrow down your choices. This is crucial to identify so you purchase the right shoe for your foot type.”Are Skechers walking shoes machine washable?Skechers offers many styles that are machine washable, including lace-ups, slip-ons, and more. All the Skechers shoes on the list are machine washable, meaning you can just throw them in the washer for easy, convenient cleaning.Can I use Skechers walking shoes for running?Generally, you can use running shoes for walking, but walking shoes are often not constructed with the technology needing to be used as running shoes, says Sharkey. “Ideally because the gait pattern differs so much between running and walking, it would be best to have two separate pairs of shoes for each activity,” notes Parthasarathy. “However, both running and walking require cushioning and shock absorption in the shoes, so especially for those doing a run/walk program they can be used interchangeably for short distances.”How we chose the best Skechers walking shoesWe spoke to experts in the field, including Anne Sharkey, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at the North Austin Foot and Ankle Institute in Texas, and Priya Parthasarathy, DPM, a board-certified podiatrist at Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association.We also personally tested three of the sneakers on the list: the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit - Areena, the Go Walk Glide Step 2.0 - Belah, and the Go Walk Now. Additionally, we sifted through thousands of online reviews, ratings, and specs to find the best Skechers walking shoes.Why trust usFor more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examined hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.