How to choose the best walking shoes
Skechers Arch Fit® is a podiatrist-certified insole and arch support system that provides all-day comfort and support. Developed with over 20 years of data from 120,000 foot scans, it offers a unique combination of patented shape retention, targeted arch support, and stylish versatility at a great value.
Are you searching for that perfect shoe that keeps up with your style and feels wonderfully supportive all day long? At Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company®, we believe comfort starts from the ground up. That’s why we developed Skechers Arch Fit® – an innovative insole system designed to provide podiatrist-certified arch support, backed by extensive research and development.
If you’ve ever wished for more supportive footwear with trusted expert design, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything Arch Fit® – what it is, how it works, the real-world benefits it offers, and how to find the perfect style for your lifestyle.
What to look for in walking shoes
- Cushioning: A cushioned midsole absorbs impact step after step, which is what keeps a long walk comfortable rather than tiring.
- Arch support: Support should sit comfortably beneath your arch. How much is right depends on your foot shape and how you prefer a shoe to feel.
- Breathability: Breathable uppers let heat and moisture escape, which matters when you are in your walking trainers for hours at a time.
- Weight: Heavy footwear feels tiring over distance. Lightweight trainers for walking make longer routes feel easier.
- Outsole: Look for flexibility and grip. Wet pavement and uneven ground need more traction than dry, level paths.
- Fit: Your heel should feel secure with comfortable toe room. Check for rubbing, pinching or heel lift before you commit to a pair.
If you already know what you need, this quick reference maps common needs to the right feature:
| Your need | Feature to look for | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| All-day comfort | Cushioned, contouring insole | Air-Cooled Memory Foam styles |
| Wet weather | Sealed waterproof membrane | Waterproof walking styles |
| Wide feet | Roomier fit through the shoe | Wide Fit range |
| Easy on and off | Hands-free step-in entry | Skechers Slip-ins |
| Standing at work | Stable cushioning and arch support | Arch Fit styles |
Comfortable and cushioned walking shoes
The most comfortable trainers for walking bring three things together: midsole cushioning that absorbs impact, a supportive insole and an upper flexible enough to move with the foot. If one of the three is missing, comfy walking shoes stop feeling comfy a few miles in.
Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam is a breathable memory foam insole that contours to the shape of your foot and allows air to circulate underfoot, so cushioning does not come at the cost of overheating. You will find it across the walking range, including our comfort technology collection.
Lightweight walking shoes
Lightweight walking shoes suit travel, commuting and long days on your feet, because every gram saved is effort saved over distance. The key is choosing low weight without giving up structure: a lightweight pair should still hold your heel securely and grip properly in the wet.
Walking shoes with podiatrist-certified arch support
Walking shoes with arch support hold the midfoot in a more stable position, which can reduce strain over longer distances. The Skechers Arch Fit insole is podiatrist-certified and was developed using over 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans, so the support is shaped to real foot data rather than a generic curve.
Searches for plantar fasciitis walking shoes or the best walking shoes for flat feet have no single universal answer, because the right level of support depends on your foot. Structured support of the kind Arch Fit provides is a sensible starting point, but seek professional advice if pain persists. Discover the Arch Fit collection here.
Wide fit walking shoes
Wide fitting walking shoes give the whole foot more room, which helps if you have a broader forefoot, bunions, feet that swell through the day, or you wear orthotics that need extra volume. Skechers Wide Fit styles are built on a roomier fit throughout, while Relaxed Fit gives extra space specifically at the toe and forefoot on a standard fit, so it is worth knowing which of the two your feet actually need.
To check fit at home, walk on a hard floor for a few minutes: toes should spread freely, the shoe should not press across the widest part of your foot, and your heel should stay planted without slipping. Browse wide fit walking styles for women and wide fit walking styles for men to compare wide fit walking shoes womens and mens wide fit walking shoes options.
Hands-free and slip-on walking shoes
Slip on walking shoes remove the one fiddly part of getting out the door. Skechers Slip-ins go a step further than laceless designs: the exclusive Heel Pillow holds your foot securely in place, so you step in and go without bending down or using your hands.
That makes them genuinely useful beyond convenience: for anyone who finds bending difficult, for parents leaving the house with their hands full, and for travel days when shoes come on and off at security. Discover hands-free Skechers Slip-ins to see the range, including Skechers GO WALK slip on shoes that bring walking-focused cushioning to a hands-free design.
Waterproof walking shoes and trainers
Waterproof shoes use a sealed membrane to stop water entering, while water-repellent finishes only delay it, which is enough for light drizzle but not a wet season. For rainy conditions, choose clearly labelled waterproof styles: waterproof walking shoes for men such as the Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: Summits - Corbos, and waterproof walking shoes women’s styles such as the Skechers Slip-ins Waterproof: GO WALK Flex - Clear Creek, both pair a sealed upper with walking cushioning.
For more options on Skechers waterproof walking shoes for both women and men, plus tips on care and choosing the right sealed style, check our waterproof shoes guide.
Walking shoes for women
Walking shoes for women should suit your foot shape, the distances you cover and the cushioning you prefer. The range of women's walking trainers spans GO WALK for lightweight daily miles and Arch Fit for structured support, with wide fit, waterproof and hands-free options across both.
Whatever the style, walking trainers for women need the same two things: a secure heel and room for toes to spread. Get those right and comfortable walking shoes for women that follow from fit, not luck.
How do I choose the right walking boots for women? Match the boot to terrain and weather: deeper tread for mud, a sealed upper for rain and ankle coverage for uneven ground. For more coverage than a shoe offers, browse women's walking boots.
What are the best women's trainers for everyday wear? Choose the cushioning and support level that matches your routine. GO WALK suits light, flexible everyday comfort, while Arch Fit suits anyone wanting structured support underfoot.
What features should I look for in women's outdoor walking footwear? Prioritise grip, secure fit and weather protection. Choose a waterproof style if you are regularly out in the wet.
Walking shoes for men
Walking shoes for men should feel stable and comfortable from the first wear, with no pressure points across the forefoot. Men walking shoes in the range cover GO WALK and Arch Fit, and mens walking trainers also come in wide fit, waterproof and hands-free designs, so comfortable walking shoes for men come down to picking the right fit for your foot rather than compromising on style.
What are the best shoes for men who walk a lot? Look for a secure fit, reliable grip and cushioning that lasts. Check for rubbing on a short walk before committing to longer distances.
How can I choose comfortable walking shoes for men? Start with width and toe room, since most discomfort starts with a too-narrow fit. Then compare support and cushioning levels against the distances you walk.
What are some tips for men to stay comfortable while walking long distances? Wear moisture-wicking socks and build distance gradually rather than in one jump. Replace your shoes once the tread or cushioning wears down, as worn shoes are the most common cause of discomfort.
How long do walking shoes last and how to care for them
Most walking shoes need replacing after roughly 300 to 500 miles, which for a daily walker can mean every six to twelve months. The clearest signs are worn tread, cushioning that no longer bounces back, and new aches after walks that used to feel fine.
To get the most from a pair before that point:
- Wipe off mud and dirt after wet walks, before it dries into the upper.
- Air-dry at room temperature, never on a radiator, as direct heat damages cushioning and adhesives.
- Rotate two pairs if you walk daily, giving foam a full day to recover between wears.
- Check tread and insoles monthly so you replace on evidence, not guesswork.
For a step-by-step on different materials, learn how to clean your walking shoes in our cleaning guide.
Are Skechers shoes good for walking?
Yes, the Skechers GO WALK collection has been engineered specifically for walking for years, and it remains one of the most recognised walking shoe lines available. Skechers walking shoes pair that heritage with current comfort technologies: podiatrist-certified Arch Fit support, Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioning and hands-free Slip-ins with the Heel Pillow.
Within the walking footwear category, Skechers sits in the comfort-led segment: where performance running brands adapt road running shoes for walkers, Skechers builds dedicated walking styles with fit options to match, including wide fit and waterproof versions of its core lines. That makes skechers walking trainers a strong default for everyday walkers who want comfort without a technical trade-off. Browse the Skechers GO WALK collection to compare styles.
Walking shoes FAQs
Visit the Skechers CH website or your local Skechers store to explore the full range. Styles featuring Arch Fit® will clearly highlight the technology on their product pages or labels.
While beneficial for various foot types, Arch Fit® is designed to enhance comfort and support for almost anyone by helping to distribute pressure and promote natural alignment.
Skechers Memory Foam™ provides plush cushioning for immediate comfort, similar to a mattress topper. Skechers Arch Fit® offers targeted support for your arch and alignment, acting as the supportive foundation beneath.
Yes. Many Arch Fit® shoes feature a removable insole, so you can insert your own custom orthotics if needed.
Most people experience instant comfort. However, if you’re not used to structured arch support, there may be a brief adjustment period.
Not at all. We use advanced, lightweight materials to provide robust support without extra weight.
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