Skechers Go Walk 5-True Review – All-Day Comfort Testing $55

Between school pickup, grocery runs, and my evening yoga class, I needed shoes that could actually keep up with real life. Sarah here, and after spending weeks comparing walking shoes online, the Skechers Go Walk 5-True kept appearing in “most comfortable” discussions. At 5’4″ and with my busy schedule bouncing between activities, I was excited but realistic – could these really deliver the cloud-like comfort everyone mentioned? That’s why I spent 6 weeks putting them through every real-world scenario I could think of. Here’s whether they live up to the incredible hype.

Technical Specifications

• 💰 Price: $55 ()
• ⚖️ Weight: 6.2 oz (women’s size 8)
• 🧪 Midsole material: Ultra GO lightweight responsive cushioning
• 👟 Upper material: Breathable heathered knit mesh
• 👣 Insole: Air-Cooled Goga Mat with high-rebound cushioning
• 🏃‍♀️ Category: Lifestyle walking sneakers
• 🎯 Best for: Daily walking, errands, casual wear, light exercise
• 🧼 Care: Machine washable, air dry
• ⏱️ Testing period: 6 weeks, 85+ hours wear time, 180+ miles walked

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, these shoes feel different from typical sneakers. The heathered knit mesh upper has this stretchy, sock-like quality that immediately hugs your foot without feeling restrictive. It’s not the stiff, structured feel of traditional athletic shoes – instead, it’s more like slipping into a really supportive slipper that happens to have a substantial sole.

The lacing system surprised me in the best way. Unlike those stretchy laces that never seem to hold their tension, these stay put throughout entire days of activity. I can tie them once in the morning and they maintain that perfect level of snugness from my 6 AM coffee run through evening dog walks. No constant retying, no loose floppiness by afternoon.

The toe box deserves special mention because it’s genuinely accommodating. I don’t have particularly wide feet, but I do appreciate room to wiggle my toes during long walks. These provide that space without the shoe feeling oversized or sloppy. Several friends with bunions have mentioned this same quality – the mesh gives just enough to prevent pressure points while maintaining support.

All-Day Cushioning & Support Experience

Here’s where these shoes really shine. The Ultra GO midsole combined with the Goga Mat insole creates what I can only describe as “productive bounce.” It’s not the squishy-soft feeling that makes you feel unstable, but rather a responsive cushioning that actually propels you forward with each step.

During my longest test day – a 12-hour stretch that included morning errands, afternoon work on my feet, and evening family activities – my feet felt genuinely comfortable the entire time. That’s not something I can say about most shoes, even expensive ones. The arch support hits right where I need it without being overly pronounced, and the heel cushioning prevents that end-of-day soreness I usually experience.

What impressed me most was how consistent the comfort remained. Many shoes feel great for the first few hours but lose their supportive feeling as the day progresses. These maintained that “walking on clouds” sensation from morning coffee through bedtime.

On-the-Street Performance

The rubber outsole provides reliable traction on most surfaces I encountered – sidewalks, parking lots, grocery store floors, gym surfaces. It’s not aggressive like a hiking boot, but it’s substantially better than fashion sneakers. I never felt uncertain about my footing, even on slightly wet surfaces.

Breathability impressed me, especially during warmer days and more active periods. The mesh upper allows air circulation without feeling like it would tear easily. Even after brisk 3-mile walks on humid days, my feet never felt swampy or overheated.

Meeting Your Daily Walking Goals – Does It Deliver?

For busy women who need shoes that can handle multiple activities throughout the day, these absolutely deliver. They’re not specialized athletic shoes for running or cross-training, but they excel at their intended purpose: comfortable, all-day walking.

I tested them during various scenarios that reflect real life: rushing through airports with luggage, spending hours walking through outdoor markets, standing during kids’ sports events, and even light treadmill sessions. In each case, they provided the support and comfort I needed without any specific break-in period.

Key Strengths and Weaknesses

What absolutely works:

• Immediate comfort with zero break-in required
• Genuine all-day wearability for active lifestyles
• Machine washable design for easy maintenance
• Accommodating fit for various foot shapes
• Consistent lace tension throughout the day
• Lightweight feel that doesn’t compromise support

Areas for improvement:

• Durability concerns for heavy daily use (more on this below)
• Limited color options compared to slip-on versions
• Sizing can be inconsistent – may need to size up
• Not suitable for serious athletic activities

Performance in Various Walking Conditions

Indoor Environments

These excel in indoor settings – shopping malls, offices, schools, hospitals. The lightweight construction prevents foot fatigue during extended periods on hard surfaces, while the cushioning absorbs impact from concrete floors. The breathable upper prevents that stuffy feeling common in indoor environments.

Outdoor Walking

On sidewalks, park paths, and neighborhood walks, they perform beautifully. The traction outsole handles minor elevation changes and various pavement textures confidently. During my regular 2-3 mile neighborhood loops, they provided consistent comfort and support from start to finish.

Weather Adaptability

The mesh upper provides excellent breathability in warm weather but offers limited weather protection. These aren’t designed for rain or snow – they’re fair-weather walking shoes. In temperatures from 60-85°F, they performed optimally, keeping feet comfortable without overheating.

Extended Wear Testing

During vacation testing – three full days of sightseeing involving 8+ hours daily on my feet – they maintained their comfort level impressively. No hot spots, no pressure points, no end-of-day foot pain that typically accompanies intensive walking days.

Does Skechers Deliver on Their Promises?

Ultra GO Midsole Cushioning

Marketing claim: “Lightweight and responsive Ultra GO midsole cushioning”

Reality check: This claim proves accurate. The midsole genuinely feels both lightweight and responsive. Unlike dense foam that feels dead underfoot, or overly soft cushioning that lacks stability, the Ultra GO provides energetic bounce-back with each step. After 180+ miles of testing, the cushioning hasn’t noticeably compressed or lost its responsiveness.

Goga Mat Insole Performance

Marketing claim: “Air-Cooled Goga Mat breathable insole with high-rebound cushioning”

Reality check: The insole definitely provides high-rebound cushioning, but the “air-cooled” breathability is somewhat overstated. While better than solid foam insoles, it’s not dramatically more breathable than quality aftermarket insoles. The cushioning aspect, however, exceeds expectations.

Machine Washability

Marketing claim: “Machine washable, air dry”

Reality check: Completely accurate. I’ve machine washed them twice during testing – once on gentle cycle, once on regular cycle – and they emerged looking nearly new. The mesh upper cleans beautifully, colors remain vibrant, and the construction holds up perfectly. This feature adds significant practical value.

My Overall Assessment

After 6 weeks of comprehensive testing across various scenarios, the Skechers Go Walk 5-True earns solid marks as a daily walking shoe for active women. They excel at their intended purpose while remaining honest about their limitations.

Detailed Performance Scoring

What Other Women Are Saying

The overwhelming theme from customer reviews aligns perfectly with my experience: exceptional comfort paired with durability concerns for heavy users. Women consistently praise the immediate comfort, all-day wearability, and machine washability. However, those who walk 15,000+ steps daily report sole separation and wear issues after 4-6 months.

Spanish-speaking customers particularly appreciate the true-to-size fit and material quality, with many noting “muy cómodos” (very comfortable) and praising the brand’s reputation for comfort. The consistent international feedback reinforces these shoes’ comfort credentials.

Interestingly, many reviews mention these being “the most comfortable shoes ever owned” – a strong statement that matches my testing experience. The trade-off seems to be between maximum comfort and maximum durability.

Value Assessment

At $55, these shoes offer exceptional value for their intended use case. The comfort-to-price ratio is outstanding – you’d typically need to spend $100+ to find comparable all-day comfort in other brands. For women who prioritize immediate comfort and versatility over maximum durability, they’re an excellent investment.

However, heavy daily users should factor replacement costs. If you’re walking 15,000+ steps daily, budget for replacement every 6 months. For moderate daily use (5,000-10,000 steps), expect 8-12 months of comfortable wear.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the Skechers Go Walk 5-True?

Perfect for:

• Busy women who need comfortable shoes for multiple daily activities
• Healthcare workers, teachers, retail employees who spend long hours on feet
• Travel enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight, comfortable walking shoes
• Women with foot sensitivities who need immediate comfort without break-in
• Active parents who need versatile shoes for school events, errands, and activities
• Budget-conscious buyers seeking maximum comfort for reasonable price

Consider alternatives if:

• You need shoes for serious athletic activities or running
• Maximum durability is your top priority over comfort
• You frequently walk in wet or harsh weather conditions
• You prefer more structured, traditional sneaker construction

Better Options for Specific Needs

For maximum durability: Consider Brooks or New Balance walking shoes, though expect higher prices and potentially less immediate comfort.

For athletic activities: Look at Nike Revolution or Adidas Cloudfoam for more structured support during workouts.

For weather protection: Allbirds Tree Runners or Rothy’s offer better water resistance, though at higher price points.

Final Recommendation

The Skechers Go Walk 5-True delivers on its promise of exceptional walking comfort at an accessible price point. Despite durability concerns for heavy users, the immediate comfort, versatility, and practical features make them an excellent choice for women seeking reliable daily walking shoes.

For the average woman walking 5,000-10,000 steps daily across various activities, these shoes provide outstanding value. The ability to machine wash them adds practical appeal that busy lifestyles appreciate.

Bottom line: If comfort is your top priority and you understand the durability trade-offs, these shoes will likely become your daily favorites. At $55, they’re worth trying, especially given Skechers’ reputation for customer satisfaction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do these shoes run true to size?

Based on extensive customer feedback and my testing, these tend to run slightly small. I recommend ordering 0.5 sizes up from your normal size, especially if you plan to wear them with thicker socks or have wider feet. The mesh upper does provide some stretch, but sizing up ensures optimal comfort.

How long do these shoes typically last?

Lifespan varies significantly based on usage. For moderate daily walking (5,000-8,000 steps), expect 8-12 months. Heavy daily users (15,000+ steps) report needing replacement after 4-6 months due to sole separation or cushioning compression. The machine washability helps maintain appearance throughout their lifespan.

Are these suitable for people with plantar fasciitis or foot problems?

Many customers with plantar fasciitis, bunions, and arch issues report excellent results. The Goga Mat insole provides good arch support, and the accommodating toe box prevents pressure on bunions. However, those with severe foot conditions should consult healthcare providers before making footwear decisions.

Can I use these for light exercise or gym activities?

They’re suitable for walking on treadmills, light aerobics classes, and casual recreational activities. However, they’re not designed for running, lateral sports movements, or intensive gym training. For serious athletic activities, choose sport-specific athletic shoes.

How do they perform in wet conditions?

The mesh upper provides limited water resistance. They’re designed for dry conditions and indoor/outdoor walking on paved surfaces. Avoid wearing them in rain, snow, or puddles as the mesh will absorb water and take time to dry.

Are replacement insoles available if the original ones wear out?

While Skechers doesn’t sell replacement Goga Mat insoles separately, many customers successfully use quality aftermarket insoles when the originals compress. Dr. Scholl’s or Superfeet insoles can extend the shoes’ useful life.

What’s the difference between regular and wide widths?

The wide width provides additional room in the toe box and midfoot area. Based on customer photos and feedback, the difference is noticeable – regular width can feel narrow for those with wider feet or bunions. When in doubt, opt for wide width for maximum comfort.

Can these be worn without socks?

The breathable mesh upper and smooth interior make sockless wear possible for short periods. However, for extended wear and hygiene reasons, lightweight socks are recommended. No-show or ankle socks work perfectly with the low-cut design.

Review Scoring Summary

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