Three months ago, dealing with my third pair of destroyed walking shoes this year, I was genuinely conflicted about whether another budget option would cut it. Mike here, and after logging countless hours in various athletic footwear over the past decade, I’d grown skeptical of marketing promises that seemed too good to be true. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting the Skechers GoWalk Flex through every real-world scenario I could imagine, from daily neighborhood walks to extended gym sessions.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $45-65 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 8.2 oz (men’s size 9)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Ultra Go cushioning with Air Cooled Goga Mat
- 👟 Upper material: Breathable athletic mesh
- 🏃♂️ Category: Casual walking/lifestyle sneakers
- 🎯 Best for: Daily walking, light gym activities, casual wear
- 🔧 Special features: Slip-on design, machine washable, wide width options
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 45+ wear sessions, 120+ miles of walking
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Upper Analysis & First Impressions
Right out of the box, the GoWalk Flex feels surprisingly substantial for a shoe in this price range. The mesh upper has a nice flexibility to it, though it’s definitely on the thinner side compared to premium walking shoes I’ve tested. The construction feels consistent with what you’d expect from Skechers – solid manufacturing without premium materials.
The slip-on design is where things get interesting, and I need to be straight with you guys about the marketing versus reality. Skechers heavily promotes these as “hands-free” slip-on shoes, and while they technically are slip-ons, the experience isn’t quite as seamless as their commercials suggest. After 8 weeks of daily use, I can slip them on, but it requires a bit of heel maneuvering and sometimes a finger to pull the back collar up properly.
The fit through the midfoot and forefoot feels generous – this is definitely a shoe designed for comfort over performance precision. At my normal size 10, I had plenty of room, which several other reviewers confirmed when they mentioned sizing down. The toe box offers ample space without feeling sloppy, and the overall volume works well for guys with wider feet or those who prefer a relaxed fit.
Cushioning & All-Day Comfort Experience
Here’s where the GoWalk Flex genuinely surprised me. The Air Cooled Goga Mat insole provides a really pleasant underfoot sensation that’s softer than I expected for this price point. It’s not the plush, sink-in feeling of premium memory foam, but it offers a nice balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
During my longest test – a 6-mile urban walk through downtown – my feet felt comfortable throughout. The cushioning maintained its support without that compressed, flat feeling I’ve experienced with other budget options. By hour 3, I wasn’t dealing with any hot spots or pressure points, which honestly impressed me given the $50 price tag.
The breathability is solid for a mesh upper shoe. During warmer days (mid-70s), my feet stayed reasonably cool, though they’re not quite as ventilated as more expensive athletic walking shoes with advanced airflow systems.
On-the-Pavement Performance
Traction & Stability Analysis
The rubber outsole provides adequate traction for typical walking scenarios. On dry pavement, concrete, and indoor surfaces, grip feels secure and predictable. I tested them on slightly wet surfaces and didn’t experience any concerning slippage, though I wouldn’t call them exceptional in wet conditions.
One thing that multiple reviewers mentioned – and I can confirm – is that the outsole pattern tends to pick up small gravel and debris. The groove design that provides flexibility also creates little pockets where 1/4″ to 1/2″ stones get lodged. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s definitely noticeable if you walk on gravel driveways or unpaved paths regularly.
Meeting Your Walking Goals – Does It Deliver?
For casual walking, daily errands, and light gym activities, the GoWalk Flex delivers solid performance at its price point. I wore these for everything from grocery runs to 4-mile neighborhood walks, and they handled each scenario comfortably.
Where they excel: comfort for extended standing and walking, easy on/off for quick errands, surprisingly good arch support for a budget shoe, and genuine all-day wearability.
Where they fall short: the slip-on mechanism isn’t as seamless as advertised, they’re not built for serious athletic activities, and the wider fit won’t work for guys who prefer a snug, locked-in feel.
Key Strengths and Weaknesses
What Works:
– Genuinely comfortable for all-day wear
– Good value at $45-65 price point
– Wide width options accommodate different foot shapes
– Machine washable convenience
– Adequate cushioning that doesn’t compress quickly
– Lightweight design reduces foot fatigue
What Doesn’t:
– “Hands-free” slip-on is overstated in marketing
– Sizing runs large/wide for most users
– Outsole collects gravel and small debris
– Not suitable for serious athletic activities
– Heel collar can collapse with aggressive entry attempts
Performance in Various Walking Conditions
Indoor/Treadmill Performance
Inside the gym and on home treadmills, these shoes perform well for light to moderate walking workouts. The cushioning feels responsive on treadmill belts, and the breathable upper helps manage heat buildup during 30-45 minute sessions. I wouldn’t recommend them for running or high-intensity training, but for walking workouts, they’re perfectly adequate.
Outdoor Urban Walking
This is where the GoWalk Flex really shines. On sidewalks, city streets, and paved paths, they provide excellent comfort and adequate performance. The lightweight design means less fatigue during longer walks, and the cushioning handles concrete and asphalt well.
During my testing, I walked through various urban environments – from smooth sidewalks to slightly rough concrete – and consistently felt comfortable and supported.
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
The mesh upper provides decent ventilation in warmer weather but offers minimal protection in rain or snow. These are definitely fair-weather shoes. I tested them in light rain once and while the outsole maintained grip, the upper soaked through quickly.
For temperature management, they work well in spring through fall conditions. In winter, you’d need thicker socks, though the roomy interior accommodates this easily.
Does Skechers Deliver on Their Promises?
Marketing Claims vs Reality Check
Skechers makes several bold promises with the GoWalk Flex, so let’s break down what’s accurate and what’s marketing fluff:
“Hands-Free Slip-On Design” – Partially True. You can slip them on without using your hands, but it requires technique and sometimes results in crushing the heel collar. Most users, myself included, find it easier to use a finger to guide the heel properly.
“Maximum Support and Cushioning” – Accurate for the Price Point. The Goga Mat insole does provide good cushioning and support, especially considering the budget-friendly price. It’s not “maximum” compared to premium walking shoes, but it’s solid for this category.
“Enhanced Comfort and Stability” – True. These genuinely are comfortable for extended wear and provide adequate stability for walking activities. The comfort claim holds up well in real-world testing.
“Breathable Athletic Upper” – Mostly True. The mesh upper does provide reasonable breathability, though it’s not as advanced as higher-end athletic shoes with engineered ventilation systems.
My Overall Assessment
After 8 weeks of comprehensive testing, the Skechers GoWalk Flex earns my recommendation as a solid budget walking shoe with realistic expectations. At $45-65, it delivers genuine comfort and adequate performance for its intended use case.
Detailed Scoring
Comfort: 8.5/10 – Genuinely comfortable for all-day wear with good cushioning that maintains its support over time.
Performance: 7/10 – Handles walking and light activities well, but limited to casual use scenarios.
Durability: 7/10 – Early signs suggest decent longevity for the price, though some users report heel backing issues after extended use.
Value: 8.5/10 – Excellent comfort and features for the price point make this a strong budget option.
Fit & Sizing: 6.5/10 – Runs large/wide for most users, requiring careful size selection.
Style: 7.5/10 – Clean, versatile design that works for casual occasions without looking too athletic.
Overall Score: 7.7/10
What Other Walkers Are Saying
The user feedback overwhelmingly supports my testing experience. Common positive themes include exceptional comfort for the price, good support for people with foot issues, and genuine all-day wearability. The most frequent complaint centers on the slip-on feature not being as seamless as advertised, with many users mentioning the need to use hands or tools for proper entry.
Several reviewers with wide feet specifically praised the extra-wide options, noting that Skechers accommodates foot shapes that other brands don’t serve well. Multiple users mentioned buying additional pairs in different colors after positive experiences.
Value Assessment
At $45-65, the GoWalk Flex competes primarily with other budget walking shoes from brands like New Balance, ASICS, and other Skechers models. In this price range, it offers above-average comfort and reasonable build quality. The machine-washable feature adds practical value for users who walk frequently.
For casual walkers, retirees, or anyone seeking comfortable daily footwear without premium pricing, this represents solid value. For serious athletes or those needing advanced performance features, the extra investment in higher-end options makes sense.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Excellent all-day comfort | Slip-on feature overstated |
| Good value at $45-65 | Runs large/wide for most |
| Wide width options | Collects gravel in outsole |
| Machine washable | Limited to casual activities |
| Lightweight design | Minimal weather protection |
Who Should Buy the Skechers GoWalk Flex?
Perfect for:
– Casual walkers seeking comfortable daily footwear
– People with wider feet who struggle with narrow athletic shoes
– Retirees or older adults prioritizing comfort over performance
– Budget-conscious buyers wanting decent quality under $70
– Anyone needing easy-care, machine-washable shoes
– People with foot issues who need extra cushioning and support
Skip if you’re:
– Looking for true hands-free slip-on convenience
– Needing shoes for running or high-impact activities
– Preferring a snug, locked-in athletic fit
– Wanting premium materials and construction
– Planning to use primarily in wet weather conditions
Better Options for Specific Needs
For true slip-on convenience: Consider Allbirds Tree Runners or Vans Classic Slip-Ons
For serious walking performance: Look at New Balance 928v3 or Brooks Addiction Walker
For premium comfort: Invest in Hoka Clifton or Brooks Ghost series
For narrow feet: Try ASICS GEL-Venture or Adidas Ultraboost 22
Final Recommendation
The Skechers GoWalk Flex delivers on its core promise: comfortable, affordable walking shoes for casual use. While the slip-on marketing is somewhat overstated and sizing runs generous, the fundamental comfort and value proposition make this a solid choice for its target audience.
At $45-65, you’re getting genuine all-day comfort, decent build quality, and practical features like machine washability. Just size down a half-size from your normal athletic shoe size, set realistic expectations about the slip-on convenience, and you’ll likely be pleased with the comfort and value.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these really slip on hands-free like the commercials?
Not quite. While you can technically slip them on without hands, it requires practice and often results in crushing the heel collar. Most users find it easier to use a finger to guide the heel properly. They’re definitely easier than laced shoes, but not as seamless as true slip-on styles.
How do these fit compared to other Skechers models?
The GoWalk Flex runs larger and wider than most Skechers athletic shoes. Multiple users report sizing down a half-size from their normal Skechers size. If you typically wear size 10 in other Skechers, consider trying 9.5 in the GoWalk Flex.
Are they good for people with wide feet?
Yes, these work exceptionally well for wider feet. Skechers offers both medium (D) and extra-wide (4E) options, and the overall design provides generous room through the toe box and midfoot without feeling sloppy.
How long do they typically last with daily wear?
Based on user reports, expect 8-12 months of daily wear before significant wear becomes apparent. The main wear points are the heel collar (which can develop issues with frequent slip-on use) and the outsole. For occasional use, they should last 1-2 years easily.
Can I wear these for workouts or running?
These are designed for walking and casual activities, not running or high-impact workouts. The cushioning and support are adequate for walking, light treadmill use, and gym activities that don’t involve jumping or lateral movement, but they lack the structure needed for serious athletic activities.
Are they really machine washable?
Yes, they are machine washable, which is a genuine advantage. Remove any loose debris, wash on gentle cycle with mild detergent, and air dry. This feature makes them practical for people who walk frequently or need easy-care footwear.
Do they work well for people with foot problems?
Many users with plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and general foot pain report positive experiences with the GoWalk Flex. The Goga Mat insole provides good arch support and cushioning, though people with severe foot issues should consult with healthcare providers about appropriate footwear.
What’s the return policy if the sizing doesn’t work?
Amazon typically offers easy returns within 30 days for footwear. Given the consistent reports of these running large, it’s worth ordering your normal size and a half-size smaller to find the best fit, returning the pair that doesn’t work.
Review Scoring Summary
| Category | Score (/10) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 8.5 | Excellent all-day comfort, good cushioning |
| Performance | 7.0 | Good for walking, limited to casual use |
| Durability | 7.0 | Adequate for price, some heel collar concerns |
| Value | 8.5 | Excellent features for budget price point |
| Fit & Sizing | 6.5 | Runs large/wide, requires size adjustment |
| Style | 7.5 | Clean design, versatile for casual wear |
| OVERALL | 7.7 | Solid budget walking shoe with realistic expectations |