Between school pickup, grocery runs, and my evening walks, I needed shoes that could actually keep up with my busy days. Last Tuesday, scrolling through Amazon after another pair of sneakers failed me, the Skechers Go Walk Joy Upturn caught my attention with its promise of lightweight comfort. Sarah here, and with three kids and a packed schedule, I was skeptical but hopeful. That’s why I spent 6 weeks putting these through every real-world scenario I could think of. The results? Let me tell you the honest truth about whether these budget-friendly walkers live up to the hype.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $45 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 6.8 oz (women’s size 8)
- 🧪 Midsole material: 5Gen lightweight cushioning
- 👟 Upper material: Air mesh fabric
- 👣 Insole: Air Cooled Goga Mat
- 🚶♀️ Category: Casual walking sneakers
- 🎯 Best for: Daily walking, errands, light exercise
- ⏱️ Testing period: 6 weeks, 200+ miles walked
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Right out of the box, these shoes feel surprisingly light – almost too light, which initially made me question the quality. The air mesh upper has a soft, flexible feel that immediately molds to your foot shape without any stiffness. The navy and pink colorway I chose has a subtle feminine touch that works well with both workout gear and casual outfits.
The lacing system deserves special mention – while these aren’t slip-ons, the laces are positioned and designed so you can often step in and out without untying them. This has been a game-changer during busy mornings when I’m rushing to get the kids ready. The tongue stays in place well, and I haven’t experienced the annoying tongue-sliding that plagued my previous sneakers.
Comfort for Busy Lives
The Air Cooled Goga Mat insole is where these shoes really shine for daily wear. Unlike the memory foam in some other Skechers models, this insole provides gentle support without feeling too squishy or unstable. For someone like me who’s constantly on the move – from the coffee shop to school pickup to evening walks – this balance feels just right.
During my longest testing day – a 4-hour shopping trip followed by a 2-mile walk – my feet never felt fatigued or sore. The 5Gen midsole cushioning provides enough bounce to keep your step feeling light without being overly bouncy or unstable. It’s particularly noticeable when transitioning from hard surfaces like concrete to softer surfaces like grass or carpet.
Performance in Various Daily Conditions
Indoor Performance
These shoes excel in indoor environments. Whether I’m navigating grocery store aisles for an hour or standing in line at school events, the lightweight design prevents foot fatigue. However, I did notice they can be slightly squeaky on smooth floors – not embarrassingly loud, but noticeable in quiet environments like libraries.
Outdoor Walking
For sidewalk walking and light trail use, these perform admirably. The rubber outsole provides decent traction on dry surfaces, and the breathable upper keeps feet comfortable even during warm afternoons. I tested them extensively during my daily 2-mile neighborhood walks and found them supportive enough for this level of activity.
Weather Considerations
The mesh upper is fantastic for breathability but offers zero water resistance. During a surprise rain shower, my feet were soaked within minutes. The shoes did dry relatively quickly, but this is definitely not a wet-weather option. For humid summer days, though, the breathability is a major plus.
Does Skechers Deliver on Their Promises?
Lightweight Promise: ✅ Delivered
At 6.8 oz, these are genuinely lightweight. You barely feel them on your feet, which is refreshing after years of clunky sneakers. This makes them perfect for all-day wear without the heavy, tired feeling.
Breathable Comfort: ✅ Mostly Delivered
The air mesh upper definitely breathes well. Even after 3-hour shopping marathons, my feet stayed relatively cool and dry. The Air Cooled Goga Mat insole adds to this breathability.
Machine Washable: ✅ Confirmed
I tested this claim multiple times – these wash beautifully in cold water on a gentle cycle. They come out looking almost new each time. Just remember to air dry only; the dryer will damage them.
Durability Claims: ⚠️ Mixed Results
This is where reality diverges from marketing. While the overall construction feels solid for the price point, some areas show wear faster than expected. The heel area and insole are particularly vulnerable to heavy daily use.
My Overall Assessment
After 6 weeks of real-world testing, these shoes occupy a sweet spot in the budget walking shoe market. They excel at immediate comfort and lightweight wearability but come with durability trade-offs that are important to understand.
Detailed Scoring
| Category | Score (1-10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate Comfort | 9.0 | Outstanding out-of-box comfort, no break-in needed |
| Daily Wearability | 8.5 | Perfect for errands, shopping, light walking |
| Breathability | 8.0 | Excellent airflow, keeps feet cool and dry |
| Durability | 6.5 | Shows wear patterns after heavy daily use |
| Value for Money | 8.0 | Great comfort for the price, with durability caveats |
| Style Appeal | 7.5 | Versatile design, multiple colorway options |
| Overall Score | 7.8 | Excellent budget walking shoe with limitations |
What Other Women Are Saying
The customer feedback reveals a clear pattern: women absolutely love the immediate comfort and lightweight feel, but experiences vary significantly based on usage intensity. Those using them for light daily activities report excellent satisfaction, while heavy daily walkers mention durability concerns after 3-6 months.
Several Spanish-speaking customers emphasized the comfort (“muy cómodos”), and nurses working 12-hour shifts praise them for reducing foot fatigue. However, multiple reviews mention sole separation and insole wear as common issues with heavy use.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
Strengths:
- Outstanding immediate comfort with zero break-in period
- Genuinely lightweight design perfect for all-day wear
- Excellent breathability for warm weather
- Machine washable and easy to maintain
- Great value for casual walking and daily activities
- Wide-foot friendly design
- Multiple colorway options
Limitations:
- Durability concerns with heavy daily use (6+ months)
- Limited arch support for those with specific foot needs
- Not suitable for wet weather conditions
- Can be slippery on smooth surfaces when new
- White soles show dirt easily
- Some sizing inconsistencies reported
Who Should Buy the Skechers Go Walk Joy Upturn?
Perfect for:
- Busy moms who need comfortable shoes for errands, school runs, and daily activities
- Casual walkers looking for lightweight comfort for neighborhood walks
- Women with wide feet who struggle to find comfortable, accommodating sneakers
- Budget-conscious shoppers wanting Skechers comfort without premium pricing
- Light activity users who prioritize comfort over athletic performance
Consider alternatives if:
- You walk more than 3 miles daily and need maximum durability
- You require significant arch support for foot conditions
- You need waterproof or weather-resistant footwear
- You’re looking for serious athletic performance features
Better Options for Specific Needs
For Maximum Durability: Consider Skechers Arch Fit series or Brooks walking shoes if you need longer-lasting construction.
For Serious Walking: Look at New Balance or ASICS walking-specific models with enhanced support features.
For Weather Protection: Investigate waterproof alternatives from Merrell or Columbia.
Final Recommendation
At $45 on Amazon, the Skechers Go Walk Joy Upturn delivers excellent value for women seeking comfortable, lightweight daily walking shoes. While they won’t last forever with heavy use, they provide outstanding comfort and versatility for the price point. For busy women who need reliable, comfortable footwear for daily activities without breaking the budget, these are definitely worth considering.
The key is managing expectations – these are fantastic for moderate daily use but aren’t built for marathon-level durability. If you rotate them with other shoes and use them primarily for errands, walks, and daily activities, you’ll likely be very happy with the comfort and value they provide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are these true to size?
Most women find them true to size, but if you have wide feet or prefer a roomier fit, consider sizing up half a size. The mesh upper is forgiving and accommodates slight size variations well.
How long do they typically last with daily use?
With moderate daily use (2-3 miles of walking), expect 6-12 months. Heavy daily users (5+ miles) report needing replacement after 3-6 months, primarily due to insole wear and sole separation.
Can I use custom orthotics with these shoes?
Yes, the Goga Mat insole is removable, and many users successfully use custom orthotics. The toe box provides adequate room for most orthotic inserts.
Are they suitable for gym workouts?
These are designed for walking, not gym activities. For workouts involving lateral movement or heavy impact, choose cross-training specific footwear.
Do they run wide or narrow?
They tend to run slightly wide, which makes them excellent for women with wider feet. Those with narrow feet might want to try them on first or stick to their normal size.
How well do they wash in the machine?
Excellent! Use cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. They come out looking almost new. Never put them in the dryer as it will damage the materials.
Are they good for standing all day?
Many nurses and retail workers love them for long standing periods. The lightweight design and cushioning help reduce foot fatigue, though individual experiences vary based on foot type and specific needs.
Review Scoring Summary
| Final Scores | Rating |
|---|---|
| Comfort Score | 9.0/10 |
| Style Score | 7.5/10 |
| Value Score | 8.0/10 |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 |
Bottom Line: Outstanding comfort and value for daily walking with durability limitations to consider. Perfect for busy women seeking lightweight, comfortable footwear for moderate daily activities.
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