In his new footwear round up Andy Mossack road tests the very best Skechers Slip-Ins for walkers.
Cards on the table I am a super fan of Skechers footwear, they are hands down the world’s most comfortable shoes. And now, after recently reviewing their premium Golf Slip-Ins range, I’m even more of a fan since trying out Slip-Ins technology.
So it begs the question, if the golf Slip-Ins were a hit, would they work just as well when it comes to everyday walking shoes? Let’s find out as I test the very best Skechers Slip-Ins for walkers.
Slip-Ins tech is essentially a built-in shoehorn that supports the heel area of the shoe as you slide your foot in so you can press down and it won’t collapse. This allows your foot to simply slide into and out of the shoe hands-free. Genius.
Men’s Slip-Ins Go WALK
GO WALK Flex – 100% Waterproof
Even though the GO WALK Flex – 100 only comes in one colour – black, it is a seriously good day to day walking shoe. Not only is it packed with Skechers comfort tech, and is 100% waterproof, it has some remarkable grip as you walk on uneven ground. In fact, I’m hard pressed to think of another shoe, or boot for that matter, that grips so well on all kinds of surfaces.
I mentioned the packed comfort tech, and this shoe has plenty: the heel pillow envelops your heel to keep it stable and cushioned, while the air-cooled memory foamed insole is designed with little holes to allow air to flow around your feet to avoid sweat and smell. They call it breathe easy technology. There’s also Ultra Go cushioning that offers rebound effect with each step which, combined with the breathe easy lining under the waterproof outer, means your feet will be dry, comfortable and cool.
Even though the shoes are hands-free, there are laces which to me looks like a design frill rather than serving any useful purpose, but perhaps you might need a little tightening depending on the foot size. They are machine washable too.
Colours: Black.
GO WALK Flex – 100 Percent Waterproof. £95.
Go WALK Cushioning Arch Fit – Jesper
For walkers who prefer a trendier looking pair the Cushioning Arch Fit – Jesper work both as an excellent walking shoe and an eye-catching pair for a good night out socialising. Only in white, the 3D decal SFX with a pair of blue jeans says it all for me. Trends apart, this is super comfy and filled with Skechers trademarked comfort tech: MAX Cushioning and Podiatrist approved Arch Fit insole, HyperBurst midsole for additional cushioning (essentially a foam-based midsole treated with a gas injected agent to fill it with bubble cells which act as a soft cushion) and Hyper Arc where the shoe adapts itself to your stride.
The aforementioned Heel Pillow is in here too along with the hands-free Slip-Ins of course and again laces are included, they look cool but are not needed.
The Jesper is a premium shoe but with its Hollywood looks and added cushion comfort it is well worth splashing out.
Colours: White.
Go WALK Cushioning Arch Fit – Jesper £110
GO WALK Arch Fit 2.0 – Grand Select 2
Another model not dissimilar to the GO WALK Flex but without the waterproofing aspect. The difference here is these are built around the Skechers Arch Fit Tech and designed for all day comfort, so an ideal work shoe if you’re on your feet a lot. The removable insole moulds itself to your foot to offer excellent weight dispersion. They may favour being a workday shoe, but honestly, these would not be out of place for any social occasion too.
The engineered heather mesh uppers with stretch laces look neat and tidy, and of course with the Slip-Ins and Heel Pillow tech included they’re a breeze to put on and take off.
They’re machine washable and if you’re vegan and particularly concerned about the provenance of the footwear you use, these are crafted with 100% vegan materials.
Colours: black and tan (taupe).
GO WALK Arch Fit 2.0 – Grand Select 2 £100
Women’s GO WALK
GO WALK Flex – Relish
These are the perfect holiday sneakers. Great for airport security if you have to slip them off, terrific for walking sockless around mediterranean hotspots, courtesy of the air-cooled memory foam insoles and breathable mesh uppers or just lounging around the resort. Coming in four colour choices – black, blue, white and a black/white combo there’s a pair to match any outfit.
No laces and no hands needed, the Slip-Ins work a treat, and there’s the added comfort of Flex Pillars and the Heel Pillow for stable traction if you’re using them in a workout.
Colours: black, blue, white, black/white combo
On-the-GO Encore – Blair
Although technically not in the GO WALK range (they’re in ULTRA GO) I’ve included these chugga type ankle booties because they’re a fashionable alternative to the other Skechers walking shoes if you’re going for an autumnal stroll in a leafy park for example.
They are Scotchgarded to repel water, provide hands-free on and off with Slip-Ins tech and have air-cooled memory foam insoles. The suede uppers give them an eye-catching finish, while the outer soles offer firm but flexible traction. Whilst not comparable to the walking shoes suite of comfort tech, these On-the-GO Encore – Blair booties still have the Skechers Heel Pillow and ULTRA GO cushioning built in.
Colours: Chestnut.
On-the-GO Encore – Blair £80
So did the best Skechers Slip-Ins for Walkers make the grade?
All of these models made walking a dream as I’ve come to expect with Skechers, but the Slip-Ins technology added another layer of genius to an already market dominant brand.
For more information on all these models feature here please visit Skechers
