Skechers Go Walk Max Review

The Go Walk Max is great for those who don't want to tie up laces to get moving. This inexpensive option is a very light design with a mesh upper that is soft and breathable. The foam sole is very squishy and flexible, and the shoes are machine washable, making for easy cleanup.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Skechers Go Walk Max offers easy comfort with its soft sole, providing a gentle heel strike and smooth, low-rocker transition. The cushioned midsole absorbs impact well, though it could benefit from added stiffness for longer walking. The unpadded tongue is integrated into the upper, and the heel cup has a small amount of padding for comfort. While the soft cushioning enhances comfort, I did notice some lower back pain during extended standing or long walks. However, there were no hot spots, and the shoes required no break-in period.

Upon first wear, the shoes felt true to size and provided a comfortable bit, especially for a lace-less design. While I'm curious about their long-term durability and whether they'll maintain their snugness over time, the regular width seems well-sized, with a narrow option also available. The pull tab at the back proved functional with no issues. However, these shoes are more of a pull-on design rather than a slip-on.

Support

The Go Walk Max struggled in the support department and left me wanting more.A quality walking shoe should prevent excessive flexing along the sole, but this shoe's sole is notably flexible, compressing easily from the toebox to the midsole. I noticed a feeling of twisting when the foot compressed the foam, which could cause pain, joint problems, or gait changes.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The pull-on system fit snug but still allowed the foot to slide around with use, and it lacked a secure heel lock. I also noted a lack of lateral support with these shoes and felt it would be easier than most to roll an ankle. The arch support is adequate and with a flexible sole these shoes would be best used by someone with a neutral gait as they lack the support for those who tend to deviate. In the twist test, the midsole didn't offer much resistance to torsion and easily twisted side to side, even to the heel region. This lack of resistance means poor stability and an inability to maintain good foot mechanics.

Traction

The foam outsole is designed with a “bumpy” look, which adds to the cushioning of the shoe but, unfortunately, doesn't assist with grip. The grip was average on concrete and slightly less effective on gravel. The shoes performed reasonably well on tile, but their grip was lacking on carpet or linoleum. These shoes were fairly slippery on these surfaces, especially if any dust or dirt was present, and they did not give a feeling of confident footing.

Weight

The Go Walk Max weighed in at about 7.8 ounces for a men's size 10.5, which is one of the lightest in our test group. Their lightweight construction makes them barely noticeable during use, and we experienced no leg fatuige or stress typically associated with heavier shoes.

Durability

Skechers advertises the Go Walk Max as an athletic style walking shoe but the 10,000 step testing period raises concerns about durability. The upper material is made from a breathable mesh, which seems fairly thin. When wearing the shoes, the material tends to stretch, and you can see your socks through the upper. Over time, the mesh in the toe area may begin to wear where it contacts the top or front of the toes.

Some users report durability issues with these shoes, and after our testing period, we can understand why. The soles of the shoes showed considerable wear. Many of the contact points on the sole were wearing down or showing rough signs of tearing in the material, especially on the edges of the traction “bumps”. That said, I don't recommend these for extensive outdoor wear. A nice highlight of the Go Walk Max is how easy they are to clean. If the shoes become soiled or smelly just simply throw them in the washing machine and allow them to air dry

Should You Buy the Skechers Go Walk Max?

The Go Walk Max would suffice for someone looking for a shoe to wear inside the house or for a quick trip to the store. Some may like the soft cushion sole and ease of use, but traction and durability are a concern. We have a hard time recommending these shoes for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a dependable walking shoe that will last for miles. The support and durability are lacking with this design, and it doesn't hold up well to significant use.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you require a true hands-free option, the Kizik Lima and Dansko Professional will make life easier to get on the move. If maximum comfort and cushion is a priority, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is worth a trek around the block. Additionally, we suggest looking into the Hoka Transport for a very durable pair of walking shoes that can handle various conditions.