Skechers GO WALK Joy - Women's Review

The Skechers GO WALK Joy deliver a surprisingly good performance for an incredibly low price point. Our testers found they had reasonable support and good comfort even when wearing all day. They may not offer as much arch support as some more robust options but they will do very well for a lot users. The slip-on design is a benefit or detraction depending on the user. We personally liked the slip-on ease of use and sock-like comfort. But those who prefer the ability to get a custom fit with laces may want to look elsewhere.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Upon unboxing, I noticed these shoes are very light. I was initially unsure about the laceless design but quickly warmed to it. During the first 500 steps, the Go Walk felt a bit tight across the top of my foot, but that quickly resolved itself as the upper material broke in and adapted to my movement. While initially needing a break-in period, these shoes performed well in our 10,000-step walking test. I found the underfoot cushioning to be surprisingly effective, providing a level of comfort that I didn't anticipate at this price point. In fact, I was impressed by how their comfort compared favorably to some more expensive shoes I've tested. However, unlike some premium options, these don't offer exceptional arch support, but they provide enough cushioning for comfortable all-day wear.

The fit runs true to size and accommodates average-width feet well, though they're only available in one width option. This could be limiting for those with particularly narrow or wide feet. The toe box didn't lead to any hot spots, but it is certainly not wide if you value toe splay.

The slip-on design required some effort during first wear due to the stiff upper, but it loosened appropriately with use. While not achieving the truly hands-free convenience of other shoes, I found I could usually slip these on with minimal assistance after the break-in period.

Support

A properly supportive walking shoe should only bend at the toe box (where your foot naturally flexes during stride) and remain rigid through the midfoot and arch areas. To test this, we grasp the heel while pressing the toe box against the ground - if the shoe collapses or bends in the middle rather than just at the toe, it lacks the structural support needed for proper walking mechanics.

In our rigidity testing, we found these shoes strike a good balance between flexibility and structure. They bend appropriately at the toe – exactly where your shoe should flex – while maintaining good rigidity through the midfoot. This combination helps prevent the risk of rolling ankles while allowing for natural foot movement. The one-piece slip-on design creates a sock-like fit that holds the foot securely, though without the customization options that traditional lacing systems provide.

Another important evaluation for walking shoes is what we call the “twist test.” This simple but revealing assessment helps us determine a shoe's torsional stability - a crucial factor in how well it will support your foot during long walks. To perform the twist test, we hold the shoe with both hands - one gripping the heel and the other gripping the forefoot. We then attempt to rotate the heel to the right while twisting the forefoot to the left. This motion helps us evaluate the shoe's resistance to torsional forces that occur during normal walking movements. The amount of resistance a shoe provides during this test tells us a lot about its structural integrity and support capabilities. The Go Walk Joy wasn't overly stiff or flexible, proving it to be stable through the midfoot. To further evaluate this, we cut the shoe open to assess the materials.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Traction

The deep, bubbly sole pattern of the Go Walk Joy provides a reliable grip across most common surfaces. While the traction performance was not exceptional in any one category these performed well enough across categories that most users will find the traction satisfactory. They did best on concrete surfaces and also did well on tile. The proprietary rubber compound Skechers uses creates decent grip without adding excessive weight.

Though not intended for extreme gravel use, these also held their own when exploring on packed gravel walking trails. However, I did notice that small rocks tend to get caught in the circular pod pattern of the outsole – a minor annoyance during outdoor walks. The traction pattern generally does very well but may not provide enough grip for wet or technically challenging terrain.

Weight

At just 5.16 ounces per shoe, the Skechers GO WALK Joy is remarkably lightweight, making it one of the most nimble options I tested and helped reduce leg fatigue during long walks. During my 10,000-step test, I noticed how the minimal weight allowed for a more natural stride and less muscle fatigue compared to heavier models weighing nearly twice as much.

These don't have as much arch support or unique features that heavier shoes may include, but anyone who values a lightweight shoe will appreciate these. The low weight also makes them a good candidate for packing in a suitcase while traveling.

Durability

Through our extensive testing period, these shoes have proven surprisingly durable for their price point. The lightweight construction initially raised some durability concerns, but after months of testing and well over 10,000 steps, they're holding up admirably. Even when I took them off the beaten path onto trails with rocks and sticks, they maintained their structural integrity.

One of the standout features is their easy maintenance – they're machine washable (air dry only) and clean up well with a brush for the mesh sections. This makes them particularly practical for daily use, especially in environments where shoes can get dirty quickly.

Should You Buy the Skechers GO WALK Joy?

The Skechers Go Walk Joy is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable, comfortable walking shoe without breaking the bank. We particularly recommend these for people who prioritize easy maintenance and lightweight comfort over premium features. They're ideal for daily errands, workplace wear (especially in service industries), and general walking activities.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you're looking for something with more premium features, consider the Kizik Athens, which offers true hands-free entry with excellent stability. For those needing maximum support and cushioning, the Brooks Ghost Max provides superior impact absorption and arch support. The On Cloud 5 makes an excellent alternative for those who want a more versatile shoe that can transition from walking to light exercise, though it comes at a higher price point.