Even if you do not own a pair of Skechers shoe, chances are you have heard of the brand or know someone who wears them. They have become a very popular style of shoe purporting to offer cushioning and comfort for wearers. Below are some of the most common reasons why they have garnered the support that they have:
· Lightweight flexible synthetic mesh upper with no stitching accommodates different shaped feet.
· Wide fitting style ensures that your little toe or bunion does not feel cramped against the material.
· Cushioned and lightweight thick memory foam, contours to your foot adds to the feeling of comfort.
· Affordable price tag at around $100 per pair.
Although the points listed above are enticing reasons to wear Sketchers on a daily basis the fact of the matter is there are two sides to every story. Much like the ‘free running’ variety of shoes that had people invested in the idea of lightweight, comfortable footwear, these soft and easily malleable form of footwear should be treated with suspicion by people who have biomechanically related foot and lower limb problems. Some reasons why some podiatrists are hesitant to endorse these light weight style Sketchers shoes includes:
· Minimal to no stability in the heel to counteract a heel that “rolls-in” excessively.
· No stability in the midsole. The same density memory foam is used from heel to toe, with ability to flex at any position rendering it unsupportive for feet that have tendency to over-pronate through the midsole.
· There mesh upper of the shoe offers no chance for adjustment, reducing its ability to secure the foot to the shoe as may be required.
These flexible Sketcher shoes remind me of the Nike Free shoe, which are still a very popular choice with people, in particular teenagers. Adults have thankfully now come to recognize that this variety of shoe is not suitable for running or any strenuous exercise, because it provides no support to the foot structures. So, I usually have no problem convincing patients of this as they often have reached the conclusion themselves prior to entering my treatment room. With common problems such as sore balls of the feet, sore arches, unstable ankles or knee pain, it is easy to see why people would be disappointed to hear that these ‘cushioning’ and ‘comfortable’ shoes are anything but what they claim to be.
In saying that, I am a firm believer that shoes like the Sketchers can be used within moderation and for the correct purpose. Below you will find some pointers on how to avoid sore feet whilst using Sketchers:
· Do not use them all day / every day! Feet fatigue with prolonged standing and walking and as such require stable footwear to reduce strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint they support.
· Do not use them for fitness, long walks or exercise! You should be in a proper sport shoe for those moments and it could mean the difference between progression with your program and sustaining an injury during it.
· Do not attempt to use them with orthotics! Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
The take home message is, you avoid painful feet and costly treatments by simply using the right shoe for the right moment. If you struggle with choosing a shoe or require advice, seek the guidance of one of our specially trained podiatrist who can assess your feet and provide a specialised list of footwear appropriate for your needs. When in doubt, have a podiatrist check it out!
Dr Vanessa Hadchiti (Podiatrist)
FAQs
Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.
Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers shoes? ›
As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.
Are Skechers podiatrists approved? ›
The Ultimate Comfort Solution
Experience effortless style and comfort with podiatrist-certified arch support developed using over 20 years of data. Footwear in our Arch Fit® collection features a removable, supportive cushioning insole system for a more enjoyable walking experience.
What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›
Podiatry Services
- High heels.
- Too flexible.
- Slip on shoes.
- Pointed toe box.
- Flat sole.
The Skechers Go Walk may be better for someone who needs more toe room. Make sure the shoes are easy to get on as well. Zeba shoes, Kizik shoes and Skechers Slip-Ins have a special feature that make them easy to slip on.
Are Skecher shoes good for your feet? ›
So, Are Skechers Good For Your Feet? The short answer is yes, but it depends. While Skechers are designed to be comfortable and supportive, the type of Skechers you choose will depend on your individual foot needs and what activities you'll be using them for.
What are the side effects of Skechers shoes? ›
According to the researchers, the Skechers design does change a person's gait – but it also creates severe lateral instability. That makes it much easier for people to twist or roll their ankles, which could lead to ligament tears and strains, falls, broken bones, or hip injuries.
Are Skechers good if you have plantar fasciitis? ›
Skechers shoes are known for their lightweight construction, making them ideal for individuals with plantar fasciitis. The lightweight design minimizes the burden on the feet, allowing for more natural movement and reduced strain.
Are Skechers OK for walking? ›
Skechers' shoes are great for walking because they are designed with comfort and support. The outsoles are thick and cushioned, making them perfect for walking on all types of surfaces while also providing an exceptional level of flexibility for grip and traction.
What shoes do podiatrists recommend for seniors? ›
“For seniors, Vionic and Naturalizer are good options. There are many other options of dress shoes that would be appropriate for longer standing/walking. For women who plan to be in dress shoes for more than a couple hours in a day, they should wear a shoe that is not pointed in the toe with excessive high heels.”
Klaw 528
- Klaw 528. Best orthopedic shoe overall. ...
- More options. Dansko Fawna Mary Jane for Women. ...
- More options. Cole Haan Men's Original Grand Shortwing Oxford. ...
- Hoka Bondi 8. Best orthopedic walking shoe. ...
- More options. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 Running Shoes. ...
- More options. ...
- Vionic Karmelle Oxford Casual Sneaker. ...
- Kuru Atom.
One of the primary reasons podiatrists recommend New Balance shoes is their exceptional arch support.
Why don't podiatrists recommend Skechers? ›
Skechers. Paul says there are three reasons why he doesn't recommend this brand of sneaker, despite its popularity. "The slip-on ones, that are made tighter to hold on to your feet so you can squeeze your toes [in], can cause problems like neuromas," he explains. "They're so soft that your foot has to do more work.
Are Skechers good for seniors? ›
Skechers Go Walk
It is one of the safest shoes for seniors, as it doesn't have laces or velcro straps that need to be fastened. They instead opt for a well-designed slip-on design. Skechers Go Walk series will comfort your loved one's feet inside and outside their home.
Can you put orthotics in Skechers? ›
If your pair of Sketchers shoes have features recommended in the orthotic-friendly shoes section, then yes you can. But if the outsole is too soft and there is no firm heel counter, they won't be ideal to put your orthotics in.
Why do my feet hurt with memory foam shoes? ›
The problem stems from the fact that the shoes are purchased because they are "lightweight and spongy and supportive." That's fine for a while, but as people wear them for everything, including work and athletic activity, the memory foam breaks down, and without firmness in the soles, the fatigue and tendon/fascia ...
Is there a class action lawsuit against Skechers? ›
The Skechers class action settlement also bars the company from misrepresenting any tests, studies or research results regarding toning shoes. To apply for a refund from the Skechers class action lawsuit settlement, you must submit a claim form online at www.SkechersSettlement.com.
Do podiatrists recommend new balance? ›
Do podiatrists recommend New Balances? Yes, New Balance shoes are excellent shoes for everyday use and for high mileage runners, says Dr. Espino. Typically, New Balance shoes are a good choice for many people as they offer a neutral position but still offer great support, says Dr. Daughtry.
Are Skechers any good for walking? ›
What Makes Skechers Shoes Good For Walking? Skechers' shoes are great for walking because they are designed with comfort and support. The outsoles are thick and cushioned, making them perfect for walking on all types of surfaces while also providing an exceptional level of flexibility for grip and traction.
