There’s a universal challenge we all face in our busy lives: finding that one pair of shoes. Not just any shoes, but the ones you can slip on without a second thought for a quick dash to the shops, a leisurely walk in the park, or a full day of running errands. For years, my own shoe rack has been a graveyard of failed contenders—trainers that were too bulky, shoes that required laborious lacing, and “comfort” footwear that turned out to be anything but. The dream has always been a shoe that blends effortless style, genuine, all-day comfort, and grab-and-go convenience. Not finding this solution means juggling multiple pairs of shoes, sore feet at the end of the day, and that nagging feeling that you’ve sacrificed either style for comfort or comfort for style. It’s this very problem that led us to take a close look at the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker, a shoe that promises to be the answer to this daily dilemma.
- Geo mesh upper with stretch laces
- Lightweight flexible shock-absorbing midsole
What to Consider Before Buying Everyday Comfort Trainers
A pair of trainers is more than just an item of footwear; it’s a key solution for daily mobility and well-being. The primary problem this category solves is foot fatigue and the general discomfort that comes from being on your feet. The main benefits are profound: reduced strain on your joints and back, increased energy throughout the day, and the sheer convenience of a shoe that supports your active lifestyle. By choosing the right trainer, you’re investing in your own physical health, making every step, from a commute to a workout, a more pleasant experience.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who prioritises comfort and convenience above all else. This includes busy parents, professionals who are on their feet often, individuals with mild foot or back problems, and anyone seeking a lightweight shoe for travel or casual daily wear. However, this style of trainer might not be suitable for those who engage in high-impact sports or require specialised athletic support for activities like running or cross-training. For them, a dedicated performance shoe would be a better alternative. Similarly, if your primary need is a rugged, highly durable shoe for manual labour or harsh outdoor conditions, you would be better served by a work boot or a dedicated hiking shoe.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. Pay close attention not just to length but also to width. A shoe that is too narrow can cause cramping and blisters, while one that is too wide won’t provide adequate support. With slip-on styles, the fit around the ankle and instep is paramount to prevent your heel from slipping. Be aware that sizing can vary between brands and even between different models from the same brand.
- Comfort & Support: Look beyond the initial “squish” of the insole. True comfort comes from a combination of cushioning, arch support, and shock absorption. Features like Memory Foam insoles are designed to mould to your specific foot shape, while lightweight EVA midsoles absorb impact from hard surfaces like pavement. Consider the overall balance; a shoe that is too soft may lack the stability needed for long walks.
- Materials & Durability: The materials dictate the shoe’s breathability, weight, and lifespan. Mesh uppers are excellent for ventilation and keeping the shoe light, but may offer less protection and durability than leather. The sole material is crucial; EVA is lightweight and flexible but can wear down faster than denser rubber compounds. Pay special attention to potential weak points like elastic laces and inner heel linings, as these are often the first areas to show wear.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The appeal of a slip-on trainer is its convenience. Bungee laces offer a set-it-and-forget-it approach, but they don’t allow for fit adjustments. Consider if you prefer this simplicity or the customisable security of traditional laces. Also, check the care instructions; some trainers are machine washable, while others, like the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker, specify hand washing only, which impacts long-term upkeep.
Choosing the right trainer is a balance of these factors, tailored to your personal needs and daily activities.
While the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for added structure and support
- Breathable Comfort: Elevate your athletic style with our fashion-forward mesh sports shoes. Crafted with breathable materials, these shoes ensure optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and...
Unboxing the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic: First Look and Feel
Upon opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker was its incredible lightness. Tipping the scales at a barely-there weight, it feels less like a substantial trainer and more like a summer slipper. The model we tested, in Black Mesh with Light Pink Trim, presented a sleek and modern aesthetic. The geometric “Geo mesh” upper has a subtle, almost technical pattern that elevates it beyond a simple plain mesh, and the light pink accents on the logo and heel loop add a touch of feminine style without being overpowering. The overall impression is one of versatility; it’s a shoe that wouldn’t look out of place with gym leggings, jeans, or even a casual summer dress.
Picking it up, the flexibility is immediately apparent. The Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) sole bends effortlessly, promising a natural and unrestricted gait. The main event, of course, is the slip-on design. The stretch bungee laces are fixed in place, creating a clean, fuss-free look. There’s no tying, no adjusting—just a simple, single motion to put them on. We did, however, immediately check the overall build, mindful of some user reports about quality control. Our pair arrived in perfect condition, with no scuffs or marks, but it’s a valuable reminder to inspect any new footwear purchase carefully upon arrival. The initial step-in feel is exactly what you expect from Skechers: a soft, welcoming cushion from the Memory Foam insole. You can explore the available colour combinations and see the Geo mesh detail up close to find the style that best suits you.
Key Benefits
- Instant “walking on a cloud” comfort from the Memory Foam insole
- Extremely lightweight and flexible for all-day wear
- Convenient and stylish slip-on style with fixed bungee laces
- Breathable geometric mesh upper keeps feet cool
Potential Drawbacks
- Significant user concerns about the long-term durability of the sole and laces
- Fixed bungee laces can provide a loose fit for those with narrower feet
In-Depth Analysis: The Artistry Chic Sneaker Put to the Test
A shoe can look great out of the box, but its true value is only revealed through wear. We put the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker through its paces over several weeks, incorporating it into our daily routine of walks, errands, and general around-the-house wear to see if the initial comfort holds up and if the potential drawbacks become deal-breakers.
The Signature Skechers Comfort: A Deep Dive into the Memory Foam Insole
The headline feature of almost any Skechers shoe is comfort, and the Artistry Chic is no exception. The moment you slide your foot in, the Skechers Memory Foam insole begins its work. It’s a distinct sensation—not just soft, but adaptive. During our first long walk, we could feel the insole moulding to the unique contours of our feet, providing a customised cushioning that you just don’t get from standard foam. This is where the “walking on a cloud” sentiment from so many users rings true. It’s a plush, forgiving experience that significantly dampens the impact of walking on hard surfaces like concrete and tile.
This is complemented by the lightweight, shock-absorbing midsole. We found that even after a full day of running errands, the usual fatigue and ache in our heels and the balls of our feet were noticeably reduced. This aligns perfectly with feedback from users who praise the brand for helping with back problems; by absorbing shock at the foot, the strain is lessened all the way up the kinetic chain. It’s a feature that truly sets it apart for those seeking relief during daily activities. However, it’s worth noting a minority opinion we also encountered: one user mentioned the footbed felt slightly less soft than other Skechers they’ve owned. While our experience was overwhelmingly positive, this suggests there might be some slight variance in density, or that long-time Skechers fans may have a specific expectation of plushness that could vary slightly by model. For us, the balance was perfect, providing enough support to prevent that “sinking” feeling while still delivering exceptional cushioning. The level of comfort offered makes them a compelling option you can investigate further for your own daily needs.
Design and Practicality: The Genius and Flaw of the Slip-On Bungee System
The convenience of the slip-on design cannot be overstated. In a world where every second counts, the ability to get your shoes on and be out the door in under five seconds is a genuine quality-of-life improvement. The stretch bungee laces maintain a consistently neat appearance and eliminate the annoyance of laces coming untied. During our testing, this was the feature we came to appreciate most on busy mornings. The elastic provides just enough give to slide your foot in, then snugs back into place. For many, this will be the deciding factor.
However, this convenience comes with a compromise: adjustability. The bungee laces are fixed, meaning you cannot tighten or loosen the fit across your instep. For our medium-width feet, the fit was secure and comfortable. But we can fully appreciate the feedback from users with narrower feet who found the fit a bit loose. One such wearer cleverly solved this by removing the elastic laces and replacing them with traditional ones, turning the shoe into a perfect fit. This is an excellent tip for those who love the shoe’s comfort and style but need more security. Conversely, we also noted that the initial entry can be snug. One user needed a shoe horn to get them on, which suggests that while the fit across the foot might be generous, the collar can be tight at first. This is the central trade-off of the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker‘s design: you gain supreme convenience but lose the ability to fine-tune the fit.
The Elephant in the Room: A Serious Look at Durability and Build Quality
This is where our review must take a critical turn. While our own short-term testing revealed no immediate flaws, the volume of user feedback highlighting durability issues is too significant to ignore. As expert reviewers, we must consider not just how a product performs out of the box, but how it holds up over time. Several customers reported alarming premature wear and tear, which points to a potential trade-off between the shoe’s lightweight comfort and its long-term resilience.
We saw multiple, independent reports of the bungee laces snapping after just a few months of light wear. Others documented more severe issues, such as a hole wearing through the EVA sole in as little as eleven weeks, or the inner lining of the shoe deteriorating after only a handful of uses. One user even shared that the sides of the shoe began to crack after just three days of walking. This pattern of feedback strongly suggests that the materials chosen to achieve the shoe’s fantastic lightweight feel may not be robust enough for rigorous, daily use. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a poor-quality product, but it does reframe its ideal purpose. The Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker seems best suited as a shoe for light duties—errands, casual social outings, or travel—rather than a primary, everyday workhorse that you rely on for miles of walking each day. If you plan to use them in a light rotation with other shoes, this may not be an issue, but if you’re seeking a single pair to wear day-in and day-out, you should carefully consider these user-reported longevity concerns before purchasing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the wider pool of user experiences reveals a clear and consistent story. On one hand, the praise for comfort is nearly universal across multiple languages. Comments like “Comodissime!” (Extremely comfortable!), “On est comme dans des chaussons” (It’s like being in slippers), and “Man läuft wie auf Wolken” (You walk as if on clouds) dominate the positive feedback. Many buyers, especially those familiar with the Skechers brand, purchase them specifically for this renowned comfort and are delighted with the result.
On the other hand, the chorus of complaints about durability is equally strong and specific. The sentiment from a long-time Skechers wearer who asked, “Are Skechers using poorer quality materials now?” after the sole wore through in eleven weeks is powerful. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s echoed by the user whose laces snapped after three months of “relatively light wear” and another who saw the inner fabric fail after being worn a maximum of five times. Sizing also appears to be a point of contention, with some finding their usual size fits perfectly, while others report the shoes run a half or even a full size too large. This feedback paints a picture of a wonderfully comfortable shoe that may come with a significant risk regarding its lifespan.
How Does the Artistry Chic Compare to Other Skechers Models?
While the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker has its unique appeal, it’s helpful to see how it fits within the broader Skechers family and who might prefer a different model.
1. Skechers Men’s Go Walk 6 Sneaker
The Go Walk line is Skechers’ flagship series for dedicated walking. The primary difference lies in the technology: the Go Walk 6 typically features a Goga Mat insole, which provides a more responsive, high-rebound feel compared to the softer, pressure-relieving Memory Foam of the Summits. It’s designed for performance walking, with Hyper Pillars for added support. A man seeking a primary shoe for fitness walks or long days of sightseeing, where responsive energy return is key, would likely prefer the Go Walk 6 over the more casually-focused comfort of the Summits Artistry Chic.
2. Skechers Women’s Summits Sneaker
- Soft flat mesh knit upper with a bungee laced front
- Slip on athletic sporty sneaker design
This is the direct predecessor and base model from which the Artistry Chic originates. The core technology—the Memory Foam insole, bungee laces, and lightweight construction—is virtually identical. The main distinction is aesthetic. The Artistry Chic features the specific “Geo mesh” pattern and unique colour combinations, positioning it as a more fashion-forward variant. A buyer might prefer the standard Women’s Summits Sneaker if they are looking for a wider range of solid colours, a slightly different mesh texture, or potentially a lower price point. Functionally, the experience is expected to be very similar.
3. Skechers Summits High Range Sneaker
- Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins for an easy fit
- Skechers Air-Cooled memory foam cushioned comfort insole
This is essentially the men’s counterpart to the women’s Summits collection. It offers the same core benefits: a lightweight slip-on design, bungee laces for convenience, and a focus on all-day comfort for casual wear. While built on the same principles, men’s versions of shoes often have a slightly wider base (D width as standard) compared to the women’s standard B width. A man looking for the exact easy-wearing, comfortable experience of the Artistry Chic would find his match in the Summits High Range. It serves the same purpose for a different demographic.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker Right for You?
After extensive analysis and consideration of real-world feedback, our verdict on the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker is one of qualified recommendation. There is no denying its phenomenal, out-of-the-box comfort. The combination of the lightweight build and the plush Memory Foam insole creates an experience that truly pampers your feet, making it an absolute joy for casual wear, errands, and travel.
However, this top-tier comfort is shadowed by significant and credible concerns about its long-term durability. The recurring issues with soles, laces, and linings suggest this is not the shoe to choose if you need a single, durable workhorse to wear every single day. We recommend the Skechers Summits Artistry Chic Sneaker for a specific type of user: someone looking for a secondary or tertiary shoe in their collection, prized for its supreme comfort and slip-on convenience for light-duty activities. If you understand and accept this potential trade-off between featherlight comfort and long-term resilience, you will likely be delighted. For those who want to experience this cloud-like comfort for themselves, you can check the latest price and available sizes now.
Last update on 2025-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API