There’s a specific kind of disappointment that comes from a day of walking cut short by foot pain. I remember a city break a few years ago, filled with plans to explore cobblestone streets and wander through museums for hours. By midday, however, my adventure was hijacked by aching arches and the fiery beginnings of blisters. My stylish-but-unforgiving trainers had betrayed me. This experience is all too common; the quest for a shoe that can genuinely handle miles of city pavement, a full day of errands, or just a long shift on your feet, without demanding a painful “break-in” period, is a journey many of us are on. It’s not just about avoiding pain; it’s about reclaiming the freedom to move without a second thought. The right pair of trainers isn’t a luxury, it’s the foundation of an active, comfortable day. This is the very promise that led us to rigorously test the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker.
- Walking lace-up with an athletic mesh upper
- Durable dual-density traction outsole for stability
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Trainers
A pair of trainers is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for mobility, comfort, and joint support. In a world where we’re constantly on the move, the right shoe can be the difference between an energetic, productive day and one plagued by discomfort and fatigue. The main benefits lie in their engineered ability to absorb impact, provide stability, and support the natural mechanics of your foot. They reduce stress on your knees, hips, and back, making them essential for anyone from dedicated walkers and daily commuters to professionals who spend hours on their feet. Investing in a quality pair is an investment in your overall well-being.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily grind of hard surfaces. Think of city dwellers, retail workers, healthcare professionals, or active retirees who prioritize comfort above all else. As one user with flat feet, bunions, and heel spurs noted, for them, “comfort is my number one priority.” These shoes are designed for them. Conversely, this style might not be suitable for those who need highly specialized athletic footwear. A marathon runner requires a different type of support and energy return, and a weightlifter needs a flat, stable base that a cushioned walking shoe cannot provide. For them, dedicated running or cross-training shoes would be a much better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor. A shoe that is too tight can cause blisters and bunions, while one that is too loose can lead to instability and rubbing. Pay close attention to both length and width, and always check brand-specific sizing charts and user feedback, as consistency can vary dramatically between manufacturers, a point we’ll revisit with the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker.
- Cushioning & Support: This determines the shoe’s comfort and performance. Look for technologies like high-rebound midsoles, memory foam insoles, and specialized support pillars. The level of cushioning you need depends on your activity; plush cushioning is great for walking on hard surfaces, while firmer support might be better for stability.
- Materials & Durability: The upper material affects breathability, flexibility, and weight. Athletic mesh is a popular choice for its lightweight and airy properties, while leather or synthetic overlays offer more structure and durability. The outsole, typically made of rubber, should provide excellent traction and be robust enough to withstand regular wear and tear.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Consider features like lace-up versus slip-on styles for adjustability and convenience. Long-term care is also important. Some trainers are machine washable, which is a huge bonus for easy cleaning, but always double-check the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the materials or adhesives.
While the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker is an excellent choice for walking comfort, 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:
Our Comprehensive Guide to the Best Trainers for Gym Workouts and All-Day Wear in the UK
- 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...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Go Walk 7
Upon opening the box, the first thing that struck us about the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker was its astonishing lack of weight. Holding it in your hand, it feels almost impossibly light, a clear indication that this shoe is designed to disappear on your foot, not weigh you down. The athletic mesh upper is soft and pliable to the touch, promising excellent breathability and a flexible, non-restrictive fit. The design is clean and understated, a classic lace-up that makes it versatile enough for gym wear, errands, or casual outings. Unlike some of its more aggressively styled athletic counterparts, the Clear Path has a subtle, approachable look.
Flipping the shoe over reveals the heart of the Go Walk technology: the prominent Hyper Pillars on the dual-density traction outsole. They look intriguing and purposeful, hinting at the high-rebound cushioning that the Go Walk line is famous for. Compared to previous generations, the Go Walk 7 feels like a refinement of a winning formula—focusing on making the shoe even lighter and the cushioning more responsive. Our initial reaction was one of optimism; it looked and felt like a shoe built from the ground up for one thing: supreme walking comfort. You can check out the design and colour options available to see if its minimalist style suits your taste.
What We Like
- Extraordinarily lightweight construction reduces fatigue
- Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort with no break-in period required
- High-rebound Hyper Pillar Technology provides excellent cushioning
- Breathable athletic mesh upper keeps feet cool
Drawbacks
- Sizing is extremely inconsistent, creating a frustrating buying experience
- Concerns about long-term durability, particularly in the heel lining
A Deep Dive into the Skechers Go Walk 7’s Performance
A shoe can look great and feel light in the hand, but the true test happens over miles of walking on unforgiving surfaces. We put the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker through its paces on city streets, park paths, and during long days spent indoors on hard floors. Our goal was to push past the first impression and uncover how its core features perform in the real world. Does the legendary Go Walk comfort hold up, and what are the trade-offs for such a lightweight design?
The Walking-on-Air Experience: A Breakdown of the Cushioning System
The signature feature of the Go Walk series has always been its unique cushioning, and the Go Walk 7 is no exception. The magic lies in the combination of a lightweight ULTRA GO cushioned midsole and the more visible Hyper Pillar Technology. These pillars are strategically placed high-rebound pods on the sole that act like miniature trampolines with every step. As your foot strikes the ground, they compress to absorb the impact, and as you push off, they rebound, providing a subtle but noticeable boost of energy. This isn’t a mushy, sinking feeling like some memory foam shoes; it’s a responsive, buoyant sensation that genuinely makes walking feel less strenuous.
During our testing, this technology proved its worth. On a five-mile walk across pavement and tarmac, the impact on our joints felt significantly dampened. That jarring feeling that can travel up your shins and into your knees was pleasantly absent. We found this mirrored in user feedback, with one wearer describing them as “very comfortable for walking & is light on the feet.” Another praised the Hyper Pillars as “one of the best innovations.” This responsive cushioning is a feature that truly sets this shoe apart from its competitors in the casual walking space. The dual-density outsole also provides reliable traction; we felt stable and secure on both wet and dry surfaces. The cumulative effect is a shoe that actively works to reduce fatigue, making it an outstanding companion for travel days, long commutes, or anyone who simply wants to make their daily steps more enjoyable.
Fit, Sizing, and the Elephant in the Room
Here we arrive at the most significant and divisive aspect of the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker: the sizing. While the comfort is almost universally praised, the fit is a lottery. Our own testing experience revealed a generous fit; our usual size felt roomy, particularly in the toe box. This can be a positive for those with wider feet, but it’s where the consensus ends. Delving into the user experience reveals a chaotic picture. One user who ordered a UK size 4 found it “huge,” feeling like two sizes bigger and causing them to stumble. They provided photographic evidence showing the size 4 Skechers was visibly larger than their size 4.5 Timberlands. Conversely, another user who typically wears a size 9 was “glad I went up one” to a size 10, which fit perfectly. And to complete the confusing triangle, a third user found their standard Skechers size 10 to be “too short.”
This level of inconsistency is a major flaw in an otherwise excellent shoe. It creates a frustrating and risky purchasing experience, especially when buying online. The advice to “size up” or “size down” becomes meaningless when experiences are so contradictory. Our best recommendation is to be extremely cautious. If possible, try them on in a physical store before buying. If purchasing online, be prepared for the possibility of a return or exchange. It is a genuine shame, because when you do find the right fit, the shoe is sublime. The athletic mesh upper conforms beautifully to the foot, and the traditional lace-up design allows for a secure, customized lockdown that slip-on models can’t offer. Despite the sizing concerns, if you find the right fit, the comfort is undeniable. You can check the available sizes and fitting guides here, but we advise you to read recent user feedback on sizing very carefully.
Design, Materials, and Durability Concerns
The design of the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker prioritizes lightweight flexibility, and the primary material choice reflects this. The athletic mesh upper is fantastic for breathability. On warmer days, our feet remained cool and comfortable, with no buildup of heat or moisture. The material is also incredibly soft and flexible, which contributes to the shoe’s immediate, out-of-the-box comfort and accommodates issues like bunions without painful rubbing. However, this focus on lightweight materials may come at the cost of long-term durability.
We encountered several user reports that raised red flags. One user was “totally disappointed” when the fabric on the back of the heel developed a tear after just a four-day trip. They noted it resembled the wear seen on their slip-ons after six months of use. This was echoed by a German-language review, which stated the shoes were very comfortable but that the heel was “leider total kaputt” (unfortunately totally broken). This suggests a potential weak point in the interior heel counter lining. While we did not experience this failure in our shorter-term testing, the consistency of these reports is concerning. It seems the soft, flexible materials that make the shoe so comfortable might not stand up to the friction of daily wear as well as more robustly constructed trainers. Furthermore, there’s conflicting information on care, with some descriptions stating “Hand Wash Only” and others “Machine Washable.” Given the potential durability issues, we would strongly recommend sticking to gentle hand washing to preserve the integrity of the materials and adhesives.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the broad spectrum of user feedback reveals a clear pattern: customers are in love with the comfort but deeply frustrated by the sizing and durability. The positive comments are effusive. One 73-year-old wearer with multiple foot ailments called them a “great buy,” stating they “fit perfectly, immediately out of the box, with absolutely no ‘break in’ period needed.” Another simply said, “I loved this generation of Skechers!” and praised the true-to-colour navy and great price.
However, these glowing reviews are often presented alongside stark warnings. The sizing issue is the most common complaint, with users describing it as “WAY OFF” and “huge.” The durability concerns, particularly regarding the heel lining, represent the second major point of contention. The user who experienced rubbing and a tear during a trip to NYC encapsulates the central conflict of this shoe: it promises perfect walking comfort for a trip, but for some, it fails to even last the duration. This mix of feedback highlights why it’s so important to see the full spectrum of user experiences before committing to a purchase.
How Does the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker Compare to the Alternatives?
No shoe exists in a vacuum. To understand where the Go Walk 7 truly sits in the market, it’s essential to compare it against other popular choices. We looked at a mix of lifestyle sneakers and casual trainers to see how its unique focus on walking comfort stacks up.
1. Skechers Uno Stand on Air Sneaker
- Smooth synthetic 'durabuck' perforated upper
- Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam cushioned comfort insole
Staying within the Skechers family, the Uno Stand on Air Sneaker offers a completely different proposition. This is a fashion-first, retro-inspired “dad shoe” with a chunky silhouette and a visible Skech-Air air-cushioned midsole. While it’s also comfortable, its focus is on street style rather than pure, lightweight walking performance. The Uno is heavier, more structured, and built with a synthetic ‘durabuck’ upper, making it more robust but less breathable than the Go Walk 7’s athletic mesh. Someone might prefer the Uno if they prioritize a bold, fashionable look and a sturdier feel over the minimalist, featherlight experience of the Go Walk 7.
2. Vans Men’s Range Exp Sneaker
- Lace-Up Closure
- OrthoLite Sockliner
The Vans Range Exp Sneaker comes from a skate culture heritage, and it shows in its design. It features a more rugged construction with a focus on durability and board feel, with sturdy textile and suede uppers. The cushioning is present but it’s much firmer and lower to the ground compared to the plush, high-rebound system of the Go Walk 7. This shoe is for someone who prefers a classic, skate-inspired aesthetic and a more connected-to-the-ground feel. It’s a versatile casual shoe, but it lacks the specialized, fatigue-reducing cushioning that makes the Go Walk 7 an exceptional walking shoe.
3. Vans Men’s Brooklyn Canvas Trainers White/White
- Brooklyn LS Is inspired by Vans classics with a court shoe style influence. It features a sporty toe cap and a more accommodating shape to the eye row.
- Lace-Up Closure
The Vans Brooklyn Canvas Trainers represent the epitome of classic, minimalist footwear. This is a simple, no-frills canvas shoe that has been a style staple for decades. Its appeal lies in its timeless design, versatility, and simplicity. However, in terms of technology and comfort, it is leagues behind the Go Walk 7. It offers minimal arch support and very basic cushioning. A user would choose the Vans Brooklyn for its iconic style and casual appeal, not for long-distance walking or all-day comfort. It serves a different purpose entirely, highlighting how specialized the Go Walk 7 is for its intended function.
Our Final Verdict on the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path Low-Top Sneaker is one of conditional, enthusiastic recommendation. The shoe delivers an absolutely superb walking experience. The combination of its impossibly lightweight build and the responsive Hyper Pillar cushioning system creates a sensation of bouncy, effortless movement that few competitors can match. For daily walks, travel, or jobs that require hours of standing, the comfort it provides is genuinely top-tier and can be a real game-changer for those with sensitive feet.
However, this high praise comes with two significant caveats: the wildly unpredictable sizing and the questions surrounding its long-term durability. The buying process is a gamble, and the reports of premature wear in the heel are too consistent to ignore. We recommend this shoe to individuals whose absolute top priority is immediate, lightweight, out-of-the-box comfort, and who are willing to potentially navigate a return to find the perfect fit. If you prize durability and a robust build above all else, you may want to look elsewhere. But if you hit the sizing jackpot, you will be rewarded with one of the most comfortable walking shoes on the market today. If you’re ready to take the chance for supreme comfort, check the latest price and see if the Skechers Go Walk 7 Clear Path is the right fit for you.
Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API