There’s a universal moment of slight dread many of us face every single day: putting on our shoes. It’s a small act, but it often involves bending, twisting, wiggling, and jamming our feet into place. For me, it became a noticeable chore during a period of back strain, where the simple act of leaning over was a painful ordeal. But this inconvenience isn’t limited to injury; it’s a daily reality for pregnant women, older adults with limited mobility, busy parents with their hands full, or anyone who simply values seamless transitions in their day. The search for a shoe that you can genuinely step into, hands-free, without sacrificing a single ounce of comfort or support, is a modern-day quest. Not finding a solution means continued frustration, potential strain, and shoes left by the door because they’re just too much hassle. The Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker promises to be the definitive answer to this problem, blending innovative slip-in technology with the brand’s legendary comfort. We decided to put that promise to the ultimate test.
- TOUCHLESS FIT - Step into effortless comfort with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins
- Machine Washable
What to Consider Before Buying Walking Trainers
A pair of walking trainers is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for maintaining an active lifestyle comfortably and safely. They are engineered to provide the specific support, cushioning, and flexibility your feet need during the repetitive motion of walking. The main benefits are profound: reduced impact on joints like knees and hips, prevention of common foot ailments such as plantar fasciitis, and the ability to walk longer distances without fatigue or pain. By investing in a quality pair, you’re not just buying shoes—you’re investing in your health, mobility, and overall well-being.
The ideal customer for a specialised walking shoe like this is someone facing the daily challenges of mobility, convenience, or chronic foot discomfort. This includes older adults seeking stability and ease of wear, individuals with physically demanding jobs that keep them on their feet, or anyone recovering from an injury that makes bending difficult. It’s also a perfect match for the perpetually busy person who needs to get out the door in seconds. Conversely, this style might not be the best fit for high-impact athletes like runners or cross-training enthusiasts, who require the specific lockdown and lateral stability of a traditional lace-up athletic shoe. They would be better served by performance-specific running or training footwear.
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 restrict circulation, while one that is too loose can lead to instability and heel slippage. Pay close attention to width options, like the ‘Wide Fit’ of the model we’re reviewing. We’ve seen feedback where users found the sizing generous, so it is paramount to consult the brand’s specific sizing chart and measure your feet accurately before purchasing.
- Cushioning & Performance: The midsole is the engine of a walking shoe. Look for technologies like Skechers’ ‘ULTRA GO’ cushioning, which is designed to be lightweight and responsive, absorbing impact and providing energy return with each step. An effective insole, such as an Air-Cooled Memory Foam variant, adds another layer of personalised comfort, contouring to your foot’s unique shape.
- Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates breathability and flexibility, while the sole determines traction and longevity. An athletic mesh upper, as seen in the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker, offers excellent airflow to keep feet cool. The outsole, often made from materials like Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA), should be both lightweight and durable enough to handle daily walks on various surfaces.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features that simplify your life are a huge plus. A hands-free slip-in design is the pinnacle of convenience, eliminating a daily hassle. Furthermore, considering long-term care is wise; a shoe that is machine washable saves significant time and effort, ensuring your trainers stay fresh and clean with minimal fuss.
Understanding these elements will empower you to choose a walking trainer that not only fits your feet but also perfectly fits your lifestyle.
While the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish 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:
Our Complete Guide to the Best Walking Trainers in the UK for Unbeatable Comfort and Support
- 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 Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker
Opening the box, the first thing we noticed about the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker was its incredibly light weight. At a mere 635 grams for the pair, they felt almost insubstantial in the hands, a promising sign for all-day wear without feeling weighed down. The black athletic mesh upper looked sleek and modern, versatile enough to pair with athletic wear or casual jeans. The design is clean and uncluttered, with the iconic ‘S’ logo subtly placed on the side. What immediately draws the eye, however, is the unique construction of the heel. It’s visibly reinforced and features a prominent, padded ‘Heel Pillow’ on the interior, the heart of its hands-free functionality. Running a hand inside, the Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole felt plush and inviting. Compared to other slip-on shoes we’ve tested, which often rely on simple elastic gores, the Flex Relish’s engineered heel design felt far more robust and intentional. Our initial thought was clear: this isn’t just a shoe with the laces removed; it’s a piece of footwear fundamentally redesigned around the concept of effortless entry. You can explore the design and available colours here.
Key Benefits
- Truly effortless Hands Free Slip-ins (TOUCHLESS FIT) technology
- Lightweight and highly responsive ULTRA GO cushioning for all-day comfort
- Exclusive Heel Pillow provides a secure and comfortable fit, preventing slippage
- Conveniently machine washable for easy long-term care
Potential Drawbacks
- Wide fit sizing can run large, requiring careful size selection
- As with any mass-produced item, isolated quality control issues are possible
A Deep Dive into the GO Walk Flex Relish’s Performance
A shoe can look good out of the box, but its true value is only revealed after miles of walking, hours of standing, and the rigours of daily life. We put the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker through a comprehensive testing process, wearing it for everything from quick errands and dog walks to full days spent on our feet. We focused on the core promises of the shoe: its hands-free convenience, its cushioning and comfort, its practical design, and the all-important fit.
The Magic of Hands-Free Slip-ins: A True Game-Changer
Let’s be blunt: the Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins technology is not a gimmick. It is, without a doubt, a revolutionary feature that fundamentally changes how you interact with your footwear. The magic lies in the patented heel design. It combines a moulded, resilient heel counter that maintains its shape with an exclusive interior Heel Pillow. When you slide your foot in, the rigid counter guides it smoothly, while the soft pillow cushions the back of your ankle and provides a gentle, secure grip. The first time we stepped into them, there was a moment of genuine surprise. There was no resistance, no need to wiggle or angle our foot, and absolutely no crushing of the heel cup. Your foot just glides in, the Heel Pillow settles it into place, and you’re ready to go. It works just as advertised, every single time.
We tested this feature relentlessly. Rushing out the door with hands full of shopping bags? No problem. Slipping them on after a yoga class without wanting to sit on the floor? Effortless. For anyone with back pain or mobility limitations, this feature transcends convenience and becomes an essential accessibility tool. Over weeks of testing, the heel showed no signs of weakening or collapsing, a common failure point in traditional sneakers that are repeatedly forced on. The durability of this mechanism seems excellent. The Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker delivers a seamless experience that, once you get used to it, makes all other shoes feel archaic. It’s a small change that has a massive impact on daily quality of life.
All-Day Comfort: Deconstructing the Cushioning System
Convenience is worthless if the shoe is uncomfortable, and this is where Skechers leverages its deep expertise in comfort technology. The foundation of the shoe’s ride is the lightweight ULTRA GO cushioning in the midsole. This proprietary EVA compound strikes an impressive balance between softness and responsiveness. On hard pavements, it effectively muted the impact of each heel strike, preventing that jarring sensation from travelling up the legs. Yet, it wasn’t mushy; there was a noticeable ‘bounce’ or energy return that helped propel us forward, reducing foot fatigue over longer walks. After a 10,000-step day, our feet felt remarkably fresh.
Working in concert with the midsole is the Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole. This isn’t just a flat piece of foam; it contours to the unique shape of your foot, providing a customised layer of plushness right where you need it. It also aids in breathability, helping to dissipate heat and keep the foot environment comfortable. The final piece of the comfort puzzle is the outsole’s Flex Pillars. These articulated pods allow the shoe to flex naturally with your foot’s movement, promoting a smooth and unrestricted gait. This triad of technologies—ULTRA GO, Memory Foam, and Flex Pillars—creates a cohesive system that provides exceptional, layered comfort from the moment you slip the shoe on until you step out of it at the end of a long day. It’s this complete comfort system that truly sets this sneaker apart for daily wear.
Sizing and Fit: Getting It Just Right
This is a crucial aspect to discuss, as it’s an area where some users have reported issues. Our test model was the ‘Wide Fit’, and we can confirm that the sizing is indeed generous. This is fantastic news for those who genuinely have wider feet and often struggle to find shoes that don’t pinch or cramp their toes. The toe box is spacious, allowing toes to splay naturally, which is vital for comfort and stability during walks. However, for those with average or narrow feet, this generous fit could potentially feel too loose.
Drawing from our experience and corroborating user feedback, our expert advice is to be meticulous with sizing. We strongly recommend measuring the length and width of your feet and comparing them directly against the official Skechers size chart before ordering. One user noted they were recommended a size 9 Wide but found it too big, highlighting the potential discrepancy between recommendations and personal fit. If you are often between sizes, or if you have a standard-width foot and are considering the wide version for extra room, it might be prudent to consider sizing down by half a size. Getting the fit right is the key to unlocking the shoe’s full potential. An improper fit can negate the benefits of the Heel Pillow and cushioning system, so taking that extra minute to measure is well worth the effort.
What Other Users Are Saying
To provide a balanced perspective, we analyzed feedback from other wearers. The sentiment largely aligns with our own findings, particularly regarding the game-changing convenience and comfort. However, a couple of critical points emerge from user experiences that are worth noting. The most common point of concern revolves around sizing. One 74-year-old user expressed frustration after ordering a recommended size 9 Wide, only to find the shoes were far too big. This confirms our assessment that the fit is generous and underscores the absolute necessity for buyers to carefully check their measurements rather than relying solely on automated recommendations.
Another user reported receiving a defective shoe straight out of the box. While this appears to be an isolated incident and not indicative of a widespread manufacturing flaw, it serves as an important reminder. With any product, especially one sold through vast online networks, occasional quality control lapses can occur. We always recommend thoroughly inspecting any new footwear upon arrival for any defects in stitching, sole adhesion, or material integrity to ensure you’ve received the quality product you paid for.
How Does the GO Walk Flex Relish Compare to Other Skechers Models?
While the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker is a standout product, the Skechers lineup is vast. Understanding how it compares to other popular models can help you make the most informed decision for your specific needs.
1. Skechers Men’s Go Walk Arch Fit Idyllic Sneaker
- ARCH FIT
- COMFORT PILLAR TECHNOLOGY
The primary differentiator here is the core technology. While the Flex Relish focuses on hands-free entry and flexible comfort, the Arch Fit Idyllic is built around podiatrist-certified arch support. The Arch Fit insole system is designed to provide targeted support to the arch, distributing pressure more evenly across the foot. This makes it a superior choice for individuals who suffer from conditions like plantar fasciitis or flat feet and require robust, structured support above all else. If your main concern is arch pain rather than the convenience of slipping a shoe on, the Arch Fit Idyllic would be the more suitable alternative.
2. Skechers Women’s Og 85 Goldn Gurl Trainers
- Embroidered side S logo
- Side and heel overlay panels
This comparison is one of style and function. The Og 85 Goldn Gurl is a retro-inspired fashion sneaker with a traditional lace-up design. It prioritizes aesthetics, drawing on vintage jogger styles with suede overlays. While comfortable for casual wear, it lacks the advanced performance-walking technologies of the GO Walk line, such as the ULTRA GO cushioning and, most notably, the Slip-ins feature. A user would choose the Goldn Gurl for its specific retro look and the secure, adjustable fit of laces. The Flex Relish is the clear winner for those who prioritize modern convenience, advanced walking comfort, and a contemporary athletic style.
3. Skechers Men’s Hands-Free Slip-ins Garza Duran Sneaker
- EFFORTLESS SLIP-ON STYLE: Smooth leather upper with stretch bungee laces allows for easy slip on shoes for men.
- CUSHIONED COMFORT: Charcoal-infused Skechers Air-Cooled Memory Foam insole and Skechers Goga Mat Arch provide cushioning and support.
The Garza Duran is a direct competitor within the same Hands-Free Slip-ins family, but caters to a different aesthetic. It features a more casual, ‘boat shoe’ inspired design with a canvas and synthetic upper, as opposed to the Flex Relish’s athletic mesh. This makes the Garza Duran a better choice for someone looking for the same step-in convenience but in a package that pairs better with chinos or casual trousers rather than sportswear. The underlying comfort technology is similar, but the choice between the two comes down almost entirely to personal style and intended use—athletic and versatile (Flex Relish) versus smart-casual (Garza Duran).
Final Verdict: Is the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Skechers GO Walk Flex Relish Sneaker is an outstanding piece of footwear that masterfully delivers on its promise of convenience and comfort. The Hands-Free Slip-ins technology is genuinely transformative, making it an essential product for anyone with mobility issues, a busy lifestyle, or simply an aversion to bending down. This convenience is perfectly matched with a superb cushioning system that provides lightweight, responsive support for miles of comfortable walking. Its only significant caveat is the generous wide sizing, which demands careful consideration from the buyer to ensure a perfect fit.
We wholeheartedly recommend this sneaker to older adults, busy parents, individuals recovering from injury, and anyone who values practical innovation in their daily life. It’s a shoe that doesn’t just make walking more comfortable; it makes the entire process of getting up and going completely effortless. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the hassle of laces and heel-crushing forever, this is the shoe for you. To experience this new level of convenience and comfort for yourself, you can check the latest price and availability online.
Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API