There’s a challenge many of us face every morning: the choice between a shoe that looks great and a shoe that feels great. For years, it felt like a compromise was inevitable. You could either choose the sleek, stylish footwear that would have your feet aching by lunchtime, or you could opt for the comfortable, supportive option that might not perfectly complement your carefully chosen outfit. I’ve spent countless days testing shoes that promise to do both, often finding they excel at one while failing at the other. This search for the elusive “do-it-all” casual shoe—one that can handle a day of errands, a casual work environment, and a spontaneous walk in the park without a single complaint from my feet—has become something of a personal quest. The goal is to find a trainer that doesn’t just serve a function, but enhances your day through both its aesthetic appeal and its unwavering comfort.
- Embroidered side S logo
- Side and heel overlay panels
What to Consider Before Investing in a Pair of Retro-Style Trainers
A pair of trainers is more than just footwear; it’s a key solution for navigating modern life with comfort and flair. In today’s world, where smart-casual has become the dominant dress code, a good trainer bridges the gap between athletic function and everyday fashion. It solves the problem of foot fatigue during long days, provides crucial support for walking on hard urban surfaces, and acts as a versatile style statement. The main benefits are clear: all-day comfort, enhanced mobility, and the ability to pair them with everything from jeans and leggings to casual dresses, making them an indispensable wardrobe staple. Finding the right pair means investing in your daily well-being and personal style simultaneously.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who leads an active, on-the-go lifestyle but refuses to sacrifice style for comfort. They are students, busy parents, urban commuters, and creative professionals who spend hours on their feet and need a reliable, fashionable shoe. This person values heritage design but demands modern comfort technologies. Conversely, these retro-styled trainers might not be suitable for dedicated athletes who require specialised footwear for running, cross-training, or other high-impact sports. While they are inspired by classic jogging shoes, their primary function is lifestyle and casual wear, not athletic performance. Those needing advanced motion control or sport-specific features should consider technical running shoes instead.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor for any shoe. A trainer that is too tight can cause blisters and cramping, while one that is too loose can lead to instability and rubbing. It’s essential to understand if a model runs true to size, small, or large, as this can vary significantly between brands and even different lines within the same brand. We found some conflicting reports on the sizing of these particular trainers, which makes trying them on or buying from a retailer with a good return policy a wise move.
- Cushioning & Performance: The heart of a comfortable trainer lies in its midsole and insole. Technologies like Skechers’ Air Cooled Memory Foam are designed to provide a personalised, plush feel that contours to your foot. The midsole, often made from EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), is responsible for shock absorption. Consider how much time you’ll spend standing or walking; for all-day wear, a robust cushioning system is non-negotiable.
- Materials & Durability: The upper materials dictate the shoe’s look, breathability, and longevity. The Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold uses a combination of suede, nylon mesh, and synthetic overlays. This blend offers a premium look with the suede, breathability with the mesh, and structural support from the overlays. However, materials like suede require more care and are less suited to wet weather than full synthetic or leather uppers.
- Aesthetics & Style: A retro trainer’s primary appeal is its timeless design. Consider the silhouette and how it will fit with your personal style. The colourway is equally important; a unique combination like olive and rose gold can be a standout piece, while a more neutral colour might offer more versatility. Look at details like the branding, stitching, and accent colours to ensure they match your aesthetic preferences.
While the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold 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
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Unboxing the OG 85 Gold’n Gurl: First Impressions and Standout Features
From the moment we opened the box, the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold made a distinct impression. The first thing we noticed was its incredibly light weight. At just 200 grams, it feels almost airy in the hand, a promising sign for all-day wearability. The second, more captivating, element was the colourway. Product photos often struggle to do justice to nuanced shades, and that holds true here. The olive suede is rich and earthy, a deeper and more sophisticated tone than we anticipated, which several users also confirmed. This is beautifully contrasted by the subtle, metallic sheen of the rose gold trim on the heel and side logo. It’s an elegant, modern twist on a classic retro silhouette.
Running my fingers over the shoe, the textural contrast between the soft, velvety suede overlays and the breathable nylon mesh panels was immediately apparent. The stitching is neat and precise, and the overall construction feels solid despite its lightness. The classic embroidered ‘S’ logo is a nod to the brand’s heritage, while the jogger-style midsole gives it that authentic ’80s profile. Inside, the Air Cooled Memory Foam insole felt plush and inviting to the touch. Our initial impression was that Skechers has successfully fused vintage fun with a touch of contemporary luxury, creating a shoe that looks just as good as it promises to feel. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of this unique design.
What We Like
- Unique and stylish retro design with an elegant olive and rose gold colour combination.
- Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort thanks to the plush Air Cooled Memory Foam insole.
- Extremely lightweight construction makes it ideal for all-day wear without causing foot fatigue.
- Versatile aesthetic that pairs well with a wide range of casual and smart-casual outfits.
Drawbacks
- Sizing can be inconsistent, with some users finding it large and others small, requiring careful consideration.
- The rubber outsole can lack grip on certain smooth, wet surfaces.
- The suede material requires extra care and is not suitable for rainy conditions.
In-Depth Performance Analysis: How the Gold’n Gurl Holds Up Day-to-Day
A shoe can look perfect out of the box, but its true value is only revealed after hours of real-world use. We put the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold through its paces over several weeks, wearing them for city commuting, long shopping trips, casual office days, and weekend walks. Our goal was to push past the first impressions and understand how the design, comfort, and materials perform under the pressures of daily life.
A Masterclass in Comfort: The Air Cooled Memory Foam Experience
The standout feature, without a doubt, is the comfort. From the very first step, the Air Cooled Memory Foam insole makes its presence known. It’s not just soft; it’s adaptive. There’s an immediate gentle “sinking” feeling as the foam begins to conform to the unique contours of your foot, providing a customised cushioning that you just don’t get from standard foam insoles. After a few hours of wear, this effect becomes even more pronounced. The insole creates a near-perfect mould of your sole, offering support in the arch and relieving pressure points in the heel and ball of the foot. During a six-hour day spent mostly standing and walking on hard tile floors at a local gallery, our feet felt remarkably fresh, a testament to the foam’s resilience and support.
This experience is echoed by numerous users. One reviewer, who suffers from plantar fasciitis, noted the inherent comfort of the memory foam sole, even though she opted to add her own specialised insole for extra arch support. This highlights that the shoe provides an excellent baseline of comfort that can be built upon if needed. The shock-absorbing EVA midsole works in tandem with the insole, effectively dampening the impact of walking on concrete and pavement. The “jogger-style” design isn’t just for looks; it provides a tangible benefit in mitigating the repetitive stress of a long day on your feet. For anyone seeking a shoe that prioritises a plush, cushioned ride for everyday activities, this trainer’s comfort system is a feature that really sets it apart.
Retro Aesthetics Meets Modern Style: Deconstructing the Design
The appeal of the OG 85 line is its masterful blend of nostalgia and modern fashion sensibilities, and the Gold’n Gurl colourway is the pinnacle of this concept. The silhouette is pure 1980s retro runner, with its sleek profile, layered upper, and slightly flared heel. It evokes a sense of timeless, sporty cool. However, the materials and colours elevate it far beyond a simple throwback. The olive green suede is the star of the show. It’s a muted, sophisticated shade that works as a versatile neutral, pairing surprisingly well with everything from blue denim to black trousers and even floral prints. The suede gives the shoe a premium, tactile quality that sets it apart from all-synthetic trainers.
What truly makes the design special, however, is the rose gold trim. It’s used sparingly but effectively on the heel cap, the top lace eyelets, and the iconic side ‘S’ logo. This metallic accent catches the light beautifully, adding a touch of warmth and femininity that prevents the olive green from feeling purely utilitarian. It’s this detail that transforms the shoe from sporty to chic. We found this sentiment shared by a user who was initially skeptical of wearing trainers for “dressing up,” but found these to be surprisingly elegant. The combination of textures—soft suede, breathable mesh, and metallic synthetic—creates visual interest and depth. It’s a design that feels both intentional and effortlessly stylish, making it a fantastic choice for those who want their casual footwear to make a subtle statement.
Sizing, Fit, and On-Foot Feel: Navigating the Perfect Size
While comfort and style scored top marks, our testing and analysis of user feedback revealed that sizing is the most complex aspect of the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold. The feedback is notably divided. One user emphatically stated, “Prenez vraiment votre taille habituelle” (Take your usual size), even mentioning they sized up and found them too large. Another Italian user described them as “leggermente più lunga” (slightly longer). Yet, a German reviewer offered the complete opposite advice, saying, “Es ist nur wichtig sie eine Nummer grösser als normal zu bestellen” (It’s only important to order them one size larger than normal), having had to return their usual size because it was too small.
In our own testing with a standard UK size 7, we found the fit to be true to size in length with a normal, medium-width forefoot. It wasn’t overly long or short. So, what explains this discrepancy? It could be due to slight variations between manufacturing batches or simply the vast differences in individual foot shapes. Our expert advice is this: start by ordering your most common Skechers size. The shoe’s classic lace-up design provides excellent adjustability, allowing you to achieve a secure and supportive lockdown across the midfoot. If you are often between sizes, reading the most recent reviews for your specific size before purchasing could provide valuable insight. Given the conflicting reports, it’s wise to check the seller’s return policy before committing, ensuring you can easily exchange them for the perfect fit.
Durability and Traction: Real-World Performance and Limitations
The construction of the Gold’n Gurl trainer is geared towards lightweight, casual use, and its durability reflects that. The EVA midsole is resilient and shows little sign of compression after weeks of wear, maintaining its shock-absorbing properties. The suede and nylon upper holds its shape well, though it’s clear the suede requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. We’d highly recommend a quality suede protector spray to guard against stains and light moisture. The flexible rubber outsole provides excellent freedom of movement, allowing the foot to flex naturally while walking.
However, the outsole’s performance in wet conditions proved to be its primary weakness. On dry pavement, asphalt, and indoor floors, the traction is perfectly adequate and reliable. But during a walk after a light rain shower, we experienced what one Italian user explicitly warned about: “Sul bagnato si scivola su alcune pavimentazione” (On wet surfaces, it slips on some pavements). We noticed a distinct lack of grip on smoother surfaces like tiled entranceways and metal utility covers when they were damp. This is a crucial limitation to be aware of. While the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold is a superb three-season shoe for dry days, we cannot recommend it for rainy weather, both due to the delicate suede upper and the compromised traction of the outsole on certain wet surfaces.
What Other Users Are Saying: A Balanced View
Synthesizing feedback from a range of users gives a well-rounded picture that largely aligns with our own findings. The overwhelming consensus is positive, with praise centring on two key areas: style and comfort. Users frequently describe the trainers as “super jolies” (super pretty), “wirklich schön” (really beautiful), and comfortable right out of the box (“Scarpa comodissima”). The unique olive and rose gold colourway is a frequently cited highlight, with one person noting it’s a “couleur verte quon voit rarement” (a green colour that we rarely see).
However, the constructive criticism is just as valuable. The most prominent issue is the contradictory advice on sizing, which we explored in depth. The second is the slippery sole on wet surfaces, a specific and important safety consideration. Finally, a couple of users noted discrepancies with the colour. One mentioned the olive is darker in reality than on product photos, which we also observed. Another had a more frustrating experience, receiving a completely wrong colour (beige/grey instead of olive), which points to potential fulfillment issues depending on the seller. This feedback provides a realistic, balanced view: it’s a beautifully designed, comfortable shoe with a few specific quirks to be aware of before you make your final purchase decision.
How Does the Skechers OG 85 Gold’n Gurl Compare to Other Options?
While the Gold’n Gurl excels in retro style and comfort, the Skechers lineup offers diverse options catering to different needs. Understanding where this model fits requires comparing it to some alternatives that prioritise different features, such as advanced support, convenience, or athletic performance.
1. Skechers Men’s Arch Fit Sneaker
- Engineered mesh upper with a lace up front
- Lightweight cushioned midsole
The primary distinction between the OG 85 and the Skechers Arch Fit line is its core purpose. The Arch Fit sneaker is built from the ground up with a focus on podiatrist-certified arch support. Its removable insole system is designed to provide enhanced stability and support for those with flat feet, high arches, or general foot fatigue issues. While the OG 85 is comfortable for most, the Arch Fit is a therapeutic choice for those who need specific, targeted support. Aesthetically, Arch Fit models typically have a more modern, athletic look, trading the OG 85’s retro charm for a more functional design. This is the better choice for someone whose top priority is clinical-level support over vintage style.
2. Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins Go Walk Flex Sneaker
- TOUCHLESS FIT - Step into effortless comfort with Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins
- Machine Washable
The Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins collection targets an entirely different user need: ultimate convenience. Featuring a patented Heel Pillow design, these shoes allow the wearer to step into them without bending over or using their hands, making them incredibly practical for people with mobility issues or anyone who values speed and ease. The Go Walk Flex model, in particular, is focused on walking comfort with a lightweight, flexible design. In contrast, the OG 85 Gold’n Gurl is a traditional lace-up shoe that offers a more secure, adjustable fit. Someone might prefer the Slip-ins for quick errands and daily ease, while choosing the OG 85 for its classic style and secure fit for longer days out.
3. Skechers Burns Agoura Men’s Synthetic Running Trainers
- Lace up athletic sporty training sneaker
- Smooth soft leather upper with mesh fabric panels for cooling effect
This comparison highlights the difference between a fashion trainer and a true athletic shoe. The Skechers Burns Agoura is designed for performance, with features geared towards running and workouts. It has a more robust, cushioned sole built to handle higher impact and a durable synthetic upper designed for breathability during exercise. The OG 85 Gold’n Gurl, with its “jogger-style” midsole, pays homage to running shoes of the past but is not equipped for actual running. Its suede upper and less aggressive outsole make it a lifestyle choice. If your primary need is a shoe for the gym or jogging, the Burns Agoura is the correct tool for the job; the OG 85 is the choice for stylish, comfortable daily life.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl a Worthy Addition to Your Wardrobe?
After extensive testing and analysis, our conclusion is a confident yes, with a few important caveats. The Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold is an exceptional casual trainer that successfully delivers on its promise of blending vintage style with modern comfort. Its key strengths are its stunning and unique aesthetic, the immediate and lasting comfort of its Air Cooled Memory Foam insole, and its incredibly lightweight feel. It’s a shoe that earns compliments and keeps your feet happy through long days of walking and standing.
The weaknesses, while notable, are manageable. The inconsistent sizing feedback means buyers should be prepared and purchase from a place with a flexible return policy. The lack of grip on wet surfaces means this is strictly a dry-weather shoe. For the person seeking a stylish, comfortable, and versatile trainer for everyday life—from coffee runs to casual Fridays—this shoe is a fantastic investment. It fills the gap between athletic shoes and fashion footwear perfectly. If you are captivated by its retro charm and prioritise all-day, cloud-like comfort, we wholeheartedly recommend it.
Ready to experience the blend of style and comfort for yourself? You can check the latest price and availability for the Skechers Women’s Og 85 Gold’n Gurl Trainers Olive Suede Rose Gold here.
Last update on 2025-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API