Living in New York City means I’m always on the move, so naturally, I’m always in need of a good pair of walking shoes—specifically, some comfy sneakers that offer great cushioning and arch support. But, there’s one thing about sneakers that often slows me down on my busy days commuting to the office, running errands, or whatever else: Having to bend down and tie—and re-tie—pesky laces. Enter: Skechers hands-free slip-in sneakers, my ultimate solution for not just warding off foot pain during hours of walking, but also for getting out the door faster.
That’s right: After personally trying out a couple pairs of the best Skechers walking shoes, I can definitively say that these cushioned sneakers are excellent for my daily walks and commutes in the city. I especially love the Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit – Areena sneakers, which boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health. Not only do they have ultra-plush cushioning and great arch support, but they also feature the brand’s signature hands-free slip-in technology, which I’ve found to be a true game-changer.
This technology, which is featured in many Skechers styles, makes the shoes easy to slip on and off without having to bend over or tie shoelaces, thanks to a heel pillow that holds your foot securely in place—which means no more struggling to get my shoes on my feet and dealing with pesky laces. Instead, I can slip my feet in and out of the sneakers quickly with ease—which honestly is such a convenient time-saver whenever I’m a rush to get out the door (not to mention at airports, too!).
But it turns there are more benefits to hands-free shoes beyond just convenience—podiatrists say that they’re especially useful for seniors and those with mobility issues. “[Hands-free shoes] are great for anyone with difficulty with mobility in bending down to tie shoes including those with injuries, back pain, arthritis, pregnancy and more,” Anne Sharkey, D.P.M., a podiatrist at Solely Podiatry in Texas, previously told Prevention. “They are also fantastic for individuals who suffer from hand dexterity challenges as well as arthritis which can limit ability to tie laces.”
Skechers are an especially great option for hands-free shoes thanks to their lightweight construction, memory foam insoles, and flexible outsoles, as Sharkey has previously noted—in fact, she’s specifically recommended my favorite pair, the Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit – Areena, noting that they’re “the most supportive and cushioned shoe in the line-up” with a “removable supportive arch as well as max cushioning for shock absorption.” This specific style features lightweight, responsive cushioning with contoured arch support, along with a breathable mesh upper and a flexible traction outsole.
Tons of shoppers rave about this style in the reviews, too, with many swearing by them for conditions like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and fallen arches. “So incredibly comfortable and supportive! I love the slip-on style with the laces so that I can adjust how they fit,” one reviewer wrote. “Max cushioning saves my lower back on long walks, and it feels like I’m walking on pillows so my feet stay very comfortable. The arch support is just perfect for my feet also. Highly recommend!”
Luckily, if you’re considering trying out these comfy sneakers yourself, they’re available to shop on the Skechers website—plus, there are plenty of other Skechers styles that also feature the hands-free slip-in technology, including two other styles I tested: the Skechers Go Walk Glide-Step 2.0 and the Skechers Go Walk Now (both of which I also found super comfortable for walking!). Shop these styles and other top-rated pairs below—and get ready to step in to the ultimate, hands-free comfort!
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Go Walk Glide-Step 2.0
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Go Walk Now
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Arch Fit Glide-Step Pro
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Arch Fit Glide-Step Wave
Skechers
Slip-Ins: Max Cushioning Glide-Step
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