As a shopping editor who’s tried a ton of sneakers over the past few years, there’s one shoe brand that’s proved to be consistently supportive at affordable prices: Skechers. Every Skechers walking shoe I’ve tried has been super comfy for all-day wear—not to mention, the brand’s signature hands-free slip-in technology has truly been a game-changer for me for getting out the door faster. So, when I heard about Skechers’ latest line of running shoes, the Aero Series, I knew I had to try it out myself.
Named for its aerodynamic design, the Skechers Aero Series is a technical line of performance running shoes, designed to help propel you forward and enhance speed, comfort, and efficiency. The collection includes the newest Aero Razor, which offers versatility and performance for both fast workouts and everyday mileage; the Aero Burst, designed for long-distance running; the Aero Spark, which the brand calls a “versatile everyday trainer”; and the Aero Tempo, a high-performance speed shoe.
As someone who mostly walks and racks in thousands of steps every day living in New York City, I decided to try the daily trainer—the Aero Spark—specifically in the slip-in version. These shoes boast the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) for promoting good foot health—but are they actually worth the buy? After testing the sneakers myself, here are my honest thoughts.
Cons
- May feel too structured and stiff for those who prefer a flexible feel
- Pricier than other Skechers styles
| Sizes | 5.5-11 |
| Widths | Medium, Wide |
| Colors | 8 options |
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm |
How I tested
I opted for the Skechers Slip-ins: Aero Spark sneaker in size 7 in the Medium width and the White/Silver colorway (note: these shoes are also offered in Wide options). I tried these shoes while walking around New York City streets, commuting to and from work, and at the office, specifically noting the fit, construction, cushioning, arch support, and stability. Though I didn’t run in these sneakers, I did try them while speed walking at a fast pace.
Fit and construction
I found the Skechers Aero Sparks to be fairly true to size in my regular size (size 7 in the Medium width). They delivered a snug but comfortable fit—in fact, they were noticeably more snug than other Skechers Slip-in shoes I’ve tried (like the Go Walk Max Cushioning Arch Fit). While these other sneakers felt softer and more flexible in their fit, the Aero Sparks provided a more secure, structured fit around the heel and midfoot for a locked-down feel. That’s because these shoes are designed with specialized slip-in construction that’s optimized for runners—complete with a premium, high-performing heel counter “for enhanced stability and a secure, locked-in feel,” according to the brand.
I appreciated this more structured fit, especially in the heel, as it made them feel more performance-oriented—in comparison to the other Skechers slip-in shoes I’ve tried, which felt better-suited for casual wear and walking with their more flexible fit. But even with their more secure, locked-in fit, I surprisingly still found the Aero Sparks very easy to slip on and off without having to bend over or retie my laces—a feature that I personally love for its time-saving convenience (podiatrists also recommend them for seniors and those who have mobility issues).
The Aero Sparks also feature an engineered mesh upper and a streamlined interior material for reduced weight and friction. I found this material to feel soft, comfortable, and breathable without any rubbing or discomfort—my feet also never felt too hot or sweaty, even while walking outside on hot summer days.
Cushioning
The Skechers Aero Spark is designed with dual-density Hyper Burst Ice cushioning, an innovative midsole that the brand describes as “ultra-lightweight and incredibly responsive” for a “soft and stable run.” It also features a carbon-infused H-plate that’s designed to provide extra stability and energy return, as well as Hyper Arc technology—a curved rocker bottom sole that promotes smooth transitions from landing to toe-off.
I found the cushioning of these shoes to be super balanced—soft but not too plush, responsive without feeling too firm. Compared to other cushioning systems I’ve tried from Skechers, the Hyper Burst Ice cushioning felt springier and bouncier, with noticeable energy return when walking. The shoes felt lightweight and well-cushioned, especially at the heel, to keep my feet and joints comfortable while walking at an easy pace—but they also gave a subtle pop when I did pick up the pace for a faster speed walk. In fact, I was surprised at how effortless my strides felt at faster paces, with the shoes giving a smooth rolling feel from heel to forefoot and then a snappy toe-off—thanks to the carbon-infused H-plate and Hyper Arc rocker bottom.
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Arch support and stability
The Skechers Aero Spark features the brand’s Arch Fit technology—a patented, removable insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support, designed to mold to your foot’s unique contours to help reduce shock.
As someone with normal to low arches, I found the arch support in these shoes pretty comfortable; it seemed to subtly contour to the natural curve of my arches without feeling aggressive or intrusive. The shoes felt especially supportive under my arches and heel, which I definitely appreciated during long miles of walking.
Along with arch support, the Aero Spark sneakers also offer great stability—despite being a neutral running shoe—with the help of a carbon-infused H-plate, which helps add some rigidity to the midsole to help stabilize your feet (while also boosting energy return). I also found that the structured heel counter helped keep my feet securely in place, ultimately making them feel more stable while walking.
That being said, the arch support and stability of these shoes probably won’t feel substantial enough for those who overpronate. Luckily, the insole is removable, so you could opt to use your own orthotics if you’re looking for more arch support.
The bottom line
After trying it out myself, I’d say that the Skechers Aero Spark sneaker is truly a great choice as a “versatile everyday trainer”—complete with balanced, responsive cushioning, great arch support, and a breathable and secure upper to deliver a smooth, efficient ride.
This shoe provides a solid amount of cushioning that feels lightweight and soft, making it great for daily walks and everyday wear (there’s a reason why it has the APMA Seal of Acceptance!). But it’s also responsive with great energy return, which makes it a reliable choice for easy runs as well—especially as the carbon-infused H-plate gives it a little extra pop when picking up the pace, and the Hyper Arc rocker bottom helps promote smooth transitions from landing to toe-off. This isn’t a plush, maximum-cushioned sneaker or a race-day shoe, but I think it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a reliable, versatile sneaker for logging easy miles, daily training, and running at a light tempo.
Luckily, though, if you are looking for something different, Skechers has other styles in its Aero Series collection to match your specific needs. The Aero Tempo is definitely your pick if you’re looking for a dedicated speed and race-day shoe, while the Aero Burst is specifically designed for long-distance runs—and the Aero Razor is best for lightweight everyday training and faster-paced runs. Not to mention: The Aero Sparks also come in a traditional lace-up style as well as in the slip-in design. Shop them below here:
Shop More From Skechers Aero Series
Skechers Aero Spark
Skechers Aero Razor
Skechers Aero Burst
Skechers Aero Tempo
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