Why Skecher Shoes are not Endorsed by Me | The Podiatry (2024)

Even if you do not own a pair of Skechers shoe, chances are you have heard of the brand or know someone who wears them. They have become a very popular style of shoe purporting to offer cushioning and comfort for wearers. Below are some of the most common reasons why they have garnered the support that they have:

· Lightweight flexible synthetic mesh upper with no stitching accommodates different shaped feet.

· Wide fitting style ensures that your little toe or bunion does not feel cramped against the material.

· Cushioned and lightweight thick memory foam, contours to your foot adds to the feeling of comfort.

· Affordable price tag at around $100 per pair.

Although the points listed above are enticing reasons to wear Sketchers on a daily basis the fact of the matter is there are two sides to every story. Much like the ‘free running’ variety of shoes that had people invested in the idea of lightweight, comfortable footwear, these soft and easily malleable form of footwear should be treated with suspicion by people who have biomechanically related foot and lower limb problems. Some reasons why some podiatrists are hesitant to endorse these light weight style Sketchers shoes includes:

· Minimal to no stability in the heel to counteract a heel that “rolls-in” excessively.

· No stability in the midsole. The same density memory foam is used from heel to toe, with ability to flex at any position rendering it unsupportive for feet that have tendency to over-pronate through the midsole.

· There mesh upper of the shoe offers no chance for adjustment, reducing its ability to secure the foot to the shoe as may be required.

These flexible Sketcher shoes remind me of the Nike Free shoe, which are still a very popular choice with people, in particular teenagers. Adults have thankfully now come to recognize that this variety of shoe is not suitable for running or any strenuous exercise, because it provides no support to the foot structures. So, I usually have no problem convincing patients of this as they often have reached the conclusion themselves prior to entering my treatment room. With common problems such as sore balls of the feet, sore arches, unstable ankles or knee pain, it is easy to see why people would be disappointed to hear that these ‘cushioning’ and ‘comfortable’ shoes are anything but what they claim to be.

In saying that, I am a firm believer that shoes like the Sketchers can be used within moderation and for the correct purpose. Below you will find some pointers on how to avoid sore feet whilst using Sketchers:

· Do not use them all day / every day! Feet fatigue with prolonged standing and walking and as such require stable footwear to reduce strain on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and the joint they support.

· Do not use them for fitness, long walks or exercise! You should be in a proper sport shoe for those moments and it could mean the difference between progression with your program and sustaining an injury during it.

· Do not attempt to use them with orthotics! Sketchers DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

The take home message is, you avoid painful feet and costly treatments by simply using the right shoe for the right moment. If you struggle with choosing a shoe or require advice, seek the guidance of one of our specially trained podiatrist who can assess your feet and provide a specialised list of footwear appropriate for your needs. When in doubt, have a podiatrist check it out!

Dr Vanessa Hadchiti (Podiatrist)

Why Skecher Shoes are not Endorsed by Me | The Podiatry (2024)

FAQs

Why Skecher Shoes are not Endorsed by Me | The Podiatry? ›

Sketchers

Sketchers
Skechers USA, Inc. is an American multinational footwear and apparel company. Headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, it was founded in 1992 and is the third largest footwear brand in the United States.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Skechers
DO NOT have appropriate stability in the upper fabric and the heel counter to complement an orthotic. As such, you will probably find the orthotic redundant, or in worse case contributing to the cause of injury. Remember, an orthotic does 50% of the work. The shoe does the other 50%.

Why do podiatrists not recommend Skechers? ›

But Mr Macaulay said he doesn't like Skechers. 'These slip on ones are made tighter to hold onto your feet, so can squeeze your toes and cause problems like neuromas. ' Neuromas is a thickening of tissue around a nerve in the foot that's been irritated or damaged.

Why does Skechers have a bad reputation? ›

Poor quality materials

However, this multi-international footwear and apparel company — the third-largest footwear brand in the U.S. — is not without its faults. While countless consumers praise Skechers for its comfort, others are turned off by its apparent poor quality and lack of sustainable materials.

What are the bad things about Skechers? ›

In fact, some recent studies show that there is increased pressure on the ankle and knee as well as the hamstrings and these shoes can actually lead to injury.

What is the controversy with Skechers? ›

Top executives at Skechers USA Inc. allegedly cost the footwear maker millions of dollars by hopping on corporate jets for personal jaunts to vacation hot spots such as Fiji, Bora Bora and Hawaii — and the company's directors didn't do anything to stop them.

What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›

Podiatry Services
  • High heels.
  • Too flexible.
  • Slip on shoes.
  • Pointed toe box.
  • Flat sole.

Is there a class action lawsuit against Skechers? ›

CONSUMER LAW GROUP has launched a national class action lawsuit against Skechers on behalf of individuals who have purchased the product Shape-Ups Shoes (“Toning Shoes”).

Are Skecher shoes good? ›

I was immediately shocked by how comfortable these shoes were, both for daily walks, and everyday wear. The Skechers Arch Fit insole system is podiatrist-certified and offers instant arch support as you move. The brand says this is developed with 20 years of data and 120,000-foot scans.

What are Skechers weaknesses? ›

Skechers' Weaknesses

High dependency on the footwear segment, limited category diversification. Reliance on fashion trends and consumer preferences. Low brand awareness in some international markets with expansion opportunity. Product safety issues and recalls in the past.

Who is Skechers biggest competitor? ›

Skechers USA Inc: Competitors
  • NIKE Inc Headquarters. 83,700. $51.2B.
  • adidas AG Headquarters. Germany. 51,561. $23.2B.
  • VF Corp Headquarters. 19,800. $11.6B.
  • Puma SE Headquarters. Germany. 18,681. $9.3B.

Do people still wear Skechers? ›

While the brand is becoming more popular among Gen Z and millennial consumers, it still skews older, Business Insider writes. “While more millennials and Gen Z are buying Skechers, older generations of consumers can largely be credited with the company's evolving reputation in casual footwear.

Are Skechers good for plantar fasciitis? ›

A:We recommend the Skechers Arch Fit sneakers for plantar fasciitis because they offer ample arch support to alleviate pressure on the heel. They're also relatively affordable.

Are Skechers arch fit good for your feet? ›

Shoes with arch support can help alleviate aches throughout the body, improve balance, and allow for the proper dispersion of weight across the foot to reduce fatigue - no more tired feet! Skechers understand that shoes with supportive arches go the distance when it comes to creating a comfortable walking experience.

Is Skechers made in China? ›

Most of Skechers' manufacturing is done in countries like China and Vietnam. While Skechers is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, and designs its products in the U.S., the production process predominantly occurs overseas to leverage cost efficiencies and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.

What brand is Skechers equivalent to? ›

Skechers's competitors and similar companies include Reebok, adidas, Nike and Cole Haan. Skechers USA is a company that designs, develops, and markets a diverse range of footwear, apparel, and accessories. Reebok is an athletic footwear and apparel company.

What is the old name for Skechers? ›

Skechers was founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, who had previously founded LA Gear in 1983 (he stepped down as CEO of that company the same year he founded Skechers).

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for seniors? ›

The Best Walking Shoes For Older Adults, According To Podiatrists
  • Men's Adidas Ultraboost 20 sneaker.
  • Women's Dr. Comfort Victory shoe.
  • Vionic Walker classic shoe.
  • Women's Orthofeet Francis walking shoe.
  • Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit sneaker.
  • Women's Orthofeet Joelle shoe.
  • New Balance 990v5 shoe.
  • Skechers Glide Step shoe.
Sep 22, 2023

Why do my feet hurt with memory foam shoes? ›

The problem stems from the fact that the shoes are purchased because they are "lightweight and spongy and supportive." That's fine for a while, but as people wear them for everything, including work and athletic activity, the memory foam breaks down, and without firmness in the soles, the fatigue and tendon/fascia ...

Are Skechers podiatrists approved? ›

The Ultimate Comfort Solution

Experience effortless style and comfort with podiatrist-certified arch support developed using over 20 years of data. Footwear in our Arch Fit® collection features a removable, supportive cushioning insole system for a more enjoyable walking experience.

Are Skechers any good for walking? ›

What Makes Skechers Shoes Good For Walking? Skechers' shoes are great for walking because they are designed with comfort and support. The outsoles are thick and cushioned, making them perfect for walking on all types of surfaces while also providing an exceptional level of flexibility for grip and traction.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Margart Wisoky

Last Updated:

Views: 5465

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Margart Wisoky

Birthday: 1993-05-13

Address: 2113 Abernathy Knoll, New Tamerafurt, CT 66893-2169

Phone: +25815234346805

Job: Central Developer

Hobby: Machining, Pottery, Rafting, Cosplaying, Jogging, Taekwondo, Scouting

Introduction: My name is Margart Wisoky, I am a gorgeous, shiny, successful, beautiful, adventurous, excited, pleasant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.