Skechers: Why I cringe when I see them. (2024)

Skechers: Why I cringe when I see them. (1)

Skechers is $4.64 billion global leader in the footwear industry, Skechers USA, Inc. designs, develops and markets more than 3,000 styles for men, women and children.

They offer lightweight mesh shoes without stitching, sure to appeal to those with foot deformities or difficult to fit feet.

They are wide, and provide reduced pressure on areas which may, in typical footwear, become irritated.

Lack of laces or fastenings make them easy to slip on and off.

They’re relatively cheap.

ALL GREAT QUALITIES RIGHT? WRONG

When we are assessing footwear, we think, is this shoe suitable for the activity and the foot type?

Soft is good right? Well, not necessarily. Do you feel stable standing on a mattress? It’s soft, but how much muscle contraction is required to stop you from falling? The same with shoes, unsupportive feet roll in, or out excessively, increasing damage to soft tissues and bones, as well as increasing your risk of falls.

Limited to no support in the heel increases instability of the rear foot. Again, providing a less than stable heel strike can cause damage and increase falls risk. Simple foam throughout the shoe offers no stability, particularly in the midsole, making the shoe unsupportive and unstable.

The soft mesh, though comfortable, stretches, and there is no room for any adjustment with laces or velcro. Elastic pretend laces are simply that, for appearances sake.

Your feet will fatigue wearing these, increasing the risk of plantar fasciitis, forefoot pain and ankle sprains and strains, knee pain and so on, all of which I have seen clinically with increased wearing of these shoes.

So, is there any place for Skechers? Sure, as an occasional shoe. Certainly not an all-day shoe, active shoe, walking shoe or standing shoe.

Would you wear an orthotic in your Skechers? Certainly not. We don’t not recommend using an orthotic in a grossly unstable shoe, you could make matters even worse. Invest in a decent walking shoe with heel and midsole stability. You’ll thank us!

At Edgecliff Podiatry we can guide you in choosing an appropriate, comfortable shoe which will keep you active and stable. Don’t risk your foot, ankle and knee health, or your safety by choosingshoes based on ease of use.

If you would like footwear advice, or have painful feet, ankles or knees, please call us to make an appointment.

Skechers: Why I cringe when I see them. (2024)

FAQs

Why do podiatrists hate Skechers? ›

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%.

Are Skechers still cool? ›

Skechers took its first steps as a footwear company in 1992. Thirty-one years later, and the Skechers brand is still running hot! In recent years, Skechers' combined promise of high comfort and affordable pricing has successfully drawn casual footwear customers away from competitor brands, such as Adidas and Nike.

Why do people prefer Skechers? ›

Skechers is known for incorporating innovative technologies into its designs, providing support, cushioning, and versatility. However, individual preferences vary, so while many people enjoy Skechers for their comfort and style, others may have different preferences when it comes to footwear.

What is the brand personality of Skechers? ›

Forward, innovative and always on trend, the brand's athleisure, casual and charity collections inspire millions to enjoy a wide range of activities in style and comfort.

What is the controversy with Skechers? ›

In 2021, French prosecutors launched an investigation into whether Skechers and other brands had concealed or profited from forced Uyghur labor. A December 2023 report by Sheffield Hallam University again found connections to forced Uyghur labor. Skechers has found no evidence of forced labor taking place.

Why do people say Skechers are bad? ›

Limited to no support in the heel increases instability of the rear foot. Again, providing a less than stable heel strike can cause damage and increase falls risk. Simple foam throughout the shoe offers no stability, particularly in the midsole, making the shoe unsupportive and unstable.

Do Gen Z wear Skechers? ›

“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.

Which is better, Nike or Skechers? ›

Choosing between Skechers and Nike ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. Skechers shines in comfort and affordability, while Nike is synonymous with high-performance athletic footwear. Consider your priorities, whether it's style, comfort, or athletic performance, and make your choice accordingly.

What celebrity wears Skechers? ›

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera wear them. So do Kim Kardashian and Demi Lovato. Now, Doja Cat is slipping into them, too. The Planet Her rapper — who recently attended the Met Gala in cat prosthetics — is the latest celebrity to sign on as the face of Skechers, the footwear brand known for its chunky sneakers.

Who is the target audience for Skechers? ›

In this way, they have managed to stand out more in comfort than in style. The target audience is made up of men, women, and children. However, it is women who most purchase the products of this brand. And about age, it ranges between 20 and 60 year-old people who like the gym and follow trends.

What is the average age of Skechers wearers? ›

Skechers consumer profile
YearMaleFemale
20213862
202339.860.2
Sep 14, 2023

Are Skechers or New Balance better? ›

New Balance are better shoes, generally, than Skechers. Skechers are fashion sneakers; New Balance are performance sneakers. If you don't weigh very much and have no foot issues like fallen arches, plantar fasciitis, etc., then Skechers might be fine for walking a couple of miles.

Are Skechers good or bad for your feet? ›

As a consequence, Skechers can cause ligament and muscle stresses and strains. The memory foam could take on the 'memory' of a poor gait style causing destabilising foot, ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain.

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.

What is the old name for Skechers? ›

However, in 1992, a few missteps saw LA Gear tumble to the ground, with Robert Greenberg and his son Michael being left jobless after being kicked out of the company they created. That's when Skechers was founded.

What shoes do podiatrists not recommend? ›

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

Do podiatrists recommend Skechers for walking? ›

Skechers Go Walk Arch Fit

We also like that the insole is removable, so you can add your own orthotic insert. But the insole system was designed in collaboration with a podiatrist (and reviewers love the arch support), so you may not have to add your own inserts.

Are Skechers shoes bad for your feet and posture? ›

Skechers Shape-Ups lack arch support, so they are not intended for long-term use because they may cause injury in the long run. Lack of arch support and a firm sole can lead to alterations in: Gait. Posture.

What shoes do podiatrists recommend for seniors? ›

“For seniors, Vionic and Naturalizer are good options. There are many other options of dress shoes that would be appropriate for longer standing/walking. For women who plan to be in dress shoes for more than a couple hours in a day, they should wear a shoe that is not pointed in the toe with excessive high heels.”

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