Skechers 'Go Walk'- JFE, or frumpy? - YouLookFab Forum

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Skechers 'Go Walk'- JFE, or frumpy?

J.J.

Hi all! I'm going to Disney World, where I am told I will walk more than I've ever walked ever, and must wear comfortable shoes. Also, I'm told that in general, people are not at their most-fab at Disney, so I shouldn't worry. However, I'm going with a friend who is EXTREMELY fashionable (in a street-style way- she lives in London and works in fashion journalism) and not-American. I don't want to feel terrible standing next to her in pictures.

Disney blogs (yes, there's such a thing and yes, I read some of them) recommended Skechers 'Go Walk' shoes- and if you look on Zappos, people tend to love them. Whether they walked around Disney or Italy, they were able to walk for days with no problems. That sounds appealing to me.

So- are they okay-looking? Maybe not walk-around-London good, but decent, I don't need to be embarrassed? My other choices are Converse sneakers or Toms with arch support inserts. I plan to take my Toms, but for some reason I'm not feeling super excited about the Converse. I think because I'd rather NOT wear socks (which is the opposite of most people, I know).

My tendency is towards frump, and I'm trying to fight it. But because that's my tendency, I don't trust myself.

So- thoughts?
-JJ

PS Yay = decent enough/not embarrassing; No = keep looking, they're frumpy

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Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from J.J.

Elly

Veteran

They are fine and look fine on-- depending on your feet though they may not be supportive enough to do disney or may slip on your heels. I had both problems with them.

JAileen

Veteran

I like those shoes. If I were going to be walking and standing all day, I would probably wear my hiking shoes. They're not as nice looking as your shoes, but they have great arch support.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

My personal choice in a 'walk a crazy amount' situation are lace up sneakers. Slipons are great and comfy, but you can't adjust them as the day goes on and your feet swell, and there tends to be more slipping around in the shoe as you walk, which can lead to blisters.

What about a pair of retro chic sneakers, like 70s inspired New Balances? They'd look current in a geek way and still be supportive.

That said, I don't mind the Skechers go walks, although I'd prefer ones with a darker sole so they'd be more versatile. I wouldn't find either converse or toms supportive enough for days that long, but ymmv.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I would bring multiple pairs of shoes with you to Disney. It really helps to be able to switch things up. Last time we were there, we walked 20-25,000 steps (10-12 miles) a day.

always trying

Veteran

For me lace up fashion sneakers are the only way to go for loo ads of walking. There are such large selections available.

plonkee

They are what they are. I do think that you'll want to take other pairs of shoes too.
What are you planning on wearing generally? They would work well with a sporty-ish look for example.

cobalt

I do like the memory foam in the Go-Walk footbed, but I find that my feet get awfully hot if I walk for any length of time in them. I prefer J-41s, which are actually water shoes. They have a mesh upper and a supportive foam footbed (comfy as Crocs, but sturdier). Could be a good option if you're planning to go on lots of water rides!

Anonymous

I like Laura's idea of the retro new balances because they are more on-trend than the sketchers you posted (as far as I'm aware) and they're also sneaker-y enough that you'll fit in with all the other tourists.

Beth Ann

Veteran

I had a pair of Skechers Go Walk -- a lace up pair -- that I wore into the ground. They are soft and cushy, but not super supportive. I like the idea of the retro sneaks better -- more arch support. I also think you might want a sporty pair of sandals, so you can switch out shoes.

rachylou

Veteran

Keep them. I think you can be cute in them.

unfrumped

Veteran

I'd go with lace-ups also, and agree with a second (or 3rd!) pair of very comfortable shoes also--as in Angie's blog post on travel shoes. And road-test/break in anything you would be taking.
Not sure how to advise on the "best" laceups, but I am liking the more low-profile ones, cut a little slimmer, not with huge road-running soles--some from NB, maybe Puma, or a less expensive mimic brand--and often tonal with whatever are your pants--dark gray, navy. I waffle on white sole or dark, as dark is best for me for not standing out, but might not be as "in".
Or, a comfort European oxford type shoe--these also can be expensive or can be found at lower price points. And some hybrid sport-oxfords.

I'm following these types of posts with interest because "when the rubber hits the road" I also realize nothing can beat a well-cushioned, lace-up sport type shoe for travel/touriing, and so it's something worth updating and keeping on hand. All the trendy flats and loafers just do not cut it on vacation-walking. Along with that, a goal is keeping up a few specific travel outfit capsules that look good with said footwear.

molly221

I think they are fine for a short day at the park 4-5 hours. But a 10+ hour day, I would want real sneakers with low socks.
If you go back to the resort or hop between parks, you could change shoes depending on your plans. Water rides, nicer dinner, etc.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I am a huge fan of multiple pairs of shoes for walking trips. I never, ever rely on one pair. It is always a mistake. For me, a change is as good as a rest. Actually, it is better than a rest. I walk all the time, not just on trips. It is a rare day at home when I don't clock more than 5 miles, and on trips I tend to walk around 12 miles a day at minimum. I wear gear for running and actual mountain hiking, but for everything else I wear "regular" footwear. Including trips.

Will it be warm enough for sandals? If so, I might bring a pair because...cooler. And because ...straps = adjustable. But I'd also bring a closed pair of shoes in case of rain.

Lyn D.

Veteran

I just got a pair in black and find them very comfortable indeed!
I would consider them for travelling or any situation that requires lots of walking.
I do agree that my feet feel quite warm in them though, but they are meant to be machine washable too.

SW Ann

Veteran

I've been to WDW 7 times in 6 years, for 6 + days at a time, and we walk ALOT (and I already fitness walk 4 mi per day at home)..... I won't wear walking sneaks in my everyday life at home, but find that lace up sneakiers with LOTS of support are the best all around shoe. My back feels better and my feet do, too. Also, I often change shoes if I get the opportunity at midday, or evening. Yes, I feel kind of frumpy but tend to not care because I love WDW, and not having a "painful frown/scowl" on my face makes up the the frump factor. I don't find the Skechers go walk have enough support for "all day disney" but they are fine for awhile. I do wear those occasionally at home...I just find that all that asphalt and concrete and continual walk/stand requires exceptionally comfortable and supportive shoes....Have fun!

abc

Veteran

I have these - kind of "euro" sneakers. I can walk miles in them. They could be a good alternative to a sport-looking sneaker.

Josef Seibel Women's Caspian Fashion Sneaker

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Josef Seibel Caspian

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Keix

Veteran

Honest opinion--I do think that the Skechers Go Walk tend toward frumpy, or at least towards "gear." They're okay, but you can do better than okay! It sounds like you could find other equally comfortable shoe options that may look more intentional, like a colorful retro sneaker or hybrid oxford (e.g. the Cole Haan sneaker-oxford from NAS, although it's no longer on sale).

Cole Haan 'ZerøGrand' Perforated Oxford (Women) (Nordstrom Exclusive)

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Janet

(website)

Veteran

Well, I have some very similar, and they served me well for ultra-casual walking around Cuba, and also as a secondary pair of shoes for lots of walking when we went to Europe in August. I think they can look a bit sporty-cool if you play up that aspect of them.

SKECHERS Performance Go Walk 3

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Sal

Veteran

I think they look fine, as to comfort we are all different. I think I wore lace up sneakers at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure.

It is not a very fashionable spot in the most part....and I was amazed at the number of adults wearing Mouse ears or tees. It blew my mind!

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

I had friends who went to Disney last year and all bought Sketchers Go Walks and Said they were fantastic.

SandyG

Veteran

I find the humidity at DisneyWorld is so different than dry California Disneyland that even comfortable-at-home strappy sandals raise blisters and leave me in agony. Now my go to footwear is Hoko OneOne and I can walk 9 miles and feel good. Change your socks halfway through the day and your feet will be content. Trot out fashionable shoes for dinner -- not the parks!

carolbee

Veteran

I think they are fine. Of course I am a bit biased as I leave on a 3 week this afternoon with only two pairs of shoes, both sketchers. One a silver animal print slip-on and a black lace up pair with black soles. My trip is quite casual so hopefully they will be okay.

MrsK

You'll definitely see the full gamut of outfits at Disney - from moms in Lulu Lemon tights and Nike running shoes to families of 10 wearing matching t-shirts with sneakers, to women wearing tight dresses and high heels (?!?).

Even in Dec-Feb it is usually pretty warm at Disney, so definitely check the weather. I've always worn really comfy sandals and I tend to dress cute-casual there. You will be getting wet, sitting on dirty rides, etc. Taking multiple shoe options is definitely a good idea - and maybe even slip a flip flop in your purse in case you need a change midday.

I think these shoes could be ok - but look like they could be a little frumpy. Do you own Birkenstocks?

MrsK

Or what about Vans? I can wear mine with or without socks and they are very comfortable.

Nebraskim

Veteran

In my life, comfortable footwear is more important than style factor but I have always had the poison eye for the Sketchers brand as being the exemplar of frumpy. I, too, lean toward gear, running or hiking shoes for major walking situations. I've never been to D-World and have less than zero interest in the place, but were I to go there, I would aim for supportive, well-broken in shoes, and multiple pairs (even down to carrying an extra pair of shoes and socks in my backpack for a midday change). You might think about a sandal shoe, like Keens, to accommodate heat. Good luck and have fun with your friend.

puppycat

I go about once a year and each time I break out my ultra-frumpy Crocs. I don't wear the regular Crocs, I get the slightly-less-offensive slingbacks (see below). Not flattering, but comfy. I avoid pictures that show my feet (or wear long floppy yoga pants that cover them up.)

Disney is one of the only places I just don't bother to do fashion. I've never been there without accidentally sitting on eat least one churro or having at least one child (not mine) sideswiping me with an ice cream cone.You get dirty, sweaty, and generally have a good ol' family time there, so I dress the
part. YMMV.

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cjh

(website)

Veteran

I vote to look further, for both more support and more fashionable style.

Glory

Veteran

I purchased a pair of gowalks in spring and wore them alot for my casual lifestyle. I recently purchased a second black/grey pair. That being said I do not think they would work for 8-10 hours of walking. My choice would be a classic or vintage style runner from new balance, nike, adidas etc. I have tried the Joseph S runners for all day walking but they did not work for me. Here is what I wore last time I went to Disney.

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J.J.

So much wisdom from everyone-- thank you!!

Y'all have talked me into more supportive shoes. I'm going to wear my Converse (with an added arch support), so I can adjust support easily. They're retro enough, and even though it's a rounded toe, they sort-of lengthen my leg somehow. (All the laces, I guess.) One of the days will be shorter, and I'll wear Toms (also with added arch support), which I find to be incredibly comfortable.

And I'm waiting for them to arrive (which I know violates the only-wear-worn-in-shoes rule!), but I'll also bring Merrell Agave 2 Lavish sandals in Aluminum and maybe a pair of 'Me Too' ballet flats (recommended by YLF-ers in past threads). I'll wear them for a day or so before, though, so they'll be a BIT broken-in.

I'm going to overpack shoes and clothes, so I can see how I feel and adjust last minute. If after the first day, I decide I want to do the exercise pants and regular sneakers, well that's what I'll do. (At least it will be 'cute' gear.) I think I'll even bring an extra pair of shoes to the park in my day pack each day, just in case. Of course I'll have Glide, too.

As for outfits, one day will be BF jeans (Lucky brand, medium color), a gray J Crew t-shirt that has some print around the neck and a shirttail hem (it's actually nice; I'm bad at describing clothes), and gray Converse. The other full-day-of-park will be either a navy blue ON dress with a scarf (the dress is VERY casual) and either Toms or Merrell sandals, OR KUT BF jeans with a TBD blouse and Toms or sandals. I can't wear dresses in the heat without Jockeys Skimmies, which are the best thing in the world (buy them if you ever have had 'chub rub'- they're heaven and you don't worry about flashing anyone).

We're not doing anything super fancy at night, so I'll probably wear white Kut jeans with a darker tank top on the nicer day, and other jeans with a top the other day. I'm rarely cold, but I'll bring something just in case.

I will report back with what I wear, and how it goes. I realize that I regularly search the archives, so even if no one on this thread cares about the outcome, it may help future YLFers going to Disney.

Thanks, y'all!