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For most casual walkers, start with Skechers GO WALK if you want immediately soft cushioning, a walking-specific design, or hands-free Slip-ins convenience. Start with the New Balance 577v1 if you want a leather upper, firmer and more structured cushioning, or more precisely defined narrow-to-extra-wide widths.
Neither brand wins every category. The useful comparison is between the exact GO WALK style and the exact 577v1 width, then the current checkout price and the type of walking you actually do. Skechers’ features vary by model, and New Balance’s width and feature availability vary by style and gender category.
Quick verdict: which should you try first?
| What matters most | Better starting point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, casual comfort | Skechers GO WALK | GO WALK is engineered specifically for walking and emphasizes a plush, easygoing feel. |
| Hands-free entry | Selected Skechers GO WALK Slip-ins styles | The Heel Pillow on the GO WALK Flex Slip-ins is designed to hold the foot securely while allowing hands-free entry. |
| Structured cushioning | New Balance 577v1 | It combines ABZORB heel cushioning with a polyurethane midsole intended to provide stable cushioning. |
| Leather upper | New Balance 577v1 | The 577v1 uses an all-leather upper. |
| Most documented width choices | New Balance 577v1 | The men’s version is listed in B, D, 2E and 4E; women’s availability is listed as 2A, B, D and 2E depending on style. |
| Walking-specific design language | Skechers GO WALK | The GO WALK range is built around walking, with walking-trainer characteristics such as a flatter heel and forefoot flex. |
| Lowest assured price | Depends on the exact checkout price | The 577v1 displayed $89.99 when checked; GO WALK prices vary by model, region and promotion. |
That table is a starting point, not a brand-wide ranking. A GO WALK fashion-oriented style and a performance-oriented GO WALK style can feel different, just as the 577v1 can fit differently across men’s and women’s sizing pages.
What is really being compared
“Skechers versus New Balance” sounds like a two-brand test, but walking shoes are selected and engineered at the model level. In this comparison, the clearest evidence is for the Skechers GO WALK family, including the GO WALK Flex Slip-ins, and the New Balance 577v1.
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- Leather upper
- Removable polyurethane footbeds
- Rubber outsole
Skechers’ official walking guidance says the right walking shoe balances cushioning, arch support, fit and grip. It describes GO WALK as engineered specifically for walking and identifies features such as Arch Fit support, Air-Cooled Memory Foam, wide fits, waterproof options and Slip-ins as choices that depend on the style. You should therefore read the specification for the exact GO WALK product rather than assume every GO WALK has every feature.
The New Balance 577v1 is a more narrowly specified shoe: an all-leather walking shoe with ABZORB cushioning in the heel, a polyurethane midsole, reflective accents and a solid rubber outsole. Its product listing also documents multiple widths and says listed styles may carry Medicare/HCPCS code A5500. Those details make it a conventional, structured walking option rather than a generic sneaker comparison.
Cushioning feel: plush Skechers versus structured New Balance
When the softer GO WALK feel makes sense
GO WALK is the better first try when your priority is a soft, relaxed sensation underfoot during ordinary errands, neighborhood walks or other steady, lower-impact miles. The range’s walking focus and cushioning-oriented features are intended to make walking feel easy rather than athletic or rigid.
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When the 577v1’s structure is preferable
The 577v1 is the better starting point if a very soft shoe feels unstable to you or if you prefer to feel a defined platform beneath your foot. Its ABZORB heel cushioning addresses impact at the heel, while the polyurethane midsole is specified for stable cushioning. That combination points to a more conventional, supportive feel than a highly compressible casual trainer.
“Structured” does not mean universally more comfortable. Some walkers prefer immediate softness; others prefer a midsole that does not feel as yielding. Your choice should follow that preference and the surfaces and distances you regularly walk.
How to evaluate cushioning without guessing
- Try both shoes with the socks you normally wear for walking.
- Walk slowly, then at your normal pace, on a firm indoor surface.
- Notice whether your heel feels cushioned without sinking or wobbling.
- Check whether the forefoot bends where your toes naturally bend.
- Keep the pair that feels comfortable after several minutes, not merely the pair that feels soft during the first few steps.
This process compares the actual shoe, foot and use case instead of treating “more cushioning” as automatically better.
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- LACE-UP CLOSURE - Traditional lace-up design allows you to adjust the fit for maximum comfort and a secure feel during workouts and daily activities
- CUSHIONED FOOTBED - Lightly cushioned footbed provides an extra layer of soft comfort underfoot, keeping you supported through long days on your feet
- DURABLE OUTSOLE - Sturdy outsole construction offers reliable traction and long-lasting durability on gym floors, sidewalks, and everyday surfaces
Arch support and stability
Skechers: Arch Fit is a model-specific feature
Some GO WALK styles use Skechers Arch Fit support. The walking guide presents Arch Fit as one of several style-dependent choices, alongside cushioning and fit options. If arch support is central to your decision, verify the exact model name and specification; do not infer Arch Fit from the GO WALK name alone.
A supportive feel also depends on width, lacing and how your heel sits in the shoe. A shoe with the right arch feature can still feel wrong if the forefoot is cramped or the heel slips.
New Balance: a stable, conventional platform
The 577v1’s ABZORB heel unit and polyurethane midsole are its principal documented support cues. They create a structured platform for walkers who want a predictable lace-up shoe rather than a hands-free casual slip-on.
The 577v1 is not proof that every New Balance walking model has the same support geometry. Likewise, the presence of a firm midsole does not establish that it will suit a particular medical condition. If you have a clinician-prescribed orthotic or a diagnosed foot problem, check whether the shoe’s shape and removable insole (if specified for the exact style) work with that plan before buying.
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Documented 577v1 width range
The men’s New Balance 577v1 listing identifies B, D, 2E and 4E widths. On women’s pages, the listed choices are 2A, B, D and 2E depending on the style. That gives the 577v1 a more explicit narrow-to-extra-wide selection than the medium-width Skechers model reviewed in the walking guidance.
Width letters are not interchangeable across every shoe or every gender category. Select the width attached to the exact product page, and check whether your size and width are in stock before relying on the comparison.
GO WALK width choices
Skechers’ walking guide identifies wide fits as available on selected styles. It does not make every GO WALK a wide shoe, so the word “GO WALK” is not a substitute for checking the width selector. If your foot is broad, look for a style explicitly labeled wide and confirm that the desired length is offered in that width.
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- Abzorb cushioning in the heel for exceptional shock absorption
- Leather upper
- Medicare / HCPCS code = A5500, may be eligible for Medicare reimbursement
- Polyurethane Midsole for stable cushioning
- Reflective accents designed to catch the light
Signs that the width is wrong
- Your toes touch the front or cannot spread naturally: the length or forefoot shape may be too small.
- Your little toe is pushed inward: try a wider version rather than simply loosening the laces.
- Your heel lifts while the forefoot feels correct: adjust the lacing first, then consider a different shape.
- The shoe feels tight only over the instep: a different closure pattern or upper shape may fit better than a larger size.
Do not use a loose fit to create extra width. Excess movement can undermine the comfort and stability you were trying to gain.
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Closure and convenience
Why Slip-ins can be the deciding feature
The GO WALK Flex Slip-ins is designed for hands-free entry. Its Heel Pillow is described as holding the foot securely in place, so you can step into the shoe without manipulating a traditional lace closure. That is useful when bending down is difficult, when you are moving through frequent on-and-off situations, or when convenience matters more than adjustability.
Hands-free entry is not the same as a universally better fit. A lace-up shoe lets you tune pressure across the instep and secure the heel differently from one person to another. If your feet swell or you need very precise tension, compare the Slip-ins fit with a conventional lace-up before deciding.
Why the 577v1’s lace-up design still matters
The 577v1 uses the conventional lace-up approach associated with a structured walking shoe. Laces allow you to make small fit changes as you walk, which can be valuable when one foot is slightly different from the other or when you need more heel security than a slip-on provides.
Upper, outsole and durability expectations
New Balance’s material advantages and limits
The 577v1 has an all-leather upper, reflective accents and a solid rubber outsole. Leather gives the shoe a more traditional appearance and supplies a durability cue for buyers who want a substantial upper. The solid rubber outsole is the clearest documented choice for contact with the ground.
Those materials do not establish a guaranteed lifespan. Wear depends on walking volume, surfaces, cleaning, body weight, gait and how many pairs you rotate. The available evidence does not include a controlled study proving that New Balance shoes last longer than Skechers shoes across models.
What the GO WALK guidance tells you about use
Skechers describes walking trainers as built for steady, lower-impact miles, with a flatter heel and flex at the forefoot. The guide also calls out grip as one of the elements a walking shoe must balance and identifies waterproof options on selected styles.
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- PROTECT YOUR TOES: Equipped with a composite safety toe and Toe Protect technology, these shoes offer superior protection against workplace hazards, keeping your feet safe in demanding environments
- STAY SAFE: These non-slip shoes for men are designed with slip-resistant outsoles, electrical hazard (EH) resistance, and heat resistance. Experienced increased grip on different surfaces with the rubber AT Tread outsoles
- ULTRA COMFORTABLE: Experience all-day comfort with New Balance Fresh foam technology which has exceptional cushioning and support. The mesh lining wicks moisture to keep your feet dry
- SECURITY-FRIENDLY: Our lace-up safety shoe's security-friendly design allows for easy travel through airport security
Because outsole compound and tread vary by GO WALK model, inspect the exact sole if you regularly walk on wet pavement, polished floors or loose paths. A model selected for light daily walking should not automatically be treated as an all-surface traction shoe.
How to think about durability fairly
- Compare upper material: leather on the 577v1 versus the specific GO WALK upper listed for the model.
- Compare outsole construction and tread for the surfaces you use.
- Compare the actual price you pay, not a brand’s typical list price.
- Track your own wear rather than assuming a brand-wide lifespan.
Value and price: compare the checkout pair, not the logo
The New Balance 577v1 page displayed a price of $89.99 at the time it was checked. That is a dated displayed price, not a promise that every retailer or region will charge the same amount today.
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Skechers GO WALK pricing varies by model, region and promotion. A valid value comparison therefore requires the same gender category, a comparable width, a similar outsole purpose and the current checkout price for each pair. Comparing a discounted GO WALK with a full-price 577v1, or comparing a narrow model with an extra-wide model, can make the arithmetic look decisive when the shoes are not equivalent purchases.
A practical value calculation
- Write down the current delivered price for the exact size and width you need.
- Confirm that both shoes are intended for the same walking volume and surfaces.
- List required features, such as hands-free entry, leather, Arch Fit or a specific width.
- Remove any shoe that lacks a non-negotiable feature, even if its sticker price is lower.
- Among the remaining pairs, choose the one that fits securely and feels comfortable at your normal pace.
Do not claim that one brand has a lower annual cost unless you have comparable wear data for the same use. The available product information supports a model-and-price comparison, not a universal durability advantage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose by walking scenario
Daily errands and casual neighborhood walks
Begin with a GO WALK style when softness and a walking-specific feel are your priorities. Select an Arch Fit, Air-Cooled Memory Foam or wide-fit version only when the exact listing includes that feature.
Long periods on your feet with a preference for firmness
Try the 577v1 first if you prefer a stable, structured platform and a leather upper. Its ABZORB heel cushioning and polyurethane midsole are the relevant specifications to evaluate in person.
Wide or unusually narrow feet
Start with the 577v1’s documented width menu, then verify stock in your size. A GO WALK can still work if the exact style offers the width you need, but the range does not make every model wide.
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- BREATHABLE ENGINEERED MESH — Synthetic materials and breathable engineered mesh help create a durable, versatile runner for daily use
- LIGHTWEIGHT FEEL — Weighing only 208.2 grams, the lightweight design helps keep the shoe feeling light while supporting comfortable wear for workouts and active days
- LACE-UP CLOSURE — Lace closure provides a secure, adjustable fit, while the approximate 10 mm heel-to-toe drop* gives the shoe a familiar running profile
Frequent shoe removal or difficulty bending down
Consider a GO WALK Flex Slip-ins style because its Heel Pillow and hands-free entry address that specific need. Check heel security while walking; convenience should not come at the cost of movement inside the shoe.
Workplaces that require a traditional upper
The 577v1’s all-leather upper and reflective accents make it the more conventional-looking option of the two documented examples. Confirm your workplace’s footwear and outsole requirements separately.
Buying mistakes and how to correct them
Mistake: treating every GO WALK as the same shoe
Correction: Read the exact style description for Arch Fit, Air-Cooled Memory Foam, Slip-ins, waterproofing, width and outsole information. These are not universal GO WALK specifications.
Mistake: assuming New Balance means one standard width
Correction: Use the width selector. The 577v1 men’s listing includes B, D, 2E and 4E, while women’s options vary by style and include 2A, B, D and 2E on the listed pages.
Mistake: equating softness with support
Correction: Separate the sensations. Soft cushioning describes how forgiving the shoe feels; support also involves fit, heel security, arch geometry and how the midsole behaves as you walk.
Mistake: treating a displayed price as a permanent price
Correction: Recheck the size, width, region, promotion and checkout total immediately before buying. The $89.99 577v1 figure was the displayed price when checked.
Mistake: promising yourself a lifespan the evidence cannot support
Correction: Compare materials and construction, then judge wear on your own route. There is no controlled cross-brand durability study here that justifies a blanket “New Balance lasts longer” or “Skechers wears out faster” claim.
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Choose Skechers GO WALK when comfort means a soft, walking-focused feel or hands-free convenience, and verify whether the particular style includes Arch Fit, Air-Cooled Memory Foam, a wide fit or waterproofing. Choose the New Balance 577v1 when you want an all-leather upper, ABZORB heel cushioning, a polyurethane midsole, a solid rubber outsole and clearly documented width choices.
The best value is the pair that supplies the features you actually need at the current price, in the width that keeps your foot secure. Compare the exact model, fit and checkout total; do not use one shoe’s specifications to make a brand-wide promise.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
