Are Skechers D’Lites Good for Walking?

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise.

It’s low impact, simple to do, and has numerous health benefits.

Having a good pair of walking shoes can make all the difference in your walking experience.

Skechers D’Lites are a popular casual shoe with a unique design.

But are they suitable for walking?

Are Skechers D’Lites Good for Walking

Skechers D’Lites make a suitable walking shoe for most casual and light walking activities. Their cushioned midsoles, memory foam insoles, and flexibility allow for comfortable wear during everyday walking, though dedicated walking shoes may provide more support.

An Overview of Skechers D’Lites

Skechers D’Lites is a fashion sneaker made by Skechers, an American footwear company. The D’Lites line has been around since the 1990s and has become one of Skechers’ most recognizable styles.

Some key features of Skechers D’Lites

• Chunky retro design: The D’Lites have a chunky, retro look with an exaggerated thick midsole. This style was inspired by 90s sneaker trends.
• Air-cooled memory foam insole: The insole contains air-cooled memory foam to provide cushioning and comfort.
• Mesh fabric upper: The upper is made of mesh fabric to allow breathability.
• Variety of colors and prints: D’Lites come in a huge selection of colorways and prints, from basic black to bright neons.

The bold silhouette and fun colors have made the D’Lites popular as a fashion sneaker. But how do they perform for walking?

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Benefits of Skechers D’Lites for Walking

Here are some of the advantages Skechers D’Lites can offer as a walking shoe:

Cushioned Comfort

The D’Lites contain a lightweight injected midsole to absorb shock. The memory foam insole also provides soft cushioning for each step. This helps reduce pressure on the feet and joints.

The ample cushioning makes the D’Lites comfortable for short walks. However, some may find the cushioning too soft for longer treks.

Breathable Upper

The mesh fabric upper allows air to circulate the foot. This creates a cooler, more breathable walking experience.

Proper ventilation can help minimize sweaty feet when walking. The D’Lites’ upper is more breathable than leather or suede shoes.

Flexible Design

Skechers D’Lites have decent flexibility thanks to the grooves in the midsole. The articulated midsole allows the shoe to bend with the natural motion of the foot while walking.

This flexibility promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition. However, the chunky midsole also limits the overall pliability.

Traction and Grip

The synthetic rubber traction outsole provides a decent grip while walking on most surfaces. The waffle-like traction pattern helps with a multi-directional grip.

The D’Lites perform best on flatter paved surfaces. The tread isn’t aggressive enough for truly slip-resistant traction.

Lightweight Feel

For their size, Skechers D’Lites are reasonably lightweight. The men’s style weighs around 13 oz and women’s around 11 oz (based on a size 8.5 – 9).

This makes the D’Lites lighter than many bulky sneakers. The lightweight feeling promotes energetic walking without weighing down the feet.

Fun Styles

Let’s not forget the D’Lites have a very trendy, retro look available in many colors. For some walkers, having stylish shoes can motivate to walk more.

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Drawbacks of Skechers D’Lites for Walking

However, Skechers D’Lites also have some disadvantages as walking shoes:

Lack of Support

One of the main complaints about the D’Lites is inadequate arch support. There is no medial arch support built into the design.

The basic flat insole also does not cradle the arches well. Without arch support, the feet and ankles can feel strained on longer walks.

The cushioning provides decent shock absorption but lacks pronounced support features. This makes the D’Lites unsuitable for people who overpronate or have fallen arches.

Poor Stability

In addition to insufficient arch support, the D’Lites lack lateral stability. The chunky midsole feels wobbly for some wearers.

There are no structures like a medial post or flared midsole to prevent sideways roll of the foot. On uneven terrain, the feet can feel unstable.

The lack of arch and lateral support can put extra strain on the feet, ankles, and knees while walking. For those with joint issues, this becomes more problematic.

Minimal Ankle Support

The low collar and tongue don’t provide much ankle support in the D’Lites. The materials are lightly padded but not very structured.

Without adequate ankle support, the ankles are left vulnerable to rolling on uneven surfaces. Those prone to ankle sprains would likely find the D’Lites inadequate.

Lack of Traction

As mentioned earlier, the D’Lites lack an aggressive tread. The traction is suitable for flat, dry surfaces. But on wet or slippery terrain, you may notice some slippage in the D’Lites.

For power walking on dirt trails, the traction is also not grippy enough for muddy conditions. The smooth tread can easily pick up pebbles as well.

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Poor Durability

Skechers D’Lites are not known for their durability, especially for athletic use. The EVA foam midsole tends to lose its cushioning more quickly than higher-quality materials.

The upper materials are also prone to tearing with rigorous use. Stitching and glues can come loose after a few months of regular walking.

While the break-in period is minimal, the overall lifespan of the D’Lites is inferior to performance walking shoes.

Runs Large

Many customers report the D’Lites running at least a half size too large. This can cause a loose sloppy fit, leading to blisters and sliding within the shoe.

Be sure to try the D’Lites on in-store and consider sizing down if walking is the intended use. An ill-fitting shoe negates many of the D’Lites benefits.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Walking Shoes

When searching for shoes to walk in, keep these key factors in mind:

Proper Fit

The shoes should fit snugly without pinching or pressing on any part of the foot. Make sure to try on walking shoes at the end of the day when your feet are the largest.

Your heel should not slip when walking and there should be enough wiggle room for toes. Visit a specialty running store if you need help determining the proper walking shoe size.

Shock Absorption

Look for cushioning in the midsole to soften the impact. Materials like EVA foam are lightweight yet able to absorb shock. The exact plushness of the cushioning depends on personal preference.

Arch Support

Many people, especially those with fallen arches, need substantial arch support built into walking shoes. Try to find a shoe with an insole and midsole that cradles the natural arch shape.

You want the shoe to do the hard work of stabilizing the foot, rather than relying on your arch muscles alone. Those with neutral arches can get by with a more moderately supportive shoe.

Flexibility

Flexibility in the toe box lets the shoe bend naturally with the foot. The midsole should also have grooves allowing it to flex for a smooth pace.

However, too much flexibility can also undermine stability. Find the right balance for your needs.

Breathability

Proper ventilation and breathability will help reduce sweat and friction. Look for mesh fabric uppers rather than solid leather or suede which can get hot.

Ankle Support

If you have weak ankles or are walking on uneven terrain, choose a shoe with structured ankle support. This usually includes a higher padded collar and lace-up closure extending over the midfoot.

Traction

The outsole tread pattern should match the surfaces you plan to walk on. Outdoor walks need thick rugged tread while indoor walking requires flatter non-marking rubber.

Weight

In general, lighter shoes are recommended for walking. Heavy shoes can cause fatigue and sluggishness over long distances. Shoot for a 10-12 oz weight range per shoe for optimal comfort.

Durability

Ensure the upper, midsole, and outsole are made of quality materials that hold up over time. The average pair should last 300-500 miles before needing replacement.

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Features of Good Walking Shoes

Here are some design elements and components to look for in high-quality walking shoes:

• Shock-absorbing midsole: Materials like EVA foam, polyurethane, or gel cushion key pressure points.
• Stabilizing features: This includes medial/lateral posts, a flared midsole, or a reinforced heel counter.
• Arch support: Either from contouring of the midsole or a removable supportive insole.
• Low-profile adjustable lacing: Allows you to customize fit across the midfoot.
• Ankle padding: Provides extra structure and support around the ankles.
• Roomy toe box: Allows toes room to splay and move naturally.
• Grippy rubber outsole: With either multi-directional or trail-specific traction patterns.
• Reflective accents: Improves visibility when walking in low-light conditions.
• Removable antimicrobial insole: Can be replaced with custom orthotics if needed.
• Lightweight design: Reduces fatigue for long walks.

Types of Skechers Walking Shoes

If you’re set on Skechers shoes for walking, consider some of their models designed specifically for walking:

Skechers GOwalk Series

The GOwalk line contains Skechers’ most lightweight performance walking shoes. They have a flexible athletic shoe construction with breathable mesh uppers.

Cushioning comes from responsive GO Mat technology and Goga Max insoles. Though they lack substantial arch support, their flexibility helps promote a natural gait.

Skechers Stamina Engineered Stability

These are stability walking shoes with medial arch support and posts. Stamina Engineered Stability shoes control pronation with their motion control components.

Cushioning is provided by the Skechers Stabilization Arch Design and Stabilization Chassis systems. The chunky midsole ensures a smooth ride.

Skechers Summits

Summits are Skechers’ rugged trail and hiking-inspired walking shoes. They have thick high-traction outsoles and structured exoskeletal midsoles.

The Summits contain maximum cushioning from the SQUISH component insoles and midsoles. Support comes from the stability arch design and midfoot strike technology.

Putting it All Together: Are Skechers D’Lites Good Shoes for Walking?

The chunky, retro Skechers D’Lites are undoubtedly fashionable. Their lightweight cushioning also provides short-term walking comfort. But lack of support and durability make them less than ideal for extended walking.

For casual wear or brief walks, the D’Lites offer decent cushion and flexibility. The breathable upper and lively colors can also motivate you to walk more. However, the minimal arch support can strain feet during long treks.

The D’Lites also lack stability features to control pronation or provide lateral support. On uneven terrain, you may feel wobbly due to the cushiony midsole. Ankle support is also minimal in the low-collar design.

While the grip is fine for sidewalks or paved paths, the traction is not suitable for mud or trails. The durability of EVA foam breaks down relatively quickly with athletic use.

Overall, the Skechers D’Lites are better suited as a fashion sneaker than a hardcore walking shoe. They can work for quick errands or short walks of under a mile. But to truly log miles day after day, a structured athletic walking shoe would be a safer choice.

If you love the Skechers brand, check out their GOwalk or Stamina Engineered Stability models instead. These have the arch support, durability, and stability required in a walking sneaker.

While aesthetics matter, don’t let the D’Lite’s cute retro vibe distract from their functional shortcomings. Protect your feet by prioritizing proper fit and support when walking long distances. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice style for true performance and comfort.

Conclusion

Skechers D’Lites can be a decent option for walking and casual everyday wear. The thick cushioned soles provide shock absorption and comfort for your feet and joints during walks. The chunky platform design gives you added height without sacrificing stability.

However, the heavy weight of the shoes may cause foot fatigue over very long walking distances. Overall, D’Lites make a comfortable, supportive walking shoe for light to moderate urban walks and all-day wear around town. But for serious hiking or extraordinarily high mileage, you may want a more lightweight and breathable walking shoe.

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