Skechers GOWALK 8™: A Deep Dive into Total Walking Comfort
This guide helps you choose the perfect Skechers walking shoes by explaining the latest comfort innovations. It details the specific cushioning upgrades in the Skechers GOWALK 8™, which features new Resafoam® for enhanced shock absorption, and compares it to previous models. The guide also highlights specific shoe models for men and women, and explains how core technologies like Arch Fit® and Slip-ins® create a complete comfort system.
Sep 24, 2025
At Skechers, we believe a better walk starts with better technology. Our passion for innovation drives us to engineer new ways to make every step more comfortable than the last. That evolution takes its next big step forward with the new Skechers GOWALK 8™.
This guide gives you a direct look at our latest advancement in walking comfort. We’ll break down the innovative cushioning system, show you how it compares to previous models, and explain how it works with our other signature technologies to create the ultimate walking experience.Insert your text here
This guide gives you a direct look at our latest advancement in walking comfort. We’ll break down the innovative cushioning system, show you how it compares to previous models, and explain how it works with our other signature technologies to create the ultimate walking experience.Insert your text here
A Closer Look at the GOWALK 8™ Cushioning System
The Skechers GOWALK® collection has always been a leader in walking comfort. With the GOWALK 8™, we've engineered a sophisticated system that combines two key technologies for a balanced, supportive stride.
Lightweight, Responsive Cushioning: ULTRA GO®
The foundation of the GOWALK 8™ is our trusted ULTRA GO® cushioning. This lightweight foam is engineered to deliver exceptional comfort and a responsive feel. It actively absorbs the impact of walking on hard surfaces like pavement, helping reduce fatigue in your feet and joints while providing a noticeable bounce with every step.
High-Rebound Support: Hyper Pillars Technology®
Complementing the midsole are our innovative Hyper Pillars®. These pillars are strategically placed on the outsole and react to your every step, providing high-rebound cushioning and added support where you need it most. This creates a wonderfully stable and efficient stride from heel to toe.
GOWALK 8™ vs. GOWALK 7™: Finding Your Perfect Ride
So, how does the new GOWALK 8™ compare to the GOWALK 7™? The primary difference lies in the midsole cushioning technology. Neither is "better"—they’re engineered for different preferences in ride and responsiveness.
Use this table to find the experience you’re looking for:
Use this table to find the experience you’re looking for:
| Feature | Skechers GOWALK 8™ | Skechers GOWALK 7™ |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning Tech | Lightweight ULTRA GO® | Ultra-lightweight HYPER BURST® |
| Primary Feel | Balanced, responsive, and supportive. | Springy, bouncy, and highly energetic. |
| Key Benefit | Excellent shock absorption with a stable, responsive feel. | Maximum energy return with an ultra-lightweight ride. |
| Who It's For | Everyday walkers seeking balanced comfort. | Fitness walkers who love a high-energy feel. |
| Best For You If... | You prioritize proven all-day comfort and a balanced feel for everyday walks. | You prefer a high-energy, bouncy ride for fitness-focused walks. |
Skechers GOWALK 8™
Cushioning Tech:
Lightweight ULTRA GO®
Primary Feel:
Balanced, responsive, and supportive.
Key Benefit:
Excellent shock absorption with a stable, responsive feel.
Who It's For:
Everyday walkers seeking balanced comfort.
Best For You If...:
You prioritize proven all-day comfort and a balanced feel for everyday walks.
Skechers GOWALK 7™
Cushioning Tech:
Ultra-lightweight HYPER BURST®
Primary Feel:
Springy, bouncy, and highly energetic.
Key Benefit:
Maximum energy return with an ultra-lightweight ride.
Who It's For:
Fitness walkers who love a high-energy feel.
Best For You If...:
You prefer a high-energy, bouncy ride for fitness-focused walks.
The bottom line: If your top priority is a balanced, responsive, and cushioned feel for all-day wear, the GOWALK 8™ with ULTRA GO® is the perfect choice. If you love a remarkably lightweight and bouncy feel that puts a spring in your step, the GOWALK 7™ with HYPER BURST® remains a fantastic option.
More Than Cushioning: A Complete Comfort System
The incredible cushioning system is the star, but it performs best as part of a total comfort solution. Many GOWALK 8™ styles integrate these core Skechers technologies to perfect your walk.
Podiatrist-Certified Support: Skechers Arch Fit®
Great cushioning needs a solid foundation. The Skechers Arch Fit® insole system is our podiatrist-certified solution to all-day arch support, developed with over 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans.
- How it Works: The patented insole shape offers true, certified support that molds to the unique curve of your foot.
- What it Feels Like: You get a resilient, supportive foundation that reduces shock and helps increase weight dispersion, providing stability and comfort through your entire stride.
Effortless Convenience: Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins®
The best walking shoe is one you can slip on and go. Our revolutionary Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins® technology is integrated into many GOWALK 8™ styles for ultimate convenience.
- How it Works: A unique molded heel panel provides a rigid structure that allows you to easily step into the shoe without crushing the heel, while our exclusive Heel Pillow™ securely and comfortably holds your foot in place.
- What it Feels Like: A truly hands-free experience. You can step in and walk away without ever bending over or using your hands to adjust the shoe.
All-Weather Stability: Goodyear® Performance Outsoles
To give you stability you can count on, we partner with Goodyear®. The rubber technology used in many of our outsoles provides superb traction and durability on various surfaces, so you can walk with confidence in any weather.
Our GOWALK 8™ Recommendations
Many GOWALK 8™ styles combine these incredible technologies. Here are a few of our current favorites:
For Women:
| Name | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Skechers Slip-ins: GO WALK 8™ - Nova | ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Slip-ins®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ | All-day comfort seekers who want responsive cushioning and the ultimate hands-free convenience. |
| Skechers GO WALK 8™ - Britt | ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™ | Those who prefer a classic No Tie Fit™ style with the core balanced comfort and support of the GOWALK 8™. |
Key Feature:
ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Slip-ins®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™
Best For:
All-day comfort seekers who want responsive cushioning and the ultimate hands-free convenience.
Key Feature:
ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™
Best For:
Those who prefer a classic No Tie Fit™ style with the core balanced comfort and support of the GOWALK 8™.
For Men:
| Name | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Skechers Slip-ins GO WALK 8™ - Pelayo | ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™, Slip-ins® | Men who need long-lasting comfort that combines superior shock absorption with the ease of hands-free technology. |
| Skechers GO WALK 8™ - Day | ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Soft Stride™ | Walkers needing the ideal blend of responsive cushioning and comfort for all-day wear. |
Key Feature:
ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™, Slip-ins®
Best For:
Men who need long-lasting comfort that combines superior shock absorption with the ease of hands-free technology.
Key Feature:
ULTRA GO®, Hyper Pillars®, Soft Stride™
Best For:
Walkers needing the ideal blend of responsive cushioning and comfort for all-day wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary difference is the midsole cushioning. The GOWALK 8™ features our lightweight and responsive ULTRA GO® foam, designed for balanced, all-day comfort. The GOWALK 7™ uses our ultra-lightweight HYPER BURST® cushioning, known for its bouncy, high-rebound energy return.
They are engineered for different walking preferences. Choose ULTRA GO® in the GOWALK 8™ if you prioritize a balanced, supportive, and cushioned feel. Choose HYPER BURST® in the GOWALK 7™ if you prefer a lighter, more energetic, and bouncy feel for fitness walks.
Absolutely. The GOWALK 8™ platform is designed to work as a complete system. You can find styles that combine the responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning with our Skechers Hands-Free Slip-ins® technology.
The Skechers GOWALK™ collection is specifically engineered for the biomechanics of walking. For running, we recommend exploring our Skechers GORUN® collection, which features technologies designed for the higher impact and different motion of a run.
Your Best Walk Starts Here
Choosing the right walking shoe is about matching technology to your comfort needs. With the responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning and supportive Hyper Pillars® in the Skechers GOWALK 8™, there’s a new level of balanced comfort available for your daily walks.
Shop This Story
Related Articles
You have successfully logged in.