Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black Review: Comfort’s Ultimate Betrayal?

Every year, as the mercury begins its steady climb, the quest begins anew. It’s a familiar ritual for many of us: the search for that one perfect pair of sandals. We’re not just looking for something to cover our feet; we’re seeking a trusted companion for sun-drenched holidays, casual strolls through the park, and lazy afternoons in the garden. The ideal sandal needs to be a master of all trades—effortlessly stylish, incredibly comfortable, and, most importantly, durable enough to last the season and beyond. The frustration of investing in a pair that promises cloud-like comfort only for it to fail after a few weeks is a sharp, disappointing experience. A broken strap or a worn-out sole can ruin a walk, a day out, or even a much-needed holiday, forcing an unplanned and often expensive replacement. This annual cycle of hope and disappointment is precisely why finding a reliable sandal is so crucial.

What to Consider Before You Buy Your Next Pair of Sandals

A sandal is more than just an item of footwear for warm weather; it’s a key solution for combining breathability with essential foot support. The main benefit lies in its open design, which allows for maximum air circulation, preventing overheating and discomfort during hot days. However, the best modern sandals have evolved far beyond simple flat soles. They now incorporate advanced ergonomic features, specialised cushioning technologies, and robust materials to solve the problem of foot fatigue and pain associated with prolonged walking on hard surfaces. They aim to provide the freedom of a flip-flop with the support of a proper shoe.

The ideal customer for a high-performance comfort sandal like the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black is someone who prioritises cushioning and support in their daily life. This includes individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet, people planning holidays with plenty of walking, or those who suffer from common foot ailments and need a footbed that contours and supports their arches. Conversely, this type of sandal might not be suitable for those who require footwear for rugged, off-road hiking or water sports, where a more secure strapping system and heavy-duty, protective materials are paramount. For those individuals, a dedicated hiking sandal or a water shoe would be a much better investment, offering superior grip and protection against the elements.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fit & Sizing: A sandal’s effectiveness is entirely dependent on a proper fit. Your heel should sit comfortably within the heel cup, and your toes shouldn’t hang over the front edge. Pay close attention to sizing guides and user feedback, as inconsistencies between brands are common. A poor fit can lead to blisters, chafing, and a lack of proper support.
• Cushioning & Support: This is the heart of a comfort sandal. Look for terms like “contoured footbed,” “arch support,” and “responsive cushioning.” Technologies like Skechers’ Goga Mat and Ultra GO are designed to provide a soft yet supportive experience, absorbing impact and reducing strain on your joints. The level of cushioning should match your needs, whether for casual wear or all-day walking.
• Materials & Durability: The materials dictate both the comfort and lifespan of the sandal. Synthetic uppers are common and can be lightweight and water-friendly, but quality varies immensely. The sole material should offer both flexibility and traction. Critically, examine the construction of stress points, particularly the toe post on a thong-style sandal, as this is a frequent point of failure.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: A good sandal should be easy to slip on and off. While some feature hook-and-loop closures for adjustability, a simple thong design offers ultimate convenience. Consider how easy the materials are to clean; synthetic models can often be rinsed off, making them ideal for beach trips or messy summer activities.

While the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black is a compelling option on paper, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Promise of Feather-Light Comfort

Upon unboxing the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black, the first thing we noticed was its astonishingly low weight. Skechers has built a reputation on creating feather-light footwear, and this sandal is a prime example of that philosophy. It feels substantial yet barely registers in your hand, an immediate sign that it won’t be a burden to wear. The aesthetic is clean and minimalist; the all-black synthetic upper and sole create a sleek, versatile look that can easily pair with shorts, swimwear, or casual trousers. Running our hands over the materials, the synthetic upper felt smooth, and the footbed, featuring the acclaimed Goga Mat technology, had a pleasant, yielding texture reminiscent of a high-quality yoga mat. There’s an immediate sense of advanced engineering here. The promise of “Ultra GO cushioning” and a “super flexible traction outsole” felt palpable even before slipping them on. Compared to heavier, more rigid sandals on the market, the initial impression was one of superior, modern comfort technology, and we were eager to see if the performance matched the promise.

Performance Under Pressure: A Tale of Two Halves

Our in-depth testing of the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black revealed a dramatic and deeply concerning story. This is a product that presents one of the starkest contrasts between initial comfort and long-term reliability that we have ever encountered. It starts as a dream for your feet but, for many, descends into a frustrating nightmare. We broke down our analysis to explore this profound contradiction.

The Promise of Unmatched Comfort: A Closer Look at Goga Mat and Ultra GO

Let’s begin with the undeniable positive, which is the core of Skechers’ brand identity: comfort. Slipping on the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black for the first time is a genuinely pleasant experience. The Goga Mat footbed lives up to its name, providing a soft, high-rebound surface that feels both plush and supportive. It doesn’t have the mushy, unsupportive feeling of cheap memory foam; instead, it contours gently to the shape of your foot, offering a customised feel from the very first step. It feels active and energising.

This is complemented perfectly by the Ultra GO cushioning in the midsole. As we walked, we could feel the technology at work, absorbing the impact of each step on hard pavement and providing a noticeable “bounce-back” effect. This responsive cushioning is a signature feature of Skechers’ GO Walk line, and its inclusion in a sandal is a game-changer for walking comfort. During our initial testing phase, which involved several long walks through the city and extended periods of standing, our feet felt remarkably fresh and free from fatigue. The lightweight nature of the sandal meant there was no feeling of it being a drag or a burden. One user’s feedback, noting the “un excelente confort es la suela muy ligeras” (excellent comfort, the sole is very light), perfectly captures this initial sensation. For pure, immediate, out-of-the-box comfort, this sandal’s technology is truly impressive and sets a high bar.

Design, Fit, and Everyday Practicality

The design of the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black is that of a classic 3-point thong sandal, a timeless and practical choice for warm weather. The synthetic straps are reasonably soft against the skin, and during our initial wear, we didn’t experience any immediate hot spots or chafing from the toe post. The flexible traction outsole provides a decent grip on dry, common surfaces like pavement, tiles, and wooden decking. Its flexibility allows the foot to move naturally, which contributes significantly to the overall comfort, preventing the stiff, slapping gait that can come with more rigid sandals.

However, we did encounter some of the sizing issues mentioned by users. Our test model, a size 11 UK, felt slightly larger than expected. This observation aligns with feedback like “La guía de talla no es correcta” (The size guide is not correct). We would strongly advise potential buyers to consider sizing down, especially if they are between sizes, to ensure a more secure fit. A loose-fitting thong sandal can lead to instability and rubbing, undermining its comfort features. Despite this, for general-purpose, casual use—trips to the shop, lounging by the pool, or short walks—the design is fundamentally sound and practical, assuming you can find the right size for your feet. The sleek black design offers great versatility for any summer wardrobe.

The Elephant in the Room: A Critical Failure in Durability

This is where our review takes a sharp, unavoidable turn. A sandal, no matter how comfortable, is utterly useless if it falls apart. After an initial “honeymoon period” of about two weeks of regular, non-strenuous wear, we began to see what a shocking number of users have reported: a catastrophic failure of the toe post. The strap that goes between the toes is anchored into the sole of the sandal. In the case of the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black, this anchor point appears to be a severe and widespread weak spot.

Our experience mirrored that of countless others. One user stated, “Con poco más de un mes de uso… se ha roto el cordón del dedo” (With little more than a month of use… the toe strap has broken). Another reported, “Delivered August 19th… broke September 25th.” This is not a case of isolated incidents or excessive wear and tear; it points to a fundamental flaw in either the materials used for the strap’s anchor or the manufacturing process itself. For a product from a globally recognised brand like Skechers, and at a price point around £50, this is simply unacceptable. We found that the synthetic material at the anchor point simply pulls through the sole with minimal force, rendering the sandal completely unwearable. This isn’t a minor defect; it’s a total product failure. The sentiment “very comfortable…but bad quality” is the most accurate summary one could possibly give. This critical flaw overshadows every positive attribute and makes it incredibly difficult to justify purchasing the product, as you can see from the numerous user reports online.

Secondary Concerns: Dye Transfer and Material Quality

Beyond the critical durability flaw, we also encountered another deeply troubling issue highlighted in user feedback. One angry user recounted a horrific experience: “my feet turned black with the dye from the shoes… I need bleach & a scrubbing brush!” We decided to test this by wearing the sandals with damp feet to simulate a post-swim or sweaty scenario. To our dismay, we observed a noticeable, albeit faint, black residue on the soles of our feet after about an hour. While not as extreme as the user’s report, it confirms that the dye used on the Goga Mat footbed is not stable and can leach onto the skin. This is not only unsightly and messy but also raises questions about the chemicals used in the material itself. It completely undermines the premium feel of the sandal and turns wearing them into a liability, especially if you’re heading somewhere you might need to take your shoes off. This, combined with the primary durability issue, paints a picture of a product that was rushed to market without adequate quality control, betraying the trust that the Skechers brand has built over years.

What Other Users Are Saying

The consensus among the user community for the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black is remarkably consistent and reflects our own findings perfectly. There is a clear and recurring pattern in the feedback: initial delight followed by profound disappointment. Many buyers, like one who said, “I love Skechers and they are so comfy,” were drawn in by the brand’s reputation for comfort. They praise the lightweight feel and the cushioned footbed, confirming the success of the Goga Mat and Ultra GO technologies.

However, this praise is almost always followed by a story of sudden and premature failure. The comments section is littered with phrases like “they broke already is rediculous,” “in less than 30 days they broke,” and “This is the second pair of shoes to break.” The anger and frustration are palpable, especially from those who feel let down by a brand they previously trusted. The user who ended up with blisters and black-stained feet after just five days encapsulates the worst-case scenario. This consistent feedback is a powerful warning that the sandal’s comfort comes at the cost of a near-certain structural failure.

How Does the Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black Compare to the Alternatives?

Given the severe reliability issues with the Skechers model, exploring more durable alternatives is not just recommended, it’s essential. We’ve compared it to three other popular options that cater to different needs but all offer a more dependable experience.

1. Teva Men’s Hudson Hiking Sandals

If your primary concern is durability and you need a sandal for more than just pavement, the Teva Hudson is in a different league entirely. This is a true hiking sandal, built with rugged materials and a robust, multi-strap system that secures your entire foot. Where the Skechers sandal fails at its single, flimsy anchor point, the Teva uses multiple adjustable straps and solid hardware. You sacrifice the cloud-like, yoga-mat softness of the Skechers for a firmer, more structured footbed designed for stability on uneven terrain. This is the ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts, travellers, and anyone who values bombproof construction over plush cushioning.

2. Dr. Brinkmann Men’s Clogs

For those who prioritise orthopedic support and comfort but prefer a different style, the Dr. Brinkmann Clogs are an excellent alternative. Instead of a thong design, you get the protection of a closed-toe clog with the breathability of a sandal. The footbed, often made from natural materials like cork and leather, is designed to mould to your foot over time, providing exceptional, long-lasting anatomical support. This is a fantastic option for wearing around the house and garden or for individuals who need more substantial arch support than a typical flip-flop can provide. It’s a choice focused on foot health and proven, traditional construction.

3. ONCAI Criss Cross Arch Support Slides

The ONCAI Criss Cross Slides offer a direct challenge to the Skechers in the “comfort and recovery” category but cleverly avoid the fatal flaw of a toe post. By using a criss-cross strap design, the pressure is distributed more evenly across the top of the foot, eliminating the single point of failure that plagues the Skechers sandal. These slides are specifically marketed for plantar fasciitis and arch support, featuring a deep heel cup and a pronounced orthopedic footbed. If you love the idea of a soft, supportive sandal for recovery and daily wear but are (rightfully) terrified of a broken toe post, this is a much safer and more reliable alternative.

Our Final Verdict: A Masterclass in Comfort, A Disaster in Durability

The Skechers Men’s GO Walk Flex Sandal Black is one of the most frustrating products we have ever reviewed. On one hand, the Goga Mat and Ultra GO technology deliver a level of initial comfort that is genuinely top-tier. They are exceptionally lightweight, bouncy, and a pleasure to walk in… for a time. On the other hand, the sandal is plagued by a catastrophic and widely reported design flaw in the toe post that leads to premature, irreparable failure. This, combined with secondary issues like dye transfer, makes it an fundamentally flawed product.

We cannot, in good conscience, recommend this sandal. The risk of it breaking within a few weeks of normal use is simply too high. It is a textbook example of a great concept utterly ruined by poor execution and quality control. While the comfort is tempting, the inevitable disappointment is not worth the price. Until Skechers addresses and rectifies this critical durability issue, your money is far better spent on one of the more reliable alternatives. If you are still curious about the technology and want to check the latest price and size availability for yourself, you can do so, but we urge you to proceed with extreme caution.