Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Wide Fit Trainers Review

The Arch Fit Big Appeal trainers (wide fit) from Skechers come with patented podiatrists-certified arch support insole that are backed by 20 years of research. The insole system is designed to offer arch support and improve weight distribution to reduce shock. The shoes have a mesh knit fabric upper and 1.5 inch heels, there are 14 colours to choose from and a wide fit options to ensure optimal comfort for all customers. They are intended for everyday walking and urban living.

As someone who likes to go on walks but suffers from Iliotibial Band Syndrome and gets knee pain after prolonged activities, I am always on the hunt for supportive and comfortable shoes. I was excited to try out this pair from Skechers which promises podiatrists approved comfort. At £90, they are priced similarly to other big brand trainers but I had high expectations for the patented insoles.

Testing Skechers Arch Fit Big Appeal Wide Fit Trainers

The trainers arrived very quickly and was well packaged. The size and style are clearly labelled and the shoes appeared to be well-made. The removable ‘Arch Support’ tags on the laces were a nice touch and highlighted the fact that it is a specialist comfort model.

From the moment I put them on, the first thing I noticed was how lightweight they are. The flexible mesh fabric makes them super easy to slip on and off, which is great if you’re in a hurry and don’t want to be constantly untying laces. The loop on the tongue is a thoughtful detail - they spread pressure more evenly across the top of the foot and don’t dig in like some round laces do and also stay securely tied for longer.

As someone who enjoys walking but suffers from Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS), I’m always on the lookout for supportive shoes that won’t trigger knee pain. The Arch Fit insoles definitely deliver on this front. They provided solid support to my arches, and I found that my feet felt properly cushioned throughout the day.

I took them for a real test run—walking over 12,000 steps in a day, which would normally set off discomfort in my knees. To my surprise, I had no issues at all. The Arch Fit insoles provided solid support to my arches, and my feet felt properly cushioned throughout the day. The lightweight nature of the shoes also helped keep foot fatigue to a minimum.  I didn’t experience any rubbing or blisters, even when wearing ankle socks, thanks to the generous cushioning at the back of the heel.

The 1.5 inch heels offer generous cushioning and shock absorption and I found it very comfortable even when walking on gravel roads. I did find that the elevated heels took a bit of getting used to as it initially felt like I was leaning forwards slightly due to the height difference between the heels and the front of the shoes.

One thing I really liked was how secure they feel even when walking in the rain. However, while the mesh fabric was very breathable, I found that they do get wet quite easily so it might be worth investing in a waterproof spray. The fact that they are machine washable make cleaning after walking in the rain a breeze.

The wide fit model provides ample room for people with broader fit. I have wide feet but relatively thin soles and usually go for wide fit shoes, but I did find this pair to be on the looser side. I will probably go for a normal fit next time as the mesh fabric is very stretchy and forgiving.

Final verdict

Overall, I am really happy with the Arch Fit Big Appeal trainers from Skechers. They're lightweight, comfortable and supportive. The patented insole provide great arch support and I was able to walk long distance without any issues even without breaking in the shoes. The wide fit model provide ample room but could fit a bit loose for people with thinner soles. The breathable nature of the mesh fabric mean the shoes are prone to getting wet, but that’s easily prevented with a waterproof spray.