Skechers is an American footwear brand founded in 1992 and headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California. Its founder, Robert Greenberg, had previously built LA Gear. Skechers' first products were work-style boots that became popular during the grunge trend. Soon after, its range expanded to casual and athletic shoes for men, women, and children. Today Skechers is described as the third-largest footwear brand in the world by sales. Its name is closely tied to shoes that are comfortable for everyday wear, through lines such as Memory Foam, Relaxed Fit, Go Walk, and Go Run. For secondhand buyers, the wide range of lines means the materials and condition of each pair can differ a lot, so checking each pair is still necessary.
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Skechers was founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg. He had founded LA Gear, and he stepped down as CEO there in the same year Skechers was started. Greenberg first aimed at men's street shoes. His first product was work-style boots that suited the grunge trend of the time. The company quickly widened its market to women and children, with both casual and athletic models, and then went public in 1999.
In 2011, Skechers launched a performance shoe line for athletes and brought in runner Meb Keflezighi as its spokesperson. After that, the brand entered pickleball in 2022, then soccer and basketball in 2023. Since 2020, some of its shoes have used Goodyear rubber. Besides footwear, Skechers also markets branded bags, watches, and eyewear through licensing agreements. These items are made under license, so their quality and details can differ from the shoes.
In Indonesia, Skechers is managed by Mitra Adiperkasa through MAP Aktif Adiperkasa. Skechers is also known for its heavy advertising, including Super Bowl ads since 2010, and for its charity line Bobs, which donates new shoes to children in need.
- Slip-ins: A line of shoes that can be put on without bending down, and its design is the subject of patent disputes with several other companies.
- D'Lites: One of the lifestyle lines listed among Skechers' brands.
- Go Walk and Go Run: Skechers' sports lines for walking and running.
- Memory Foam and Relaxed Fit: Two lines in the lifestyle division that stand out for comfort.
- Bobs: Skechers' charity line; its sales are tied to a program that donates shoes to children.
What we check before listing
The first thing we look at is the sole: whether it is still firmly attached at the toe and heel, and whether the foam has become brittle, yellowed, or hardened. Then the insole, especially on cushioned lines, because foam that has gone flat and smells is a sign of long use. We check the stitching, the upper material (mesh, synthetic leather, or textile), and the glue at the seams. The inner label, the logo print, and the style code on the tongue or sole are matched against each other and against the model in question. On Slip-ins models, we check the heel because that part is the most often bent and worn.
Caring for it
Shoes made of mesh or textile are best cleaned with a soft brush, water, and mild soap, then dried in the shade. Avoid direct sun and heat dryers because they can weaken the glue and the sole foam. Store them in a dry, ventilated place, and let the insole dry completely before wearing the shoes again.
FAQ
Where does Skechers come from?
Skechers is an American brand. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California.
Are there Skechers bags or watches?
Yes. Through licensing agreements, Skechers markets branded bags, watches, and eyewear. Shoes remain its main product.
What is the difference between the Go Walk, Go Run, and Relaxed Fit lines?
Go Walk and Go Run belong to the sports division, for walking and running. Relaxed Fit and Memory Foam belong to the lifestyle division. Check the label inside the shoe to confirm the line.
How do I check whether a secondhand Skechers shoe is authentic?
Compare the inner label, style code, logo, and stitching quality with the same model. No single sign is conclusive, so look at all of them together. Clear photos and a clear condition description also help.
Are secondhand Skechers shoes still comfortable to wear?
It depends on the condition. An insole that has gone flat or a brittle sole reduces comfort. That is why we note the condition of the sole and insole on every pair.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).