Since Adidas began suing Skechers for infringement of copyrights, Skechers’ strong defense has raised many eyebrows. So, look no further if you’re a sneakerhead who wants to know who wins in terms of quality and comfort!
Despite their rivalry, Skechers and Adidas are well-known for their cushioning and comfort. Some people prefer Skechers as walking shoes because they are fashionable and provide adequate traction as well as shock-absorbing features, whereas others prefer Adidas’ Boost technology shoes because they help them to run faster.
So, which pair is the best fit for you? Let’s get right to it.
Skechers Vs Adidas: Feature Comparison
Skechers and Adidas have very selective features. However, both brands have one common aim; to create responsive cushioning. So let’s compare their features:
| Features | Adidas | Skechers |
| Upper | Primeknit, mesh, and leather (snakeskin, suede, etc.). | Soft suede, Nylon fabric, canvas, etc. |
| Outsole | Continental rubber, lugged, TPU | Textile, Goodyear rubber outsole, and lug outsoles. |
| Midsole | EPU, Boost foam, Lightstrike Pro, Bounce foam | ULTRA GO, HYPER BURST, Skech-Air®, Glide-Step® |
| Memory foam | Cloud Foam | Recycled polyester, Air-cooled memory foam, Skechers memory foam. |
| Lining | Fabric, Mid PrimaLoft® lining. | Faux fur lining |
| Arch Support/insoles | Adidas Torsion System (allows independent motion of the forefoot and heel). No replaceable insoles are available by the company. | Podiatrist-certified arch support, Relaxed Fit®, Air-Cooled Goga Mat™, Arch Fit, etc. |
| Slip resistance | WinterGrip™, Traxion ™ Technology outsoles. | Alloy toe, slip-resistant rubber traction outsole. |
| Vegan | Not all shoes are vegan. | 100% vegan shoes. |
Adidas Vs. Skechers Size
The sizing of both brands is very different. Most Skechers run large, while Adidas run true to size (except for the Ultra Boost and Cloud Foam shoes that run small).
Skechers Size Chart
Skechers Men’s Size Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM |
| 6.5 | 6 | 39.5 | 24.5 |
| 7.5 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 25.5 |
| 8 | 7 | 41 | 26 |
| 8.5 | 7.5 | 42 | 26.5 |
| 9 | 8 | 42.5 | 27 |
| 9.5 | 8.5 | 43 | 27.5 |
| 10 | 9 | 44 | 28 |
| 10.5 | 9.5 | 44.5 | 28.5 |
| 11 | 10 | 45 | 29 |
| 11.5 | 10.5 | 45.5 | 29.5 |
| 12 | 11 | 46 | 30 |
Skechers Women’s Size Chart
| US | UK | EU | CM |
| 5.5 | 3 | 36 | 22.5 |
| 6 | 3.5 | 36.5 | 23 |
| 6.5 | 4 | 37.5 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 4.5 | 38 | 24 |
| 7.5 | 5 | 38.5 | 24.5 |
| 8 | 5.5 | 39 | 25 |
| 8.5 | 6 | 40 | 25.5 |
| 9 | 6.5 | 40.5 | 26 |
| 9.5 | 7 | 41 | 26.5 |
| 10 | 7.5 | 42 | 27 |
Adidas Size Chart
| US – MEN | US – WOMEN | CM | UK | EUROPE |
| 4 | 5 | 22.1 cm | 3.5 | 36 |
| 4.5 | 5.5 | 22.5 cm | 4 | 36 2/3 |
| 5 | 6 | 22.9 cm | 4.5 | 37 1/3 |
| 5.5 | 6.5 | 23.3 cm | 5 | 38 |
| 6 | 7 | 23.8 cm | 5.5 | 38 2/3 |
| 6.5 | 7.5 | 24.2 cm | 6 | 39 1/3 |
| 7 | 8 | 24.6 cm | 6.5 | 40 |
| 7.5 | 8.5 | 25.0 cm | 7 | 40 2/3 |
| 8 | 9 | 25.5 cm | 7.5 | 41 1/3 |
| 8.5 | 9.5 | 25.9 cm | 8 | 42 |
| 9 | 10 | 26.3 cm | 8.5 | 42 2/3 |
| 9.5 | 10.5 | 26.7 cm | 9 | 43 1/3 |
| 10 | 11 | 27.1 cm | 9.5 | 44 |
| 10.5 | 11.5 | 27.6 cm | 10 | 44 2/3 |
| 11 | 12 | 28.0 cm | 10.5 | 45 1/3 |
| 11.5 | 12.5 | 28.4 cm | 11 | 46 |
| 12 | 13 | 28.8 cm | 11.5 | 46 2/3 |
| 12.5 | 13.5 | 29.3 cm | 12 | 47 1/3 |
| 13 | 14 | 29.7 cm | 12.5 | 48 |
| 13.5 | 14.5 | 30.1 cm | 13 | 48 2/3 |
| 14 | 15 | 30.5 cm | 13.5 | 49 1/3 |
| 14.5 | 15.5 | 31 cm | 14 | 50 |
| 15 | 31.4 cm | 14.5 | 50 2/3 | |
| 16 | 31.8 cm | 15 |
Is The Size Of Adidas And Skechers The Same?
No. Skechers and Adidas are not the same sizes, according to the previous size charts. Skechers run larger than Adidas, as Adidas has ⅓ size as well.
Skechers Vs Adidas: Which Is More Comfortable?
Both Adidas and Skechers are well known for their cushioned midsoles. However, only Adidas has been found to be comfortable in the long run. When worn, the Adidas Primeknit series feels like a sock.
Skechers Arch fit is ideal for people with flat feet. However, in general, Skechers isn’t always comfortable, especially for running. Furthermore, we’ve already discussed how long-term use of Skechers memory foam shoes can cause limb pain.
Adidas Ultra Boost Vs Skechers Memory Foam
Both Adidas Ultra Boost and Skechers Memory Foam are known for their comfort and responsiveness. However, most people consider Skechers Memory foam shoes to be more fashionable than Ultra Boost. In comparison, the latter has greater durability than Memory foam. So let’s compare the two:
Adidas Ultra Boost
Adidas lost all of its hype in selling Boost shoes until 2015 when the Ultra Boost hit the market. It not only featured Adidas’ Boost technology, but it also had a mesh upper with a sock-like fit that made it ideal for cushioned, responsive running. Thanks to Kanye West’s promotion, it eventually became the first running shoe to replace a high-performance and streetwear style!
The Boost midsole is made with expanded polyurethane (eTPU) closed cells, which gives an outstanding energy return, even better than EPA soles. Furthermore, it retains its softness even in cold weather. Second, Ultra Boost’s Boost sole is 6% better than the previous version.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent traction, even on wet surfaces. | Outdated designs as compared to Skechers Memory foam. |
| Has minimal heel slippage. | Feels heavy for most runs. |
| Provides top-notch comfort overall. | Discomfort has been reported in the new pairs. |
| Very durable and can be used for a larger mileage (around 500 miles). |
Skechers Memory Foam
Skechers manufactures world-famous memory foam shoes, which were inspired by the memory foam used in mattresses and pillows. Keeping this in mind, memory foam has a good reputation for providing the right level of cushioning your feet require for more outstanding work.
Skechers produce many memory foam shoe designs, which feature three types:
- The Classic/original memory foam (made with viscoelastic material that contours to foot shape and reforms after usage).
- Gel-infused memory foam (provides better arch support, effortless gait cycle, responsiveness, and comfort).
- Air-cooled memory foam (manages foot sweat).
The contouring of the memory foam is due to polyurethane; it is heat and pressure-sensitive and molds to your feet accordingly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pillow-like comfort. | Reported to cause lower limb problems along with damaged feet. |
| Multiple designs are available. | Not much durable, and the tread starts wearing off after some time. |
| It fits and contours the heels perfectly, providing an extremely secure heel grip. | |
| High-level traction for most surfaces. |
Adidas Ultraboost weighs more than Skechers, with the Adidas Men’s Ultraboost 21 weighing 11.8 oz for Men’s US size 9, whereas Skechers Memory Foam weighs approximately 10.5 oz for Men’s US size 9.
Skechers GO RUN Speed Elite Hyper Vs Adidas Superstar
Here’s a comparison of two of the most elite shoes from both brands:
| Skechers GO RUN Speed Elite Hyper | Adidas Superstar | |
| Pros | Very light, competitive, and snug fit.Amazing dynamics for running short to medium distances.Fits true to size.Excellent geometry. Mesh upper feeds amazing breathability. | Classic and durable design.Have premium quality.Easy-to-clean.Rubber sole gives traction-friendly and crease/damage-free surface properties.Moisture-free and breathable synthetic leather upper. |
| Cons | Uncomfortable and insecure for slow-paced running.Not much durable. Is tight in the toe box.Expensive, even more than Adidas.Lack of heel support. | Produce blisters without inserts.Expensive.Limited width options.Limited variety of colors available.Feels stiff in the beginning. |
| Pricing | $160 | $110 |
Adidas Vs. Skechers, Which is Better?
Skechers stands out when it comes to style and new designs to choose from. But I’ll still vote for Adidas because of its long-term comfort, durability, and quality. Furthermore, while Adidas is more expensive than Skechers and has a lower market share in the United States, they are original. Skechers copied many of Adidas’s Ultra Boost features in their Energy Burst models, which resulted in paybacks and controversies for the company.
Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a responsive, high-quality, and long-lasting running shoe, I recommend Adidas. Skechers are a good alternative to Adidas for casual walking shoes. I believe that if Adidas works on updating its style in making shoes that tell stories, particularly those related to the United States, the brand will eventually surpass Skechers’ market share in the United States.
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