A Game-Changing Sneaker: Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins Review

I've been on the hunt for shoes that don't require laces, and I'm thrilled to have finally found them. The Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins have been a total game-changer for me. I recently wore them out for a run, and I was impressed by how well they performed.

This is my second pair of Skechers with elastic laces, and I have to say, they're a revelation. The first pair was incredibly light and comfortable, like wearing slippers. It lasted for 7 years before it finally fell apart due to a hole in the sole. I had to hold the back of the shoe in place with my hand to put it on.

Naturally, I wanted to replicate that success with my new pair, but I ended up buying a slightly different model. In some ways, it's worse (heavier and not as anatomically correct), but in other ways, it's better (no need to hold the back with your hand thanks to the special heel design).

This pair arrived from the US, and I was excited to try them out. The regular price for these shoes is around $80-$110, but I managed to snag them on sale for around $45. They've been popular for a few years now, and I get why - they're a blast to wear. Although, not without some caveats.

I'm writing this review because this is something special, something I've never experienced before.

Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins BOBS Sport Squad Chaos - Current Muse are pretty cool, if I'm being honestNickname - Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins BOBS Sport Squad Chaos - Current MuseFor - women (there's a men's version too)Sizes - 5.0 to 10.0Colors - I counted 10 on the Skechers website, and you can get 'em in both white sole and matching upper colorsFits - medium (that's all they come in, sadly)Price - $80 to $110, depending on sales and where you buy 'emThe official description from Skechers

I've gotta say, these Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins are pretty comfy. They've got a sporty vibe going on, and the Heel Pillow tech makes it easy to slip 'em on and off. Plus, the Memory Foam insole is super soft.

Easy to slip on and off, thanks to the Heel Pillow tech - it keeps your foot in placeAdaptive elastic - the combo of stretchy materials and elastic laces gives you a relaxed fit and a comfortable rideNo-strap design - just slip 'em on and goSkechers Memory Foam insole - it's like walking on cloudsMachine washable - just toss 'em in the washing machineVegan-friendly materials - 100% cruelty-free

Materials and styleI've got to say, this model is a stunner - I just want to slip them on as soon as I see them.

The white, flexible sole with its special tread and texture looks sleek and pretty classic for sneakers - it's not that chunky sole you see on some shoes. When I'm walking, it's super comfortable and lightweight, with just a bit of spring to it.

This is what the sole looks like after a few wears, so it's not perfectly white anymore The upper is made of textile with synthetic leather inserts. There are Skechers logos and branding on the laces and sides of the sneakers, as well as on the insole. The sporty vibe is enhanced by the textile overlays on the back, which remind me of the cut of a workout top.The elastic laces are non-removable, so I don't have to worry about tying or untieing them. The laces are attached to the sides of the sneakers, so they don't twist when I'm putting them on or taking them off.

The insole is not removable. Adding an extra insole on top is a bit tricky, as the pair is already quite narrow - my foot wouldn't fit in at all.

I've got to say, the memory foam insole is a game-changer, but the inside of the heel cup doesn't mold to the shape of my foot and toes like my previous pair of Sketchers did. It's like having a memory foam pillow for your head - it's amazing. I was expecting it to be the same.

The standout feature of this model - the special heel counterAccording to the manufacturer, one of the key features of these sneakers is

the Heel Pillow, which keeps your heel in place.

And it really does keep my heel in place, creating a special curve that prevents my foot from slipping out of the sneaker. The whole pair feels really secure on my foot, thanks to the slim design.

But if I'm being honest, the real star of the show is the special heel design. The heel counter has a solid frame and doesn't collapse when I put my foot in. It's rock-solid, even when I'm standing on it. And that's what makes it so easy to slip them on without needing to use my hands. Whether I'm sitting or standing, it's especially easy to slip them on when standing. Plus, the heel counter is soft thanks to the Heel Pillow, and it doesn't chafe or rub against my skin. It's comfortable in every situation.

However, I've only worn them in the fall and winter so far. Maybe in the summer, the heel will be too hot and sweaty thanks to that thick heel counter. I'm guessing these sneakers aren't ideal for hot weather.

The heel is solid, has a special curve, and a soft cushioning cover that doesn't get scuffed when you put your foot in it. I've never had shoes with a heel like this before. To me, it's a brilliant invention. Why bother with laces on sports shoes when you can design them like this? The heel on these sneakers won me over..

The shoes had been worn for almost 4 months before I took the photos, and they still look pretty good.

Feeling when walkingWalking in these sneakers is super comfortable. However, standing and sitting for a while isn't as great due to the swelling I get when I'm not moving.

The shoes are lightweight, although not as feather-light as my previous pair of Skechers. My feet don't get tired easily, and I don't feel any pebbles under my soles.

Both the heel and the design of the shoe help to keep my foot securely in place. Sometimes, it's a bit too secure. My heel doesn't slip out, even when I need to rush to catch the bus.

One thing that caught me off guard was how narrow these shoes seem, even though the manufacturer says they're a standard width. They're pretty snug on my foot, especially around the sides. I've got pretty skinny feet and low arches, and these shoes took a while to break in, especially on the left one (my left foot is slightly larger). After about four months, they started to loosen up a bit, but the discomfort is still there.

However, my toes are happy, and my metatarsal joint isn't getting squished. I can even wear thick, fluffy socks with these. If I forget to trim my toenails, it's not a big deal. The discomfort is really only in the heel area, where the laces sit.

Of course, the fabric upper does get wet in the rain. I've got a spare pair at work and a shoe dryer, and by evening, they're good as new, even if they were soaked.

I've had issues with swelling in my feet before, and I'm pretty sure these shoes would be a tight squeeze if my feet are swollen. On the other hand, the snug fit around my foot does help prevent swelling from spreading down to my ankles. BUT if you're planning a long flight, it's probably best to leave them on: your feet tend to swell up in the air, and you might not be able to get them back on afterwards. Or, you know, just bring a spare pair to change into at the airport. Either way, you don't want to be asking the flight attendants for slippers to walk around in! I haven't flown in these shoes, but I do remember that my feet tend to get pretty swollen in the air, and it can be a real pain to get them back into my shoes afterwards.Despite the moderate tread pattern, these shoes can be pretty slippery on wet ceramic tile after a rainstorm. You can wear them in the snow, even if it's not that cold - my foot stays warm from the exercise. But if there's even a hint of black ice, you need to be super careful, because they're super slippery. These shoes aren't made for black ice winters. Honestly, it's probably best to avoid wearing them in the winter altogether, even if you really want to!

I have to admit, it's pretty funny to wear these cross-trainers on snowy days and step outside for a coffee, but walking on icy streets in them is a no-go They make my feet look like skis - check it outI've come across cross-trainers that look really sleek and somehow make my legs appear shorter, even when I'm wearing a size 40. Often, this is because they're stretched out not only in length, but also in width. As a result, the proportions create a visual illusion that makes my leg look smaller.

That's not the case with the Skechers Hands Free Slip-Ins, though. To me, each shoe in the pair looks like a ski. On my foot, it's noticeable too - my legs look like long sardines. If you look at them from above, it's not as obvious, but if someone takes a photo from the side, it's definitely visible. The shoes are narrow, really slim-fitting, with a low heel-to-toe drop, no bulky elements, and they're long.

I'm not bothered by this - it's not a complaint, just a characteristic of the model. I mean, I'm a size 41, and what's the big deal? I'm tall and I've got big feet. If the 'ski-like' design is a turn-off for you, make sure to check it out before making a purchase.

This photo really shows off how long and narrow they are How a size 39.5 fits on a foot with a circumference of 26.5 cmI bought these cross-trainers without trying them on.

I've gained 20 kg over the last few years and my foot has spread a bit, so I've been having trouble finding shoes that fit. I was pretty sure I was still a 39-40 (mostly 40), but in reality, even 40s often felt too tight and uncomfortable.

It's not easy to measure the length of your foot with a ruler or tape measure. A friend suggested I look up a template online to help determine my foot length: you stand on it, draw around your foot with a pencil, and see how long it is. I measured 26.5 cm, which corresponds to a standard 41 size. Yeah, it's not exactly feminine, but I'd rather wear comfortable shoes than squeeze my foot into a 39, especially since I'm a girl!

The Skechers people seem to have their own size grading system. On the label below, you can see the size options for different countries, as well as the foot length in centimeters (26.5). Kudos to them for including this crucial information! That's exactly what I looked for when making my purchase.

And when I got home, I was surprised to find that the sneakers are long and narrow, like skates. They're way longer than my foot, with about an extra centimeter of space. I wasn't disappointed, though - they're not too small, and that's already a plus. Wearing thick socks doesn't make them uncomfortable, and I don't catch my toes on the stairs, so that's a win!

The sneakers are roomy! If I were buying them now, I'd still get the same size. A bit more space isn't a problem, and the shoes don't feel too tight or clunky. They sit on my foot like they were made for it, and I can wear extra socks without any issues.

How they get dirty, how they get cleanedI've been wearing these for 4 months now, and the sole has gotten moderately dirty. I've wiped it clean a couple of times with a damp cloth, and it looks good as new. These photos were taken after the last cleaning.

The fabric part can be easily shaken off and wiped clean when it's dry. I haven't washed these yet, but they still look great and don't smell bad. When the time comes, I'll toss them in the washing machine. My previous Skechers models held up well to washing - I've washed them over 10 times, and the glued parts still look great, nothing's come undone. Plus, the manufacturer says it's okay to wash Skechers Slip-ins BOBS Squad Chaos in the washing machine.

Who they're for, who they're not forThese are also available in a men's model. They're so easy to slip on, you don't even need to use your hands - you don't even need to grab the back of them. They're narrow and stay securely on your foot, so they're perfect for:

I've gotta say, this shoe isn't for everyone. If you've got low arches and skinny legs, especially heels, you might want to think twice. And if you're carrying a bit of extra weight around the middle, you might find it tough to get the laces tied. I've seen pregnant women who haven't experienced swelling having a tough time, and moms who need to get dressed while holding a baby on their hip might find it a bit of a challenge. If you've got issues with your fingers or hands, whether it's arthritis or a condition like after a stroke, you might struggle with the laces. And if you're not a fan of laces or have trouble tying them, this shoe might not be for you. Pet owners might also want to steer clear if their furry friend loves to chew on shoelaces! People with prosthetics, disabilities, or after surgery when you can't bend or exert yourself might also find this shoe a bit tricky. And, of course, fans of the Skechers brand might be a bit disappointed that this model doesn't come in a wider range of sizes.

Now, I know Skechers does offer shoes with different levels of width, which is super convenient. But this particular model is only available in medium width, which might not be ideal for everyone. I think it's also worth noting that this shoe might not be the best choice for long flights. If you take off your shoes and your feet swell, you might struggle to get them back on. The elastic laces are a nice touch, but they can be a bit of a pain if you need to take them off and on frequently.

The textile overlays on the back of these sneakers remind me of the cut of workout tops. TAKEAWAYS I've got two other pairs of sneakers besides these - Ribiokis and regular Adidas on laces. I completely forgot about them after I started wearing the Skechers Slip-Ins. It's not even about the laces, it's just that this model is a whole new level of comfort that I don't want to give up on. Especially when they stretch out a bit and become less tight. Yeah, at first, they were a bit constricting when I was walking uphill, and I didn't even want to take them off.

I wore my red sneakers almost 5 months - from fall to the first icy patch. I only took them off because the sole is super slippery on ice. When it was cold, I wore two socks - it was still better than any other shoe I own, even the ones that are insulated for the season. I wore them until they got a bit worn out.

At first, it was because the model is pretty narrow and stiff, and my legs would get sore, especially one of them, which is bigger than the other. And then the shoes just got worn out, and I didn't want to take them off.

I can slip them on without help, no bending or squatting; I don't need to untie them, and any other lace-up shoe seems fake by comparison; They're lightweight, and I don't want to take them off; They look great, even in a larger size and resemble skis; They don't chafe; They don't get annoying; They stay put on my foot, no slapping. CONS:

I don't want to wear any other shoes after wearing these.They won't fit wide or swollen feet.They're only suitable for low-heeled shoes.The sole can be slippery on icy surfaces, but they're not designed for winter.They're a bit large, but it's hard to get the wrong size, and even larger sizes don't feel clumsy.They might be uncomfortable during long flights.These sneakers are a whole new level of comfort. I didn't know such a thing existed, but now I'll be looking for these features in my next sneakers (the back, laces, and heel counter). They'll be perfect for narrow feet, but not ideal for wider ones.

I find them flawless, but I'm wearing them with pleasure and don't want to take them off. I really like their visual appeal, despite their length. They're lightweight, sit well, and keep my foot in place, although they're not always comfortable in the heel area. From me, 4 stars and a genuine recommendation, but only for narrow or moderately wide feet. They're more suitable for cooler weather, not hot or snowy conditions.