Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 review

Tom's Guide

19-05-2025

The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0s are a great choice for casual runners, like me, looking for the best running shoes but needing a little extra cushioning on their runs.
The arch support and comfortable soles mean they are also perfect for all-day wear, with a mesh upper to keep feet cool. They are totally versatile and perfect for more intense running or a long day of walking. The materials make these shoes incredibly light, making each step feel easy.
The pair I tested was in my usual size, and they fit very wide on me, so that is something to bear in mind if you are looking to pick up a pair of the Elite 2.0s.
You can read my full Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 review to find out more.
Price
$100(USD)/£99/$125(AUD)
Sole material
Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Midsole material
Ultra Go
Outer material
Mesh
Closure
Lace-up
Weight
1.2lbs
The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 shoes are available for purchase from Amazon U.S. for $100. They come in women's sizes 5-9, including half sizes. There are also wider fit versions of the shoe available in full sizes, but the shoes run wide anyway, so bear that in mind.
In the U.K., the shoes are also available on Amazon for £99, or £100 directly from Skechers' online store. They come in women's sizes 2-8, including half sizes. Wide fit options are available in select sizes.
The shoes come in a variety of colors. I tested the Light Blue/Pink colorway, but they are also available in Black, Natural/Pink, Charcoal/Lavender, Navy/Teal, and White. If you tend to run on muddier trails, the darker colors like the Charcoal or Navy will work best, but I liked how the Light Blue brightened my workout outfit.
I wore the Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 in a size 5 and found they run wide, even though they also come in a wide fit. I do have narrow feet, but I couldn't lace them tight enough to hug around the sides of my feet.
But that isn't to say the shoes were uncomfortable by any means. The 2-inch lift from the heel and built-in arch gave plenty of support, and the light materials meant it genuinely felt like my feet were barely touching the ground.
The upper of the shoes is mesh, and I tested the Light Blue/Pink colorway, which has pink detailing painted over the blue mesh. The mesh top means the shoes were very breathable, but in winter months, they would quickly get your socks wet.
The shoes are lace up, and like I said, I couldn't get as tight a fit as I normally like when lacing up to go for a run. I like knowing my feet are secure, but there was some distracting side-to-side movement while running at pace.
While the side walls of the shoe being wide was an issue for me, the wide toe box meant the forefoot felt incredibly comfortable — there's nothing worse than running with squished toes. So the fit is a 'Princess and the Pea' situation for me.
The Skechers have an Ultra Go cushioned midsole made from memory foam and a PU (polyurethane) foam, which work together to create a springy walking experience.
The insoles have Skechers Air-Cooled Goga Mat technology, which provides further cushioning for higher intensity exercise, like running. The Goga Mat tech meant that my feet weren't sinking into the sole like with normal memory foam, but were being more firmly supported, as if I were walking on one of the best yoga mats.
The insole also has arch support to further stabilize the foot.
The Elite 2.0s have a flexible traction outsole. However, I found the grip isn't the best.
While I thought they were great in dry conditions and for treadmill training, these bouncy soles wouldn't be ideal for trail running, especially in wet weather.
The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 are super comfortable to run in and offer great arch support while remaining bouncy to propel you forward — it's no wonder they are hailed as dupes for the Hoka Clifton 9 trainers.
The Elite 2.0s have Natural Rocker technology (in layman's terms: a slightly curving, or 'rocking,' sole) that provides a smooth transition from heel to toe. This worked amazingly for me; the heel lift helped me tilt my body forward and gain a little more momentum.
I felt like on the days I was running in the Skechers, there was less strain on my knees. The cushioning in the shoes absorbed the shock of my feet hitting the pavement. This is a result of the combination of the Ultra Go midsoles and Air-Cooled Goga Mat technology. The same technology is present in Skechers' GO RUN Lite sneakers.
I'll admit, I've probably needed to invest in a new pair of sneakers for a little while now. This fact was brought home when I set a new 5K personal record the first time I wore these shoes.
As with any sneakers, keeping them in pristine condition can seem like a chore at times. The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 shoes are easy to clean by throwing them into a cold cycle in one of the best washing machines and then leaving them to air dry.
The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite 2.0 offers everything a casual runner could possibly need. From the amazing arch support to the cushioned 2-inch heel lift to propel you forward, they're pretty much perfect.
If you are clocking serious miles, you may want to spring for something sturdier like the Saucony Hurricane 24s, which are slightly heavier than the incredibly light Elite 2.0s, but are better for slower runs at longer distances.
The Skechers are perfect for the quick daily 5ks and keep me comfortably cushioned on my runs, but I don't think they are surviving any marathons.