There’s something unassumingly serene about Aarey Colony in Mumbai. Nestled between the chaos of Goregaon and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Aarey is a rare urban forest that’s become a sanctuary for runners, walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. This patch of green is where I decided to take the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit for a real-world test.
Why Aarey? Because it offers a unique blend of terrain, well-worn tarmac, gravel paths, muddy trails, and shaded canopies that simulate a mix of seasons and surfaces. And if a walking shoe can perform here, it can pretty much perform anywhere.
Let’s dive into how the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit held up under the canopy of trees, the occasional drizzle, and the unrelenting Mumbai humidity.
First Impressions and Fit
Straight out of the box, the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit impresses with its plush silhouette. You can tell it’s not trying to be minimal or sleek, it’s unapologetically chunky, and that’s a good thing. Slide your foot in, and it’s like stepping onto a memory foam mattress.
The shoe fits true to size. I wear a US Men’s 10, and it hugged my feet securely without being overly tight. The width was generous, particularly in the forefoot, which is a blessing for someone like me with slightly wide feet. The Arch Fit system, which is podiatrist-certified, immediately makes its presence felt, it cradles your arch without being intrusive.
In Aarey, the terrain can quickly switch from smooth to gritty, and having a secure fit meant I wasn’t constantly adjusting or feeling slippage.
Technical Specifications
We rely on Skechers’s official site for technical data so you get the right info every time.
| Feature | Measurement / Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.0 oz (312g) |
| Heel Stack Height | 36.0 mm |
| Forefoot Stack Height | 27.4 mm |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8.6 mm |
| Midsole Softness | 17.0 HA (50% softer than avg) |
| Energy Return | 45.7% |
| Flexibility (Stiffness) | 15.8N |
| Breathability | 4/5 |
| Torsional Rigidity | 4/5 |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | 2/5 |
| Outsole Hardness | 80.6 HC |
| Outsole Durability (Drill) | 0.2 mm depth |
| Insole Thickness | 5.4 mm |
| Toebox Width | 99.2 mm |
| Midsole Width (Forefoot) | 116.1 mm |
| Midsole Width (Heel) | 96.9 mm |
| Arch Support | Stability |
| Insole | Removable Ortholite |
| Material | Mesh Upper |
| Closure | Laces |
| Use | Walking, Recovery, Flat Feet |
The Walk: From Aarey Market to Chhota Kashmir
My walk started from the Aarey Market area, a bustling part of the colony with narrow, uneven roads and a lot of foot traffic. Here, maneuverability is key. Despite the shoe’s bulk, it felt surprisingly nimble, thanks to its wide platform and secure fit.
Crossing over to the main Aarey road, the terrain opens up. The surface here is mostly tarmac but peppered with potholes and loose gravel. This is where the Max Cushioning Arch Fit’s outsole design came into play. The Goodyear rubber patches on the heel and forefoot provided excellent grip. Wet patches from the early morning dew didn’t faze the shoe, and I felt confident on every step.
By the time I reached Chhota Kashmir, a lush, tranquil lake area within Aarey, I had walked close to 4 km. My feet still felt fresh. The midsole’s softness (17.0 HA, which is significantly softer than average) ensured that ground impact was absorbed efficiently. It didn’t have the springy energy return that some people may prefer, but for walking, especially if you have any foot conditions like overpronation or flat feet, the stable cushioning is a blessing.
Breathability and Heat Management in Mumbai’s Humidity
Walking in Aarey means dealing with high humidity, especially during the pre-monsoon months. It’s a sweat fest, and shoes that don’t breathe well can turn into miniature saunas.
Thankfully, the Max Cushioning Arch Fit’s mesh upper passed the breathability test. During my walk, the airflow wasn’t obvious, but my feet didn’t overheat. I didn’t experience the soggy sock syndrome, which is often the case with heavily cushioned shoes.
Post-walk, I inspected the upper and found it dry to the touch. This is especially noteworthy because the shoe has a thick Ortholite insole, which can sometimes trap heat.
Stability and Support on Varied Terrains
The path from Chhota Kashmir to the picnic spot near Aarey dairy is a mix of soft dirt trails, embedded stones, and occasional tree roots. This is where most walking shoes lose their edge. But the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit remained composed.
Its 8.6 mm drop, combined with a wide heel (96.9 mm) and forefoot (116.1 mm), created a stable base. I never felt my ankle wobble, even during a brief off-road detour. The torsional rigidity (4/5) was evident. The shoe didn’t twist with the terrain, which gave me confidence, especially crossing a shallow stream using slippery rocks.
The arch support, a standout feature, did its job consistently. My feet were aligned and supported throughout, and I could feel the difference compared to neutral walking shoes.
Durability Test: Aarey’s Rough Love
Aarey is a great place for testing durability. The roads are unforgiving, with a mix of asphalt, broken concrete, and gravel. After two hours of walking and occasional jogging, I checked the outsole and toebox.
The Goodyear rubber outsole held up exceptionally well. There was no noticeable wear, and the outsole hardness (80.6 HC) meant it didn’t collect stones or debris. The toebox, which endured a couple of accidental scrapes against rocks, showed no signs of fraying.
Even the heel padding, often a weak point in walking shoes, remained intact and provided a snug feel. The Dremel test results (heel padding durability 4/5) matched my real-world experience.
The Weight Factor
At 11 oz (312g), the Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit isn’t a featherweight. Initially, I was concerned that the weight might be noticeable, especially in a long walk. Surprisingly, the weight is well-distributed, and the plush ride more than compensates for the added grams.
Also, because the shoe doesn’t flex too much (15.8N stiffness), each step feels deliberate and supported. It’s not a shoe for speed walking, but for long, leisurely walks or even standing for hours (think waiting in queues or working in hospitals), it’s ideal.
Final Stretch and Afterthoughts
When I finally reached the Aarey Milk Colony gate, my smartwatch showed 9.1 km. My feet? Still happy. No hotspots, no blisters, no fatigue. The Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit might not win style awards in the minimalist category, but for what it offers in comfort and support, it’s unmatched.
Back at home, I removed the insole to let the shoe air out. The removable Ortholite insert was dry and odor-free. The inside of the shoe looked barely used, a testament to its build quality.
Who Is This Shoe For?
This shoe is a godsend for walkers who suffer from flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or overpronation. If you need a shoe that can handle long hours on your feet or uneven terrain without sacrificing comfort, this is it.
However, if you’re looking for something ultra-light or extremely flexible, this might not be the perfect fit. Skechers GOWalk Joy or even the Summits line might suit you better in that case.
Conclusion
The Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit walked the talk, literally, through the diverse terrain of Aarey Colony. Whether it was the quiet roads flanked by trees, the uneven trails, or the bustling market areas, these shoes offered unwavering support, breathability, and comfort.
So, would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially if your definition of a good walking shoe includes words like “supportive,” “plush,” and “stable.”
And hey, if it can survive Aarey, it can survive just about anywhere.
