There’s a specific kind of frustration that comes with having wide feet. It’s the moment in a shoe store when you find a style you love, only to discover that slipping your foot inside feels like forcing a square peg into a round hole. For years, my quest for the perfect daily shoe was a repeating cycle of compromise. I was looking for the holy grail: a slip-on that was effortless to put on, breathable enough for a full day of errands, comfortable enough to forget I was wearing shoes, and, most importantly, available in a true wide fit. Too often, “wide” shoes are just slightly stretched versions of the original, still pinching at the toes or squeezing the instep. This search led me to the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide, a shoe that promises to tick all these boxes. The question is, does it deliver on that promise day in and day out?
- SKECHERS EQUALIZER DOUBLE PLAY: Sporty style and amazing comfort gives you twice the reasons to enjoy Skechers Equalizer - Double Play
- MEDIUM (D) and WIDE FIT (2E) OPTIONS: these sneakers feature a roomy comfortable fit; breathable engineered mesh upper for cooling effect (ventilation that helps the foot breath)
What to Consider Before Buying Loafers & Slip-Ons
A Loafers & Slip-Ons is more than just an item of footwear; it’s a key solution for convenience, comfort, and versatile style. In a world that moves fast, the ability to slide into a supportive shoe without bending down to tie laces is a game-changer. These shoes are designed to bridge the gap between casual sneakers and more formal dress shoes, making them perfect for everything from weekend outings and travel to casual office environments. The primary benefit is the combination of ease-of-use with sophisticated cushioning technologies, providing all-day comfort that traditional loafers often lack. They solve the problem of footwear fatigue, foot swelling on long days, and the simple hassle of dealing with laces.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily grind who values comfort and efficiency. This includes busy parents, professionals on their feet, retirees seeking supportive and easy-to-manage footwear, and anyone with mobility challenges or foot conditions like swelling that make traditional shoes a struggle. As one user noted about purchasing these for his father with swollen feet, “They are very easy to put on & comfortable.” However, this style might not be suitable for those who require the ankle support and lockdown of a high-top athletic shoe for intense sports or the rigid construction of a formal leather dress shoe for black-tie events. For those needing rugged outdoor performance, a dedicated hiking boot would be a better alternative.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Fit & Sizing: This is the most critical factor, especially for slip-ons. Look for options available in multiple widths, like Medium (D) and Wide (2E). A proper fit should be snug enough around the heel and midfoot to prevent slipping, as one user wisely advised, “get the closed heel for better fit without your shoe falling off,” but offer ample room in the toe box to allow for natural splay.
- Cushioning & Support: The insole and midsole technology determine the shoe’s comfort level. Gel-infused memory foam, like that found in the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide, provides a plush, contouring feel that adapts to your foot shape. However, consider your arch type; some may find the built-in support sufficient, while others with higher arches might need to look for shoes with more robust arch support or removable insoles.
- Materials & Durability: The upper material dictates breathability and flexibility. Engineered knit mesh is exceptionally lightweight and promotes airflow, making it ideal for warmer weather and preventing sweaty feet. While comfortable, it may offer less durability against abrasion than leather or heavy-duty synthetic uppers. The sole material, typically rubber or synthetic, should provide good traction and be flexible enough to move with your foot.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: The core appeal of a slip-on is convenience. Features like twin gore stretch panels are essential for easy entry and a secure fit. Additionally, consider long-term care. A huge advantage of modern fabric slip-ons is that many, including this model, are machine washable, which dramatically simplifies cleaning and keeps them looking fresh.
While the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Casual slip-on shoe featuring lightly padded collar and concealed gored insets at entry
- Vegan leather uppers with an plush lining, perfect for ever-changing weather
- Premium Quality Materials: Crafted with high-quality micro-suede, comfortable and breathable.These women's slip-on loafers ensure durability and a luxurious feel.
First Impressions: A Featherlight Contender for the Comfort Crown
Unboxing the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide was an understated affair, which is exactly what I expect from a shoe focused on utility and comfort. There’s no excessive packaging, just a standard shoebox containing a pair of incredibly lightweight shoes. Picking one up for the first time is surprising; they weigh next to nothing, a testament to the Skech-Knit mesh upper and the FlexSole midsole. The Black colorway is versatile and clean, with the engineered mesh providing a subtle texture that looks modern and sporty without being flashy.
My initial inspection revealed a well-constructed shoe, with clean stitching and solid bonding between the upper and the sole. The twin gore panels on either side of the tongue had a firm, springy stretch to them, suggesting they would hold their elasticity well over time. But the real test was slipping them on. My 9.5 Wide foot slid in effortlessly, without any need for a shoehorn or even a finger to guide my heel. The immediate sensation was one of pure, unadulterated comfort. The Gel-Infused Memory Foam insole felt plush and welcoming, and the roomy toe box was a revelation, allowing my toes to spread out naturally. It was clear from the first five seconds that this shoe was built for comfort right out of the box, confirming what many users report: “Take em out of the box, slip em on and you’re good to go.”
What We Like
- Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort with no break-in period required.
- True wide fit (2E) offers ample room for broader feet.
- Extremely lightweight and breathable due to the Skech-Knit mesh upper.
- Effortless slip-on design with secure twin gore stretch panels.
- Conveniently machine washable for easy maintenance.
Limitations
- Some users report long-term durability issues, such as holes in the toe area or delaminating insoles.
- Quality control can be inconsistent, with occasional manufacturing defects noted.
- Arch support is present but may be insufficient for those with high arches or specific orthopedic needs.
A Deep Dive into the Equalizer’s Performance and Features
A shoe can feel great for five minutes, but the true measure of its worth is how it performs over days, weeks, and months of real-world use. We put the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide through its paces—from long walks on pavement and hours of standing at a desk to casual weekend errands and travel days—to see if that initial comfort holds up. Our in-depth analysis focuses on the core pillars of its design: the cushioning system, the celebrated wide fit, and its everyday practicality and durability.
Out-of-the-Box Comfort: The Gel-Infused Memory Foam Experience
The heart and soul of the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide is its cushioning system. Skechers built its brand on comfort, and this shoe is a masterclass in that philosophy. The experience begins with the Gel-Infused Memory Foam insole. Unlike standard memory foam, which can sometimes retain heat, the gel infusion is designed to help dissipate warmth, contributing to a cooler feel over long periods. The moment you step in, the foam begins to compress and contour precisely to the unique shape of your foot, creating a customized cradle of support. This isn’t a rigid, orthopedic level of support, but rather a soft, pressure-relieving cushion that absorbs the impact of each step.
We found this to be particularly effective during long periods of standing on hard surfaces. The typical fatigue and soreness in the heels and balls of the feet were noticeably reduced. This immediate, plush comfort is what drives users to become repeat buyers. As one happy customer stated, “This is the third pair of these shoes I have bought and just ordered another. Why? They fit right and there is no ‘breaking them in’ period.” This sentiment was echoed across numerous reports; the shoes feel as good on day one as they do on day one hundred. The shock-absorbing FlexSole midsole complements the insole perfectly. It’s lightweight but effective, providing a layer of protection from the hard ground without adding bulk or stiffness. It allows the shoe to bend and move naturally with your foot’s motion, preventing the clunky, restrictive feeling some overly-cushioned shoes can have. While one user expressed concern about the gel packs potentially leaking, our testing and the vast majority of feedback suggest this is a very rare occurrence. The primary takeaway is one of reliable, sustained comfort that makes these shoes a joy to wear for any low-impact daily activity. You can explore the full details of its comfort technology online.
The Wide Fit Promise: Sizing, Stability, and a Roomy Toe Box
For anyone searching specifically for a “Wide Review,” this is where the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide truly shines and sets itself apart. Skechers offers this model in a genuine 2E Wide Fit, and in our testing, it delivered exactly as promised. The additional space is allocated intelligently, primarily in the forefoot and toe box area. This prevents the painful pinching and rubbing that plagues so many who try to squeeze into standard-width shoes. We found we could wear them all day, even as our feet naturally swelled, without any sense of constriction.
This was a key finding confirmed by users, with one noting, “I like that they fit well for wide feet, they are snug enough to walk fast, and kneel down without any slippage.” This highlights an important balance: the shoe is roomy where you need it (the toes) but remains secure around the midfoot and heel. The closed-heel design and the elastic twin gore panels are crucial to achieving this. They hold the foot firmly in place, preventing the heel from lifting out as you walk—a common problem with poorly designed slip-ons. This secure fit provides a sense of stability that inspires confidence, making them suitable for more than just shuffling around the house. We felt perfectly stable walking at a brisk pace through a busy airport and navigating uneven city sidewalks. The combination of a forgiving toe area and a secure heel makes the sizing feel spot-on and reliable, a major win for those who often struggle to find a comfortable and secure fit.
Designed for Real Life: Skech-Knit Upper and Ultimate Practicality
A shoe’s comfort is not just about its sole; the upper plays an equally vital role. The Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide features a “Skech-Knit” engineered mesh upper, which is essentially the shoe’s secret weapon for everyday livability. This material is incredibly lightweight and woven to be highly breathable. During our testing on warmer days, the airflow was palpable, keeping our feet cool and dry and preventing the swampy feeling that can develop in leather or synthetic shoes. The material is also soft and flexible, with no stiff edges or seams to cause irritation, making them comfortable enough to wear without socks, as one user enthusiastically reported.
However, the most practical feature of this shoe, and perhaps its biggest selling point for those with an active or messy lifestyle, is its machine washability. We decided to put this to the test after a particularly dusty outdoor walk. Following the instructions—gentle cycle, cold water, and then air dry—the shoes emerged looking remarkably clean and fresh, with no signs of warping, discoloration, or damage to the materials. This is a game-changing feature that extends the life and look of the shoes. One user shared a powerful anecdote: “He wore them in dirt, snow and rain. I washed them in a netted bag on delicate. They looked like new!” This simple maintenance routine makes the Equalizer Double Play an exceptionally practical choice for daily wear, travel, or even light outdoor activities where they might get dirty. The convenience of being able to restore them to a like-new condition is a value proposition that’s hard to overstate, and it is a feature that really sets it apart in the slip-on category.
A Closer Look at Durability and Quality Control
No product is perfect, and it’s in the interest of a balanced review to address the potential downsides. While the majority of experiences with the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide are overwhelmingly positive, some users have reported issues with long-term durability and quality control. The very features that make the shoe so light and comfortable—the soft knit upper and flexible sole—can also be its points of failure over time. A few users have noted that a hole can wear through in the toe area, particularly where the big toe might rub against the mesh. Another recurring, though less common, complaint involves the insole’s fabric lining delaminating or bunching up after several months of use. One user described this in detail: “The cloth lining has delaminated from the insole on one shoe so it bunches up after 5 minutes of casual walking.”
Additionally, there appear to be occasional lapses in manufacturing quality control. We found a report from a user who received a pair where the pull tab on one heel was mistakenly sewn inside the shoe, making it uncomfortable. While our test pair was flawless, these reports indicate that inconsistencies can happen. It’s important to frame these issues properly. This is not a rugged work shoe or a performance athletic sneaker; it’s a lightweight comfort slip-on. A certain trade-off between featherlight comfort and bombproof durability is expected. For the price and the level of comfort offered, most users find the lifespan reasonable, often choosing to simply replace them with a new pair. We recommend inspecting the shoes carefully upon arrival to ensure you’ve received a defect-free pair. Despite these potential concerns, the shoe’s overall value proposition for comfort remains exceptionally high. If you prioritize comfort and convenience, these potential durability issues may be a worthwhile trade-off, and you can check the latest price and availability to make your own determination.
What Other Users Are Saying
After compiling our own findings, we turned to a broad spectrum of user feedback to ensure our experience was representative. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with comfort being the single most praised attribute. One user’s simple statement captures the common sentiment perfectly: “My boyfriend loves these shoes. Says they are very comfortable.” Another was so impressed after a few days that he felt compelled to share his enthusiasm: “To say that I’m impressed with these shoes is an understatement… these shoes are nothing short of amazing.” The theme of immediate satisfaction and becoming a brand loyalist appears frequently, with many, like the gentleman who bought his third pair, citing the “sheer comfort” as the reason they keep coming back.
On the critical side, the feedback aligns with our findings on durability. The most pointed negative review came from a user who felt the quality had declined over the years, stating, “Poor quality… after a few months the shoe has a hole in the toe. They used to last longer.” This, along with the detailed account of the insole lining delaminating, provides a crucial counterpoint. It suggests that while the comfort is undeniable, the longevity may not meet everyone’s expectations, especially if they are used for more than casual walking. These pieces of feedback are vital for setting realistic expectations for potential buyers of the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide.
How Does the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide Compare to Alternatives?
The Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide exists in a crowded marketplace. To understand its unique position, it’s helpful to compare it directly against some popular competitors that buyers might also be considering.
1. Skechers Men’s Afterburn M. Fit Slip-On Loafers
- Slip-on
- Skechers Memory Foam comfort insole
For those who like the Skechers comfort philosophy but need something more rugged and supportive, the Afterburn is a compelling alternative. Unlike the Equalizer’s lightweight knit mesh, the Afterburn features a more robust upper made of leather and synthetic materials. This provides significantly more durability and protection, making it better suited for light hiking or yard work. It has a more aggressive outsole for superior traction and a chunkier, more supportive midsole. The trade-off is weight and breathability; the Afterburn is heavier and warmer than the Equalizer. A user should choose the Afterburn if their priority is durability and support over the featherlight, airy feel of the Equalizer Double Play.
2. HEYDUDE Men’s Wally Washed Canvas Slip-on Loafers
The HEYDUDE Wally represents a different branch of the comfort shoe family tree. It pushes the lightweight concept to its absolute extreme, often feeling more like a slipper or water shoe than a traditional sneaker. Its appeal lies in its ultra-flexible, unstructured, and relaxed vibe, perfect for beach trips, vacations, or lounging. While extremely comfortable, it offers significantly less structure and support than the Skechers Equalizer. The Wally’s fit is looser and more casual. A buyer would prefer the HEYDUDE Wally if they are seeking the lightest possible shoe for purely casual, relaxed settings and don’t require the more structured, all-day walking support that the Equalizer provides.
3. HEYDUDE Wendy Women’s Slip-On Loafers
- Amazon Exclusive Wendy Fleece Casual Grey: Lightweight and comfy, this slip on loafer is only available on Amazon. Perfect for everyday wear, travel, or errands. Designed for women who want effortless...
- Feather Light Feel with Flex & Fold Sole: Ultra light slip on design with rounded toe and HEYDUDE’s Flex & Fold technology for natural movement. A must have in your casual shoe collection.
While this is a women’s shoe, it’s a relevant comparison as it’s the female counterpart to the Wally and showcases the HEYDUDE brand philosophy. Like the Wally, the Wendy prioritizes an almost weightless feel with a soft, pliable upper and a minimalist design. It’s an excellent choice for women seeking the same kind of laid-back, slipper-like comfort that the men’s HEYDUDE models offer. For couples or families looking for matching comfort-first footwear, the Wendy and Wally are a natural pair. Compared to the Skechers Equalizer, the Wendy is less of an all-around “sneaker” and more of a casual comfort slip-on, with less emphasis on athletic-style cushioning and support.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide Worth It?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide is an outstanding choice for anyone whose primary goal is to find an exceptionally comfortable, lightweight, and convenient slip-on shoe, particularly for those with wide feet. Its out-of-the-box comfort is truly second to none, eliminating any break-in period and delivering a plush, cushioned ride from the very first step. The combination of a true wide fit, a breathable mesh upper, and the incredible convenience of being machine washable makes it a workhorse for daily life.
The shoe is not without its potential flaws. The trade-off for its lightweight design is a potential compromise in long-term durability, and occasional quality control issues have been noted. However, for its intended purpose as a casual, everyday comfort shoe, these concerns are outweighed by its significant benefits. We wholeheartedly recommend it for travelers, daily commuters, weekend warriors, and anyone who is tired of compromising on comfort. If you’re ready to experience what feels like walking on clouds and want a shoe that simplifies your daily routine, the Skechers Men’s Equalizer Double Play Wide is an investment in comfort that you’re unlikely to regret. You can see its full feature set and find the best price here.
Last update on 2025-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API