The Skechers SKX 2 brings the brand’s emphasis on comfort to players who like to dictate the rhythm of a game. Its soft upper has a little give, creating a forgiving feel that I’d pair with measured touches, purposeful passing and well-timed movement. The emphasis is on setting the pace, recognising openings and choosing when to accelerate, with the ball doing much of the work.
SKX 02 Quick Verdict
Yes, it is indeed one of the most comfortable boots out there. I feel that my feet are less beat up because of the cushioning on the insole and that the upper does not give that restrictive wrap. Its implications on objective performance is I think where people might have questions about the boot. For someone like me who is open to boots that provides a soothing counter to the rigours of the game, I’m up for something like the Skechers SKX 02.
SKX technology, translated
You immediately sense the pliability of the upper right out of the box. That is because the cage texture is weaved directly onto the knit instead of pressing onto it via the skin overlay (like how it was with the SKX 01). The upper becomes relatively structured towards the quarter, but overall the softness is still there, consistent with Skecher’s emphasis on comfort. The upper is thin, but the prominence of the texture gives it a slight dampening and tactile effect
- 20-30 mins into your first session, the already pliable upper becomes even more so.
- Twist and turns provide that natural material flexibility.
- Receiving and striking the ball.
Whereas even some of the mainstream brands would use ordinary sockliner for their boots, Skechers use their proprietary Hyper Burst Pro cushioning technology to support your underfoot experience. On top of that, silicone grip dots are spread throughout the sockliner and around the heel to grab your feet in place ala grip socks.
- You don’t feel beat up even after a full match, because of the impact absorption of the underfoot cushioning.
- Less internal boot slide especially around the heel and on top of the sockliner itself
Initially, you’ll feel a really stiff mid with a noticeable forefoot snap. However, the outsole eventually softens up a bit more, allowing a more natural flex for twisting and turning but slightly reducing the responsiveness felt the first time you wear the boot.
- You have started to break-in the boot.
- You start pushing off explosively out of a cut and probably noticing it doesn’t propel you that much as before (not to mention that slight give of the upper)
Fit and feel
| Length | True-to-size, but the low, pointy profile might just cause a snug wrap around the toes and a few millimeters of space in front of them. |
|---|---|
| Width | Closer to average width than genuinely wide. The stretchy knitted tongue and collar allows you to easily open it up, while the give of the upper provides adaptability to wider shapes (though at the same time it arguably makes the SKX 02 feel one of the most snug in terms of wrapping around wide feet). |
| Best foot shape | Average to moderately wide, especially when the extra width is more on the forefoot rather than the midfoot. |
| Sizing down | Not recommended. But could possibly work for those with extremely narrow feet. |
| Heel lockdown | Certainly aided with the grip silicone dots. But the shape is slightly wider than average, which makes the SKX even more wide-fit leaning. |
Match Conditions where the SKX 2 Stand Out
Dictating possession
The pliable knit and textured upper suit repeated receiving, adjusting and passing, where a comfortable, consistent feel on the ball matters.
Setting up a pass or shot
I’d associate the dampening effect of the upper’s texture with taking a purposeful first touch, setting your foot and making clean contact.
Longer matches where comfort becomes a priority
The accommodating feel of the knit and padding around the heel are useful qualities when you want the boot to remain comfortable throughout play.
Who is the Skechers SKX 02 for?
Players who receive, scan and circulate possession, choosing when to increase the tempo.
Those who value a secure, supportive feel when taking a touch and distributing.
Players who receive into feet, protect possession and bring teammates into the game.
Those who like some grip on the upper for receiving, passing and manipulating the ball.
The stretchy knitted tongue and give of the upper provide a close wrap up to noticeably wide feet. The width on the heel also requires some natural bulk from one’s heel to fill in.
Those who appreciate pliable knit, heel padding and gentle cushioning underfoot.
SKX vs Other Comparable Boots
SKX 2
|
Phantom 6
|
Future 9
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Job on the pitch | Dictate play through receiving, passing and clean striking | Receive in tight areas, turn and play the next ball | Create through movement: turning, dribbling and changing direction |
| Upper | Soft Performance FitKnit with P.S.C. texture | Tuned Gripknit with a tacky surface | One-piece FUZIONFIT with Fuzionpods and GripControl Pro |
| Underfoot | Supportive chassis with gentle HYPER BURST PRO cushioning | Cyclone 360 traction for planting and pivoting | Firm FLEXGILITY plate shaped for pivots |
| Touch | Soft, lightly textured contact | Closer, tackier connection | Substantial, informative feedback |
| Choose it for | Controlling the rhythm, a pliable upper and comfort throughout play | Close ball feel, surface grip and quick turns | Tight spaces, multidirectional movement and a substantial upper |
SKX 2 vs Nike Phantom 6
I’d lean towards the SKX 2 if I wanted a comfortable knit wrap and a little cushioning beneath my foot, with some texture on the ball. The Phantom 6 would tempt me if I preferred the ball to feel closer and liked a noticeably tackier touch. Gripknit makes that connection a bigger part of the experience, while Cyclone 360 adds another reason to choose it if planting and turning are high on the list.
SKX 2 vs Puma Future 9
The Future 9 has a more substantial character, with pronounced Fuzionpods across the upper and a firm FLEXGILITY plate underneath. I’d choose it if I enjoyed feeling that texture against the ball and wanted a solid platform for twisting and pivoting. The SKX 2 would get my money if I preferred a pliable knit upper, subtler surface texture and gentle cushioning underfoot. That choice comes down to how much structure and texture you enjoy having around your foot.
Final SKX 2 Verdict
Skechers SKX 2: FootballBoots Verdict
Buy it if
- You like to dictate play through passing and controlled first touches
- You prefer a pliable knit upper with a little give
- You enjoy subtle grip texture when receiving and striking
- You value heel padding and gentle cushioning underfoot
- You want a secure midfoot wrap and a supportive platform
Avoid it if
- You want the most responsive boot
- You want a substantial upper material feel
- You want more snap from the outsole