Skechers Max Cushioning series is designed for exceptional comfort and support. Superior cushioning is the key feature of the shoes. Skechers Max Cushioning Elite and Premier belong to the same series of shoes.
There are some subtle differences between the shoes. What are they? This article will give you a complete overview of Skechers Max Cushioning Elite vs. Premier. Keep reading to find out all about it.
✒️Which Skechers Have the Most Cushioning?
If you are looking for the most cushioned Skechers, the Max Cushioning series is the best. Skechers Max Cushioning is known for comfort. The Max Cushioning Elite and Max Cushioning Premier are two of the most popular shoes in the lineup. The shoes are available for both men and women in different color variations.
The Max Cushioning series shoes have a breathable design, maximum cushioning and incredible support for runners. If you are looking for a max-cushioned shoe for long-distance running, Skechers Max Cushioning shoes are the best choice.
✒️Skechers Max Cushioning Elite vs Premier- 9 key differences
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite and Premier are very similar. If you are looking for a well-cushioned running shoe, you will be happy with either one of them. However, you should know the differences between the shoes. Some features of the shoe are the same and some are different. Let’s compare the shoes.
✤ Comfort
Max Cushioning Elite has a bulky midsole. It boasts a mammoth forefoot stack height of 26 mm. There is enough padding between your foot and the road. So, your feet will have ample protection while you run. If you are new to running or back from an injury, this is a perfect shoe for you.
The Max Cushioning Premier uses the Ultra Go technology of Skechers for maximum comfort. The technology makes the shoe well-cushioned and responsive. This shoe is also comfortable like the Elite but fits a bit tight. If you need extra space, this may not be good for you.
✤ Weight
The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite is not a lightweight shoe. Because of the bulky design and excessive cushioning, the shoe weighs 355 gram. If you want to run fast, this shoe is not ideal at all. It will hold you back because of the weight.
On the contrary, the Max Cushioning Premier is fairly lightweight compared to the prior. It weighs about 280 gram. The Premier is a better choice if you want a well-cushioned shoe but don’t want to compromise performance.
✤ Breathability
Both the Max Cushioning Elite and the Premier have a breathable upper. Engineered mesh fabric constructs the upper of the shoes. The fabric is lightweight, durable and breathable. The shoes are great for hot summer days. The flow of fresh air will keep your feet dry and prevent foot diseases.
✤ Flexibility
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite has great flexibility. It’s understandable because of the heavy padding. But too much flexibility is a bad thing in a running shoe. Thankfully, the Elite has the right amount of stiffness to prevent improper foot movement inside the shoe.
Skechers Max Cushioning Premier has moderate flexibility. It’s not as flexible as the Elite. However, it’s not a bad thing in a running shoe. The stiffness holds your foot in place and gives you a better energy return so you can run faster. If you are a seasoned runner and need pace, the Max Cushioning Premier is a better choice.
✤ Pronation
You need to find the right pronation while picking a running shoe. Both Max Cushioning Elite and Max Cushioning Premier support three types of pronation- neutral pronation, supination, and under pronation. So, you will be okay with all types of pronation with this shoe.
✤ Heel-to-toe drop
The heel-to-toe drop in Max Cushioning Elite and Premier are the same. Both of the shoes have decent padding and have a heel-to-toe drop of 6mm.
✤ Toe box
The toe box in Skechers Max Cushioning is spacious. If you have normal foot width, you may find the shoe too spacious. You may need to wear a thick sock if the toe box feels more spacious than you need. However, if you have wide feet, the Max Cushioning Elite is great for you.
The Max Cushioning Premier has a narrow toe box compared to the Max Cushioning Elite. As I have wide feet, I found the toe box a bit tight. So, if you have wide feet, the toe box may feel a bit tighter on the Premier.
✤ Colorways
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite has a lot of color options. You can choose from 17 colorways. The colors are vibrant and attractive.
On the other hand, you only have two color choices in Max Cushioning Premier for men. The women’s Max Cushioning Premier comes in 8 colorways.
✤ Price
The Max Cushioning Elite and the Max Cushioning Premier have the same price. The shoes range from $105-$120 depending on the color and design choice. Both shoes come in different colors and designs.
✤ Availability
Max Cushioning Elite sells more. So, Skechers produces this model more. Skechers Max Cushioning Elite is available on its website and retail websites and physical shops. Max Cushioning Premier is also available but you will not find many models apart from Skecher’s website.
Summary
Skechers Max Cushioning Elite and Max Cushioning Premier share a lot of similarities. The shoes have the same price and almost the same design and materials. However, there are many major differences between the two shoes.
The Max Cushioning Elite is quite a heavy shoe because of the excessive padding. If you need maximum cushioning, this shoe will be good for you. But keep in mind, that you will not get speed from this shoe because of the weight and padding. The padding will save you from impact-borne injuries. If you have recovered from an injury, start with this one. Also, if you are new to running, you can start with this shoe.
The Max Cushioning Elite is great for slow-paced training. So, if you are not concerned with pace, the Max Cushioning Elite is an excellent shoe.
The Max Cushioning Premier is lighter compared to the Elite. The shoe will feel a bit tighter and stiffer than the Elite. If you have some experience running and want better performance, max Cushioning Premier will be a better choice. The shoe is still generously padded. You will not get the barefoot running experience. Unless you are a competitive runner, this might not be an issue for you.