Running Shoe Review – The GOrun Ride by Skechers

I’ll call Skechers GO run Ride a “Transitional Shoe” meaning the heel is lower than traditional running shoes, but not a “Zero Heel Drop” and a little more cushioning in the sole.

The Go run Ride has a 4mm difference between the heel and toe, meaning the heel is 4mm higher than the toe.

This transition shoe is rather unique compared to similar shoes on the market. Let’s just start with the brand, Skechers. When did Skechers get serious about running shoes? The answer is a few years ago. Then they started working with elite marathoner Meb Keflezighi for their first performance running shoe release, the GO run.

Having Meb in your shoes raises interest and lots of runners I coach and see out on the road are trying Skechers.

The GO run Ride offers a little more cushioning than the GO run but they lowered the rise in the arch compared to the Go run.

That was the difference that got me running long distances in this shoe. The GO run Rides have about 3mm of extra cushioning. compared to the GO run.

I have used this shoes in every condition for hundreds of miles and I like them. They are very light weight. The toe box is open, the material used in the upper keeps rocks out and is very breathable. The entire shoe is very flexible.

This shoes is different because, as marketed, it is a mid-foot strike shoe. Skechers makes it very difficult to land on the heel because they have almost a rocker quality. There is really no heel to land on. At worst you land on the front edge of the heel. The rubber used on most of the sole feel soft but doesn’t wear out quickly. They come in many different color combinations.

I recently started using the Skechers GO run Rides for trail running. The trails in So Cal are usually rocky, hard and steep. I like the extra padding for the steep downhills. They are responsive and soft at the same time. The traction in nothing special but I never run in trail specific shoes. They are just too heavy for my taste.

Overall, the Skechers go Run Rides are in my prime rotation lately. Having only been out less than a year I’m impressed. For the $80 price tags it is worth a try if you are in the market for a good cushioned “Transitional Shoe.”

Here’s the information from the Skechers Web site:
Details:
· Innovative placement allows the GOimpulse sensors to move together and independently
· Dynamic interaction helps to enhance sensory feedback and to promote a more responsive run
· M-Strike Technology™ promotes a Mid-Foot Strike
· Radically lightweight – No extra material, no extra weight, nothing to slow you down
· 360 Degree Responsive Flexibility – SKECHERS GOrun flexes and twists allowing your foot to move more naturally
· Sockless Running – Integrated OrthoLite® anti-microbial removable sockliner helps inhibit odor and prevent slippage
· Roomier Forefoot – Extra space to reduce friction and allow your toes to spread, grip and push off
· 4mm Heel Drop – substantially less heel drop than traditional running or training shoes to bring you closer to a natural barefoot experience
· Resalyte™ Midsole – Proprietary lightweight midsole compound provides just the right impact absorption

Construction:
· Nearly weightless synthetic and mesh fabric upper
· Nearly seamless flexible upper with lace up front
· Stay-put tongue
· Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear
· GOrun Ride features a more cushioned Resalyte™ midsole
· Adds a toe-off GOimpulse sensor on sole
· Weight: Radically lightweight 7.8 oz per shoe based on a men’s size 9

Train Focused, Steve Mackel – Head Coach Sole Runners Full and Half Marathon Training Programs