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Curiosity has consequences – like my unplanned visit to the Skechers booth at ISPO 2020. Afterwards I was allowed to test two models extensively and I am quite surprised by the result myself.
Sponsored Post: Skechers provided me with the products for this review at my request. This had no influence on the content of my post. The article is written indipendently and reflects exclusively my personal experiences.
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Skechers GORun 7
Skechers GORun 7
135Â Euro
6 Wochen
I have to admit: I don’t quite understand the lineup at Skechers. Generally it is clear that you’ll find the running shoes in the “Performance” section and the shoes there are all called “GORUN”. Even then the choice is still huge. Fortunately, there was another very important criterion for me: I wanted to test shoes with the new Hyper-Burst cushioning. So only a few models come into question – like the GORun 7.
As you can see, it is also a rather unusual model. The knitted upper material promises a sock-like fit and the sole geometry a smooth run.
The actual outsole consists only of isolated elements, but these are well distributed over the entire surface. But the highlight is the special Hyper-Burst cushioning.
The manufacturing process promises extreme lightness and durability combined with a special ability to react – according to Skechers. In any case, you can see in detail that the structure of the cushioning foam already differs from normal EVA or TPU materials.
The heel and the collar of the shoe are pulled up quite high and should ensure a good fit. They are supported by the “lockdown” lacing which covers the midfoot.
With 505 grams for both shoes in my size, the Skechers GORun 7 clearly belongs into the feather weight category. Only very light competition shoes, which I would only wear for a maximum of 10k, can be found there.
While running the shoe is hardly noticeable on the foot. But the run feeling has nothing to do with minimal competition shoes. It’s quite the opposite: the GORun 7 has the comfort of a good all-rounder.
That is… once you get the lacing right. Unfortunately, the sock-like fit of the upper material is probably designed for much more voluminous feet than I had brought for running. With me the lacing almost “kisses” and the non-existent tongue throws a big wrinkle. Interestingly enough, this does not bother me at all while running. The GORun 7 easily belongs in the TOP3 of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. You just shouldn’t look so closely… ;)
I cannot praise the Hyper Burst sole enough. I have rarely experienced such a “bounce” and certainly never before in such a light shoe. The special geometry also seems to be optimized for midfoot runners, because the shoe does not necessarily invite you to land on the heel despite the “soft” cushioning. And so I can’t think of any run or competition to which I wouldn’t want to wear the shoe:
Suitability
Skechers GORun Ride 8
Skechers GORun Ride 8
125Â Euro
6 Wochen
Unlike the GORun 7, the GORun Ride 8 is more conventional. However, the upper is also made of a knitted material that promises similar comfort.
The cushioning is also made of the Hyper-Burst material praised above, but it feels a bit stiffer while running than the GORun 7’s. The positioning of the neutral shoe is probably a different one: as the name “Ride” suggests, it has more of a durable all-rounder.
Accordingly, the outsole is a more complete design. Skechers has chosen Goodyear as a partner for the rubber compound – and is following a similar path to adidas, which has Continental on board.
The heel and the entry is comfortably padded. The pull-on is equipped with eye-catching reflectors.
The Skechers GORun Ride 8 weighs 647 grams and is therefore easily medium weight, where all the other all-rounders cavort – for example also the Saucony Ride 10.
While the Saucony Ride has come closer and closer to the Kinvara, Skechers delivers a shoe that really fits this segment. The hyper-burst cushioning of the GORun Ride 8 doesn’t have as much of a bounce as in the GORun 7, but it’s not far from it either. I also like the somewhat “harder” cushioning for long runs much better because it gives the foot a bit more stability.
The Ride also has a relatively large volume in the front part of the shoe, but the lacing grips much better than its colleague. In addition, however, there is a little more material that comes along with the corresponding comfort.
Suitability
Conclusion
Especially the GORun 7 has the potential to knock my all-time favourite shoe, the Kinvara, from its throne (a surprised murmur would be appropriate here). The GORun Ride 8 is also certainly one of the best shoes in his category that I have ever worn. That’s why I’m extremely curious about the Razor 3 and the GORun Speed TRL, both of which I already had in my hands at the ISPO.
Nevertheless, Skechers still has some work to do: both shoes offer a little too much volume and thus tend to wrinkle. For the GORun 7, a model update has been announced for this year (GORun 7+), which apparently offers the same cushioning and sole, but a completely new upper.
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