Skechers Performance #GORun #Ride3 Review

Recently we both got to try out the Skechers Performance GOrun Ride3.

Skechers Performance is really becoming a force to be reckoned with in the ultra competitive running shoe market.  Meb Keflezighi famously won the 2014 Boston Marathon in a pair of Skechers, and recently elite runner Kara Goucher also joined the Skechers Team.

From the GOrun Ride webpage:

The next generation of Sketchers GOrun Ride has enhanced Resalyte cushioning to go the distance.

·         Awarded 'Best Buy' by Runner's World Magazine

·         Upper provides lateral and medial support for stability during long

·         Upper provides lateral and medial support for stability during long or short distance runs while maintaining breathability

·         GOimpulse sensors and pillars repositioned on outsole to allow for an even smoother transition and optimized running experience

·         Removable insole for a custom fit

·         4 way stretch mesh on front and side panels 

·         4 way stretch mesh front

·         3D printed texture detail on side panels

·         Promotes a midfoot strike

·         4mm heel drop

·         Weight: 8.4 oz. in a men's size 9

Construction:

·         Unique textured 3D printed side panels

·         Contrast colored edging detail

·         Side S logo

·         Padded collar and tongue

·         Agion odor protection

·         Custom Fit insoles included

Fit and Wear 

DG:  I was a bit skeptical about running in Skechers when I first got them.  I had never really seen them as a running shoe company.  But, if Meb can win Boston wearing Skechers, why can’t I give them a shot?  The shoes were extremely comfortable and adding the optional (included) insole made the shoes feel even better for me.  I managed to get just shy of 58 miles on the shoes during my testing, and while they got pretty dirty, they held up great.   I had seen a couple of online review that mentioned concerns about the shoes wearing prematurely.  My shoes show some signs of wear (lots of trail and concrete running), however, I have no concerns that the shoes won’t make it to 400 miles. 

DB: Unlike DG, who is consistently a 13 no matter the brand or style, my shoe size varies.  So selecting a size from an online store tends to be a leap of faith for me.  I wear a Ladies 7 in dress shoes and I got a size 8 in the Ride 3.  The shoe is considered a 'minimal' style, and it can be worn as is for a very minimalist feel.  But I found that it felt a bit too roomy for me that way.  With the insole however, it was just perfect.

My Experience

DG: As I mentioned before, I put just shy of 58 miles on the shoes.  I ran on every kind of surface I could find.  The shoes performed great on the road, concrete, and dry trails.  The shoes felt good and provided a surprising amount of cushion, despite the 'minimal' shoe label that I have long avoided. 

DB:  I've been wearing minimal style running shoes of various brands for over a year.  So these felt great and perfectly natural.  There is no break in period, and the  'sensors' on the outsoles provide a slightly cushy ride. 

Pros

DG: The shoes were comfortable and I had absolutely no blistering or rubbing issues.  They really surprised me during my runs on dry single-track trails.  The shoes are also pretty affordable.  The current version is available direct from Skechers for about $80.   Given what I have spent on running shoes the last couple of years, $80 is a great deal.

DB:  The smooth sock-liner interior of the shoe was a big plus for me.  I am super-sensitive to seams in clothing and shoes, so I cannot deal with even the tiniest little seam or fold.  Flat ribbon-style shoelaces stay put while you run.  Why haven't ALL shoes switched to this style of laces.  It is a subtle thing easily taken for granted, until you put on a pair of shoes with the traditional round laces for comparison.  Also, I am fortunate to have a few local running stores in town, but I realize that many runners don't have one near them.  So, the good news is that Skechers Performance are available at many of the larger sporting goods chains, and even some department stores.

Happiness = race day in comfortable shoes!

Cons

DG: I have to say that using these for a wet trail run was probably not the best idea.  The shoes seemed to absorb water and hold on to it for dear life.  I have not seen Skechers advertise these for trail or off-road runners,  so just keep this in mind if your runs will have you going through and water or over wet grass.   

DB:  I had to think hard about this one. The only con I see is the shoes claims to be 'engineered to promote a mid-foot strike'.  In late 2012, I retrained myself away from heel strike into mid-foot strike  and I am fairly consistent now.  But DG is a stubborn heel-striker and I watched him run in these quite a bit.  Unfortunately I did not see that the shoes encouraged any change in his gait. 

Final Thoughts

DG: DisneyBride posed the ultimate question to me a couple of days ago “When these wear out, would you go out and buy yourself another pair?”  Without hesitation I said “Yes”.

DB: I feel confident in the quality of the Skechers Performance line and plan to purchase their new trail running shoe next month. Another thing I like is that Skechers offers cruelty-free options.  You can search for "vegetarian" shoes on their site to see which styles do not contain leather or animal-based glues in their construction materials. 

DG is a mild pronator and tested a Mens 13 GOrun Ride 3.

DB is a neutral runner and tested a Ladies 8 GOrun Ride 3.

Disclosure of Material Connection: No financial compensation was received. We  received product from Skechers Performance in exchange for this review. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will be good for our readers. All opinions stated on this blog are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”