Review : Skechers GoRun2

• Type : Neutral
• Use : Road running
• Price : About $80-90

Introduction
This is the third Skechers shoe I get to review. The two previous models showed some promise, but also carried some flaws that prevented me from choosing to use the shoes after the review. The original GoRun was one of these models, so when I received a pair of GoRun2, I thought maybe I was in for a bit of the same.

First impression
The very first thing I did was flip the shoe and look at the sole to see if the “pods” were still there. Although there were still pod-like lugs, they did not look or feel like their oversized, protruding predecessors and were distributed differently around the sole. They resembled the rest of the sole pattern and went all the way around the forefoot area. Interesting.

It also seemed to me that the shoe’s profile had been considerably reduced, although it kept its signature upward curve at the heel.

Road test
I did with the GoRun2 what I had with the original model; I took it out for a couple run commutes. Immediately after putting the shoes on, I noticed they had a very different feel, which was closer to wearing a light neutral shoe. No more feeling the slightly-elevated, slightly-supported arch that I had disliked in the GoRun. No more “tilt-backward” feeling from the curved heel, either.

The slip-out insole got ditched early on

I took my sweet time to test the shoe out, at first to make sure I wouldn’t get all sorts of weird aches as I would up the mileage. But I quickly realized the GoRun2 is a very different animal than the GoRun; it felt increasingly comfortable and performed very well, even in winter conditions.

The only thing that went sideways (literally) is the insole, which was sliding out of the shoe as I ran, something I’ve never seen happen in any footwear. I was quick to throw the insole away, and I never looked back as the shoe is perfectly wearable without this mild annoyance.

Long-distance test
I grew fonder of the GoRun2 as I ran with it, and it became one of my first choices as a commuter. I also very much liked how the GoRun2 behaves when running fast, because I think it offers just the right amount of sole material to absorb the extra shock while remaining very light. My confidence in the GoRun2 increased enough that I decided to put it to an ultimate test; I wore them at the Ottawa Marathon yesterday.

Since I began trail running and strayed further and further from the roads, I find it increasingly difficult to run long distances on pavement because the hard, regular surface takes a heavy toll on my legs and feet. It requires a clockwork-type movement repeated to infinity, as opposed to the irregular, side-stepping, root-jumping dance of trail running. Wearing the GoRun2 made it a breeze by reducing my fatigue and allowing me to run as hard as I wanted in the downhills without feeling the added shock to my lower body. And I have to add that, after testing 3 models of Skechers shoes, I have become a fan of Resalyte, the soft, yet solid sole material they use in all their models.

Conclusion
I think Skechers has finally built a shoe that is a serious contender in the road-running world and that should be considered by ultra road runners looking for a softer ride on their long distance outings. The GoRun2 is soft, flexible, light, roomy and breathable. As an all-around running shoe, I’d be hard-pressed to find it any major flaw. This is the one Skechers model I have included in my personal shoe selection and will continue running in.


High points

• Resalyte is simply one of the best sole materials I know
• Roomy toebox allows for ample toe splaying
• Surprisingly grippy for winter road running
• Comfortable for both speed and long distance

Low points

• Just ditch that annoying insole

The equipment for this personal review was supplied by Skechers, free of charge, without any conditions.