Whether your weather is finally in a place where you are not drenched in sweat just from stepping foot outside, or just ready to get back into running, it's the perfect time to invest in a new pair of shoes.
That's where this guide comes in handy.
We gathered testers from all over the country, including veteran runners at ACTIVE, to extensively test the shoes in this guide. All of our testers put their shoes through a minimum of 20 running miles while paying attention to comfort, fit, weight, breathability, flexibility and ride.
From updates of old favorites that had our feet singing to new releases that will ensure you'll find something to motivate your miles well into summer, you're guaranteed to find a shoe you'll love. We know money might be tight, but if you can, treat yourself! You deserve it.
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
Skechers GO RUN RIDE 11
About:
The Skechers GO Run Ride 11 is a great choice for an everyday running shoe, making it the perfect companion for those long weekend runs. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this shoe offers a delightful combination of lightweight design, breathable mesh upper, and ample cushioning.
One standout feature is the patented Skechers Arch Fit® insole system, complete with podiatrist-certified arch support. This not only provides exceptional comfort but also reduces shock impact and evenly distributes weight across your foot. The removable insole adapts to the contours of your foot, enhancing the personalized fit. Every part of the foot feels guided and supported without force. The shoe incorporates HYPER ARC™ technology to enhance running efficiency with each stride-- the arch fit is what sets this shoe apart from the rest. While cushioned, it doesn't have that sinking feeling found in so many foam-based shoes. The stability is attributed to the flexible carbon fiber-infused forefoot plate that contributes to a more energetic and responsive feel during your runs. The plate is unnoticeable, however, as the comfort found in the HYPERBURST ICE dual cushioning, maintains the softness while still providing stability.
Another standout feature of the Skechers GO Run Ride 11 is its Goodyear® Performance Outsole, consistently delivering excellent traction even in inclement weather conditions and offering exceptional durability. Rain is no problem for this road shoe: the dependable outsole ensures a firm grip on uneven surfaces while maintaining long-lasting performance, making it highly resistant to wear and tear.
The Skechers GO Run Ride 11 is a great choice for daily running needs, providing comfort, support, and durability; they offer a solid ride.
Things We Liked:
“It's been a blessing to have such an extremely comfortable go-to shoe for the majority of my slower and easier recovery and long runs.”
“The arch support is so tailored to provide stability while still having flexibility; for those of us with high arches, it feels amazing that they got it just right”
Areas for Improvement:
“It's hard to think of one, but I'd say that I'd recommend incorporating an a more competitive and edgier design to also appeal to more competitive runners.”
“There is s much cushioning that it defeats the energy return and response of the carbon plating. So much cushion that it rocks the forefoot upward a bit”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
Skechers GoRUN 11's probably aren't on the list of shoes for a runner that considers themself competitive. But they should be. It a word, these shoes are comfortable. There's another brand out there that is gaining popularity in droves, and while that brand isn't Skechers, it should be. Skechers' foam midsole is the perfect combination of forgiving and comfortable cushion and rigidity and provides confidence in each stride. The rocker design and carbon-infused plate offer the perfect balance of spring on the toe-off and forgiveness on the foot strike. The Good Year outsole adds to the running experience of these shoes with durability and traction that give the novice and experienced runner less to think about.
The outer breathability and cushioning provide stability and comfort that make these an amazing shoe for any distance in training. While they're a bit on the heavier side, the pure comfort and stability makes the GoRUN 11's an excellent go-to shoe for much-needed recovery runs, and training runs that are designed for time on feet.
Specs
Type: Road
Support: Cushion
Cushion: Extra
Fit: True to Fit
Weight: 7.6 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $125.00
Buy:
Skechers Go RUN MAXROAD 6
About:
Skechers is back with a bang as they unveil the 6th installment of their GO RUN Max Road series. The Max Road 6 brings forth an array of drastic transformations, upping the ante with maximum innovation and the inclusion of beloved Skechers features.
Making its debut in the Max Road series is Skechers’ Arch Fit insole system. This standout feature showcases substantial cushioning and podiatrist-certified arch support, offering an elevated level of comfort and care for the runner. A staple in Skechers shoes, HYPER BURST® is given a makeover in the Max Road 6, presenting a new and improved midsole setup. The shoe now incorporates soft HYPER BURST ICE™ at the core, surrounded by regular, firmer HYPER BURST®. This reconfiguration enhances foot strikes, providing an energetic yet stable ride that exudes liveliness.
One might question the shoe's weight, but the Max Road 6 compensates with its prominent rocker geometry and carbon-infused forefoot plate. These features significantly contribute to an energy-saving and efficient stride, particularly during everyday efforts and long runs - where they truly shine. The end result is a highly cushioned trainer that defies any sense of sluggishness, promising an exceptional running experience.
Things We Liked:
“The HyperArc rocker has a super smooth yet surprisingly stable heel-toe transition, which gives the shoe a fun, energetic feel.”
“The comfort and the cushion within the sole was awesome to have for long runs and they are light.”
Areas for Improvement:
“The height (thick) of the shoe can cause a trip factor when I get lazy lifting my feet on long runs. “
“I feel like this shoe needs an upper makeover. The materials are soft, but not breathable and I never felt locked in - perhaps due to too much padding.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
Max cushioned shoes are all about delivering the most when it comes to comfort, and the Skechers Go Run Maxroad 6 doesn't disappoint. With a maximum stack height of 41 mm, there's no-doubt a lot of "material" underfoot, but the dual-density Hyper Burst midsole is surprisingly stable despite all that cushion. Pair this with the carbon-infused forefoot plate, and Skechers has found the sweet spot between smoothness, softness and responsiveness that not many max cushioned shoes offer. They're heavy and can feel bulky at times (especially the uppers), but that's to be expected with this style of shoe. The Goodyear rubber outsoles are also a stand-out feature -- they offer tons of traction in a different conditions and show little signs of wear after plenty of training miles. Don't let the logo (or the lower price) deter you, these are packed with the latest running tech and should be strongly considered by runners looking for extra protection while logging long, slow miles.
Specs
Type: Road
Support: Cushion
Cushion: Max
Fit: 1/2 Size Big
Weight: 8.5 oz
Drop: 6mm
Price: $145.00
Buy:
Skechers:Mens
Skechers GO RUN RAZOR 4
About:
Skechers knocked it out of the park with the GO RUN Razor 4. It is the perfect mix of cushioned comfort and responsiveness at a lightweight that makes it ideal for both pushing the pace in races or workouts, as well as logging long miles. At just under $150, it makes it an affordable and very solid option in the carbon-plated race shoe category as well.
With the Arch Fit® insole system, and a perforated, breathable mono mesh upper, the shoe seems to gently hug the foot in all the right places. The breathability would make this an ideal trainer or racer for hotter conditions. The non-gusseted tongue stays put and seems to blend seamlessly with the rest of the upper. The heel collar/tab fit snuggly locking in the heel without undue pressure, providing a secure fit even while pushing it at top end speeds.
While the GO RUN Razor 4 has a bit more stack height than previous iterations, the addition of a carbon infused forefoot plate and the HYPER BURST® PRO cushioned midsole, make it feel faster and more responsive than ever. It is a definite upgrade. Paired with the light weight of the shoe, the somewhat firm Hyper Burst® cushioning offers ample protection that seems to bounce off the ground and really promote faster running.
This shoe is meant for speed. The benefits of the shoes best feature (carbon infused forefoot plate) are more obvious the quicker the pace/intensity becomes. While it is absolutely cushioned and comfortable enough for any type of distance or pace, it would almost be a waste to use it for those easy, recovery miles. Furthermore, it is so successful at promoting an efficient, quick stride, that it might actually be difficult to run those "easy miles" as slowly as intended!
GO RUN Razor 4 is the perfect go-to shoe for intervals and tempos, when running fast is important, yet not worth "wasting" the added mileage on more expensive "super shoes." It is also an ideal racer for those who do not wish to spend more than $200 on racing shoes.
Things We Liked:
“The Go Run Razor 4 felt fast right out of the box. I needed zero break-in period and had an incredibly solid speed session on my very first wear.”
“With its lightweight and cushioned yet springy sole, this is the perfect shoe for going fast AND long.”
Areas for Improvement:
“There is absolutely nothing structural I would change about this shoe. While the white/blue colorway looks sharp, it would be nice to have some brighter or darker colorways available that don't get so dirty right away.”
“The laces on these absolutely had to be heel locked; otherwise, my heel was slipping away from the heel cup - which is not only annoying, but can also lead to blisters. Plus, the laces weren't long enough to heel lock and double knot.”
Final Thoughts from our Testers:
The Skechers GO RUN Razor 4 is a triumph. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, it is also comfortable, responsive, and durable. From the moment of unboxing, it was apparent that these shoes were built for speed (the word is printed on the side). Upon putting them on, it was clear that they were also comfortable. True to size, they provide ample space in the toe box while simultaneously providing a snug fit through the midfoot and heel. The TPU foam in the midsole is responsive and resilient resulting in a shoe that feels springy run after run. The outsole is also very durable due to the inclusion of Goodyear rubber.
As a brand, Skechers has clearly dedicated significant research and resources into the running shoe market. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into creating this iteration of the Razor 4. The upper is breathable and light. The midfoot is resilient and responsive. The forefoot features a carbon infused plate making it light and stiff for optimal energy return. And, critically, the outsole is also extremely durable- a feature that is unusual in a shoe this lightweight. For runners who have yet to experience Skechers-particularly those interested in a shoe that almost begs you to run faster- the GO RUN Razor 4 just might be your next favorite shoe for everything from long runs to your local 5k.
Specs
Type: Running
Support: Neutral
Cushion: Extra
Fit: True to Size
Weight: 13.5 oz
Drop: 7mm
Price: $140.00
Buy:
Skechers:Womens | Mens
Amazon:Womens | Mens
Fall Shoe Guides
Asics | Brooks | HOKA | New Balance | Reebok | Skechers | Under Armour | Vimazi
By clicking on the product links in this article, we may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Sponsorships and affiliate commissions help support our research so we can help you find the best products. Read full affiliate disclosure here.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article