Skechers GoMeb2

During a visit in the city, I dropped by the Time Square Skechers store.....Four colors available right now, including NYC Marathon Special Edition. Something tells me I'm going to rock the blue and yellow in Boston 2014!

SKECHERS GoRun Speed

When SKECHERS announced the sponsorship signing of top American marathoner Meb Keflezighi a lot of runners laughed and questioned Meb. Now we think different. The SKECHERS designers created a shoe just for Meb and the London 2012 Olympics, at first  known as GoMeb. As we all now know, Meb finished fourth in the Olympics, an incredible achievement. Runners, including myself, started to be more curious about this racing flat. Later SKECHERS announced that they would release the shoe now named as GoRun Speed.

What SKECHERS says:

Details:

• Independent circular GOimpulse sensors for a more responsive running experience
• M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike
• Lightweight - No extra material, no extra weight, nothing to slow you down
• 4mm heel drop keeps foot in a nearly neutral position
• Resalyte™ Midsole - Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
• Stability plate in midfoot for a supportive and secure run
• Seamless interior with microfiber lining maximizes comfort

Construction:

• Nearly weightless synthetic and mesh fabric upper
• Bold side S logo detail
• Lace up front
• Weight: Radically lightweight 7.5 oz. per shoe based on a men's size 9

First Impression
The GoRun Speed has bold colors, for sure, The ones I have used are red/lime. The upper feels light and it almost seem less. When looking at the shoe,you get an impression and feeling of speed.

Upper/Interior
The upper is constructed by an open flexible mesh  and mostly welded overlays. Most areas around the arch is supported by SKECHERS logo type "S"that has been welded onto the mesh. The laces row and some areas that need more support has extra suede look alike material. The upper breathes very well and the fit is snug and preform without cramping your toes during fast runs and marathons. The suede parts in the fore foot were noticeable the first couple of runs but after a few "break in runs" it was not a concern as the soften up. The inside of the heel cup has also  suede like material that offers a secure fit, it actually adds a faster feel to the shoes.

Midsole/Outsole
The GoRun Speed has a 4mm drop midsole, the same as the GoRun2. The biggest difference between the both shoes is a carbon fiber plate, placed in the GoRun Speeds mid sole. This plate provides extra support, firmness and responsiveness. The mid sole offers great protection and an easy toe off. The transition is smooth and you get a sort of "snap" sound when pushing off.
The outsole carries the same "sensors" as other shoes in the  Gorun series but has more blown rubber under it. Some of the sensors in the center of fore foot area  shows more wear then others after 75 miles of running (which included Boston Marathon). This is an area that can be improved for better durability.

Final Word
I have been mainly using the GoRun 2 for my Boston Marathon build up. When I recevied the Go Run Speed, I knew this was going to be my Boston Marathon Racer. The GoRun Speed offers a less flexible run then the GoRun 2 but a faster and secure feel. GoRun Speed is a true "old shool racer" that makes you feel fast on race day. The shoe is built low to the ground and the road grip is secured. You get a smooth and fast toe off and I love the "snap" sound of it. When I had to dig deep the last couple of miles in Boston, I really put a trust in my GoRun Speed. They did not let me down! As my own preference, I have replaced the laces with lock laces. To me the lock laces brings the Go Run Speeds to the next level. 

Meb told the designers of SKECHERS what he needed for the London 2012 Olympics.The result is the really fast GoRun Speed. A great racing flat that keeps impressing me!


Other great reviews of GoRun Speed:
Coach Caleb
Runblogger

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Skechers GoRun Speed Released

Finally the Skechers GoRun Speed has been released. At this point only the women's edition. The women editions come in two colors; Green and Pink/Green. At this point the men edition is still not in production according to Skechers. Buy your GoRun Speeds here:
http://www.skechers.com/style/13568/skechers-gorun-speed/grlm


Competitors got the opportunity to check out the Skechers GoRun Speed:


Here is Peter at runbloggers take and review:
http://www.runblogger.com/2013/02/skechers-gorun-speed-aka-gomeb-review.html

Skechers GoRun 2 Review

GoRun 2 was released in December 2012. As mentioned earlier in this blog I was at first skeptic to try Skechers. The first GoRun got mixed review pretty much because of the aggressive mid foot "bump". Some runners loved it, some runners hated it. On the 2 edition the bump is reduce a lot, it s still there but not noticeable. GoRun 2 is now in my rotation and my review is based on apx 100 miles of mixed running (endurance, tempo, hills, intervals, you name it...).

What Sketchers says:

Skechers GOrun 2 is the next generation of a serious minimal running shoe. Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it works as a great transitional shoe to foster a barefoot running experience.

Details:

Independent circular GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a more responsive running experience

M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike

Radically lightweight - No extra material, no extra weight, nothing to slow you down

Breathable 4-way stretch mesh toe panels engineered to allow toe splay

Custom Fit insole is removable for an even more minimal feel

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 injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact

Progressive Flex midsole transitions from stable platform to forefoot flexibility

Construction:

Nearly weightless synthetic and mesh fabric upper

Nearly seamless flexible upper with lace up front

Flatlock stitching detail for seamless feel and lighter weight

Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear

Weight: Radically lightweight 6.6 oz per shoe based on a men's size 9 

This is my take:
Im not going really compare it to the first version as I have not tried it, other then the reduced bump. The second edition does not have a bump to talk about really and my concerns with the GoRun Ride I had, has been addressed (pebble collector, aggressive bump, folding mesh).

Upper:
The upper is created by stretchy mesh, by Sketchers called 4-way. It really looks minimalistic but it really does a good job keeping your foot in place. On the Go Run Ride I had concerns about some mesh getting folded, this is not a concern with this shoe. The heel counter, is soft but keeps the heel in place. Ive heard from other runners about possible heel slippage and the insert sliding back, but I have not experienced this matter myself and the heel counter offers enough of support and a secure lock to me. One concern is the lacing. The laces are flat nylon and during several of run I have experienced some hot sport on top of my foot. They also make it harder to secure the arch lock. After I switched the laces this issues was taken care of.  Regarding breathable mesh, I have to wait and see more towards the summer as Ive only been using the shoe in cold weather running.

 Mid sole
The Resalyte really shines and I cant say enough of positive things about this mid sole compound. Reaslyte is a really light and responsive compound. You get a really nice energy return, a specially on your faster days! On Go Run 2 the foot sits really close to the ground and the road feel is great. At first I was concerned about the thin fore foot but the more I got used to them it was not really a concern. I have taken the shoes over 20 miles and the compound holds up really well. For the right runner this shoe can go the full marathon for sure. The Resalyte is very durable and does not show any sign of breaking down.

Outsole

Lack of rubber in high traffic area.

The sketchers use its Independent circular GOimpulse sensors technology. The pods are definitely smaller then the Ride ones and can possibly wear out quick. I read Runbloggers review and the wear test shoes he did. Apperently the first versions of the GoRun2 had more rubber under and on the high traffic pods.  I could have used some more rubber in the high traffic area, so the durability is  a concern of mine. The placements of the pods and the flex grooves makes the shoe very flexible. So far the shoe has not collected any pebbles, this is during winter months with ton of salt and pebbles on the roads.

Over All
Go Run 2 gets more and more time in my current rotation. This shoes is up against Saucony Kinvara 3 in my rotation and the Kinvaras get less usage. You can pretty much use this shoe for anything, for me it could be the potential Boston marathon shoe.The shoe really shines when you take them for tempo runs and its easy to go too fast (could be an issue :) ) Some concerns I have is the laces but its an easy fix, just change them. Also the durability could be an issue as the mid sole compound is exposed in higher traffic areas. Some runners have experienced heel slippage (Insert slides back) but my foot has been secured at all times. Sketchers keeps improving and I'm sure this shoe will replace competitor shoes in runners rotations as it did in mine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

More Go Run Speed....

Skechers has provided me with more information about this Go Run Speed. According to Runblogger.com
Go Run Speed does have a "Adios feeling". That itself should attract a ton of runners!
Read my first sneak peek here:  http://runningswede.blogspot.com/2013/01/skechers-go-run-speed.html

Here’s some additional tech info:

·       MSRP: $110
·       Launching at retail in March 2013.  This is Meb’s racing flat that’s now available for consumers
·       4 mm drop racing shoe with a narrow last and less cushioning – built for speed
·       A carbon fiber stability plate in the midfoot provides a supportive and secure run
·       Lightweight: 7.5 oz (men’s 9) 5.8 oz (women’s 6)
·       Engineered to promote a natural gait with a midfoot strike zone
·       Seamless upper with microfiber lining (can be worn for barefoot running)
·       GOimpulse sensors on the sole provide responsive feedback

Skechers Go Run Ride Review

I have to admit that I was skeptic when I was told that Skechers were going to release running shoes. Mostly because of Skechers attempts in past to create different kind of exercise shoes, at time ridiculously looking. Then Skechers announced that Meb Keflezighi would run in Skechers and runners around including me started to be more curious. Skechers first release was GoRun, a 4mm drop shoe that promote a mid foot strike. I was tempted to give this shoe a try but after I been reading some mixed reviews a decided to wait. The biggest complain was the aggressive mid foot "bump". According to  reviews the "bump" was suppose be less aggressive on the new Go Run Ride. So I decided to give Skechers a try......

 Skechers GO Run Ride Web site info:

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

The Upper

The upper is very minimalistic with a soft stretchy mesh and a few over lays. The feeling is very sock like and the foot get really locked down. The heel cup does not have any kind of structure just enhanced mesh and a overlay. I was skeptic about the heel fir and a possible slippage but the heel really stays put. Nothing to worry about. Mesh is breathable and does not create any hotspots for me. The tongue is of a thicker neoprene ish material and and is integrated with the mesh all the way up for a better fit. At time the tongue get folded where attache to mesh and can possible create a hot spot.  The laces could have been of better quality as the get twisted fast and could possible create hotspots.

Salty Rides...

The Midsole

The midsole of the GO Run Ride, uses the same compound as GO Run,  Skechers Resalyte™  a very lightweight and resilient compound . I have almost 200 miles on my Go Run Rides and the compound does not show any sign of break down. As with other compounds Resalyte responds really well when you are picking up the pace. Im pleasantly surprised how well Resalyte works. On the Ride the midsole is a bit thicker the GoRun but still has the 4mm drop. The midsole is very flexible and the  M-strike "bump" is still present but not as aggressive. In fact when I get my legs going a bit faster the "bump" is not even noticeable.

The Outsole

  The outsole is created by several GOimpulse sensors™. These sensors according to Skechers  are independent circular sensors that are supposed to deliver feedback for an interactive running experience. Some of the are covered with rubber including the midfoot "M-strike" area. In reality this means that the Resalyte compound take most of the beat, but the pads has not shown much wear after 200 miles. I noticed the first 50 miles that the pads went down scary fast but after this it stopped, and I would say that Go Run Ride shows normal wear and tear after 200 miles. A big issue I have is all the stones and pebbles the outsole collects a specially in the heel part. After each run I probably pull out 10 new pebbles.....

Stone Collectors..

Overall

I think Skeckers are listening to there  customers and are improving their shoes. Go Run Ride is not a perfect shoe but after been reading Go Run reviews it seem to that Go Run Ride is an improvement. This shoe has been tested in all kind of weather and training conditions and it can be used for pretty much anything. The shoe really shines when you get up on the midfoot and you are picking up your pace. The upper is great with its sock like fit but could use higher end laces and be careful when you lace up so the tongue does not fold. Ride come in an Ultra version (more open mesh) and a weather protection version as well. With this shoe I get more curious about what Skechers has to offer in the future.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”