Details
Brand
Skechers
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• 4-millimeter drop• Flight Gen Midsole unit is firm and fast• DuPont Delrin plate in the midsole adds security• External heel counter for added support• Breathable mesh upper with open ventilation holes• M Strike technology promotes a midfoot strike• Webbed outsole pattern for added traction and flexibility• DuPont Hytrel Thermo Plastic materials for added support
Upper
The upper of the shoe is made to provide maximum breathability while still supporting the foot through a unique saddle design. The upper is made using a dual mesh material that provides custom support in only the necessary areas. This keeps the weight down by shedding unnecessary material from low wear areas. The saddle construction creates a bootie-like fit that replaces the need for heavy overlays while still providing support. To provide support but keep the weight down and maintain a flexible movement, Skechers uses their patented DuPont Hytrel plastic heel counter to lock the foot in place.
Midsole
The midsole unit of this shoe is a great example of a true minimalist midsole unit. Skechers used their patented Flight Gen midsole foam unit. This is an extremely light midsole unit that offers limited cushioning, providing a truly minimalist running experience for athletes. The thinner unit lends itself to an extremely high level of responsiveness. The Midfoot strike technology helps to guide the foot through an efficient running cycle.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe is designed to provide lightweight traction as well as a stable landing pad for runners. Skechers uses their patented DuPont Delrin Plate in the construction of the outsole to promote a midfoot strike. The outsole is made using a webbed pattern that is designed to keep the runner secure by adding extra traction. This way, while runners are picking up speed, they have the added grip of the underfoot to support their movements. The outsole material is durable, yet lightweight, helping to keep the overall weight extremely low.
Breathability
There is no question as to the high level of breathability that is provided by this shoe, simply from looking at it. Across the toe box of the shoe, runners will find large ventilation holes that promote air circulation both into and out of the foot chamber. This material stretches up and through the tongue of the shoe, providing another entry point for fresh air to enter and help maintain a cool temperature inside of the shoe. Runners can actually see through the shoe if they look into the ankle opening, proving that this shoe is one of the most breathable on the market.
Comfort
For the runner who finds comfort in plush cushioning, this may not be the shoe for you. This shoe will be most comfortable for the runner who likes a lightweight racing shoe that is nearly flat. The lower drop provides a stable landing pad but this shoe doesn’t provide runners that forward propulsion of a traditional running shoe. Regardless of how cushioned or flat runners like their running shoe, they have given this shoe high marks for the comfort provided by the breathability of the upper. The open mesh design and bootie-like construct are comfortable enough to wear without socks and provide fast drying properties that help keep the runner dry and comfortable regardless of the weather conditions.
Style
Runners commented on the sleek, slim outline of the shoe. This shoe molds to the shape of the foot and eliminates any unwanted bulk. The colors and design are unique and fashionable enough that they will be sure to get attention whether runners are running errands around town or breaking PRs as they run across finish lines. The men and the women’s shoe is offered in three different color options, so runners will have a few different options to choose from in their quest to find the perfect style of their tastes.
Durability
Although this shoe is thin and flexible, Skechers was able to reinforce their lightweight materials, making it a surprisingly sturdy and durable shoe. Skechers relies on a lot of their own trademarked materials in the creation of this shoe like the DuPont Delrin Plate, the Flight Gen midsole and the M Strike technology. All are long-lasting and ensure that the runner gets the most bang for his or her buck.
Protection
In terms of protection, runners can expect to find protection via a proper gait cycle that reduces the pressure on joints and protection against blisters due to the breathable upper. The DuPont Delrin plate in the midsole helps ensure a midfoot strike which reduces the wear and tear on the body. Another protective feature is the open mesh upper that reduces the risk of blisters and hot spots that can slow down the runner or keep them from achieving their time goals during races. Additionally, runners will find reflective detail in the upper that keep runners safe in low light or evening runs.
Responsiveness
One of the most important elements of a good racing shoe is its ability to respond to the runner. The MebGo Speed 5 offers runners a light level of responsiveness due to a handful of carefully crafted details. For one, the outsole is purposefully thinner. The rubber is organized in strategic areas to provide a thin, yet protective barrier between the runner and the road. Additionally, the design of the outsole allows runners to grip the road and respond quickly and efficiently to changes in pace and direction.
Support
Although this shoe is very flexible and lightweight, Skechers was still able to incorporate a variety of support details to help runners get the most efficient running and racing experience. For starters, instead of overlays along the upper, runners can expect to find a saddle design. This connects to the lacing system giving the shoe a snug fit that can be customized to fit the needs of each runner. Additionally, the midsole unit features the patented DuPont Delrin plate technology. This helps to support the runner through their gait cycle, encouraging a midfoot strike that is safer and more comfortable to runners. Finally, Skechers included a supportive heel counter made with a flexible material to help keep the runner’s foot in place.
Terrain
This shoe is designed to tackle roads specifically. The Speed 5 is made for pavement and fast racing, but runners found that the webbed pattern along the outsole provided a good amount of grip, making it a good choice for speed drills on the track or as a cross training companion at the gym. The outsole and midsole of this shoe are too thin to provide enough protection for trail running or off-road excursions.
Price
Apart from the lightweight nature of the shoe, the price is the most praised element of this shoe. Although Skechers uses a handful of the newest technology and high-quality products, the price of this shoe is nearly half of the average road racing shoe on the market. Runners found the price was so reasonable that they could purchase it in multiple different colors.
Drop
This shoe features a low drop. The heel height is 22 mm while the forefoot height is 18, giving this shoe a flat, stable base without the forward propulsion. Runners who are into the minimalist running movement will respond positively to this shoe, while runners who are used to and enjoy a traditional drop running shoe will need time to adjust to the drastic change. The low drop helps runners build up their Achilles muscles without the need for synthetic assistance.
Stability
This is not a shoe that is designed to support a runner who is struggling with issues of over or under pronation. Instead, this is a minimalist running shoe that is designed to support the natural movement of the runner through their gait cycle.
Flexibility
From the upper to the outsole, runners were pleased with the high level of flexibility provided by this shoe. For starters, the upper is made using a seamless, breathable mesh that is designed to conform to the shape of the foot. The upper has no overlays and lays flush against the skin, providing a bootie-like snug feeling. The outsole is made using the DuPont outsole material and webbed design that is basically a series of flex grooves that increase the shoe’s flexibility.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe uses a unique technique of applying dual rubber materials in strategically placed areas. The purpose of this is to keep the weight down while still providing a high level of durability and traction. Although this shoe is designed as a road racing shoe, the engineers at Skechers understood that providing enough grip is critical in helping runners reach maximum speeds. To address this issue, Skechers created an outsole with a webbed underfoot that is designed to attach to the ground below, even in slippery conditions.
Bottom Line
For the runner who is looking to earn a new personal best, a flat, fast racing shoe like the MebGo Speed 5 is imperative. The fifth iteration of this Skechers shoe has received high praise from pros and novices alike. The firmer midsole unit and the breathable upper are designed to tackle a variety of distances from a 5k all the way up to a marathon. The entire shoe is made using signature Skechers materials that are lightweight but still durable. The upper is made using visible ventilation holes to promote air circulation and help keep runners safe against blisters and hot spots. This is a minimalist racing flat with a firmer midsole unit and an outsole that is designed to last. Runners liked the slim, sleek design that looks great with casual outfits as well as a unique addition to any race day look. The price is more than reasonable and runners can expect to pay almost half as much as a standard high quality running shoe on today’s market.
