Details
Brand
Skechers
Breathability
5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Amazing cushioning from heel-to-toe• GOImpulse traction technology• Stylish color options• Lightweight design• Roomy Toe Box• Comfortable 4-way stretch upper
Upper
The upper material remains mostly unchanged from the original Skechers GOrun Ultra. Skechers relies on their 4-way stretch mesh material that makes for a comfortable ride. The toe box of the shoe is also extremely roomy to allow the toes to naturally splay out in a comfortable manner. There isn’t as much freedom as that found on traditional toe shoes, but it’s solid.;The one downside to the upper is that this mesh material isn’t particularly breathable. Runners who spend most of their time in warm climates will notice this lack of breathability. It shouldn’t prove to be a problem on colder, wetter runs but some runners may experience excess sweating in these shoes. These certainly shouldn’t be considered waterproof shoes but the upper is somewhat water resistant.
Midsole
The midsole is another area where Skechers really amped up the cushioning for the GOrun Ultra 2. In fact, some say that it is more cushioned than some of Skechers best-reviewed running shoes. Runners will love the soft, bouncy feel throughout the midsole cushioning.;Additional dual-density EVA foam can be found from heel-to-toe to give a luxurious feel on every stride. The same downside to the outsole happens to apply to the midsole as well. Unfortunately, this cushioned feel does wear down fairly quickly. You’ll certainly notice a difference in the feel of the cushioning from mile one to mile one-hundred. A greater durability and longevity would have been much appreciated in the midsole design.
Outsole
The outsole of the GOrun Ultra 2 has an aggressive outsole that is designed to offer maximum traction. This will allow the shoe to be comfortable both on the trail and on the road. The injected EVA used in the outsole does provide some protection along the heel and bottom of the foot. Unfortunately, this material does seem to break down fairly easily after running for a while.;Lack of durability aside, the design on the outsole is visually appealing and runners will appreciate the elevated heel and supportive feel. Skechers did a particularly good job with the layout and design of the lugs on the outsole. They call this technology GOImpulse. It’s constructed of sensors that provide instant feedback to the runner about the terrain they’re crossing. This helps the runner connect with the terrain and it helps the outsole provide enough support and traction to aid their stride.
Breathability
Breathability is an area where the Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 struggles a bit. The material used in the upper is a 4-way stretch mesh but the mesh isn’t permeable enough. The foot isn’t able to breathe as much as it should. Runners will notice a decreased lack of airflow into and out of the shoe. Whether you wear socks or not, there is the potential for overheating or moisture build-up in these shoes. Skechers could have done a better job of creating more mid-foot perforations that would have allowed heat to more easily escape.
Comfort
Comfort is an area where the Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 really excels. Runners who are looking for a shoe that will feel amazingly comfortable right out of the box will be thrilled with this shoe. The ample cushioning from heel-to-toe is exactly what most people envision when they think of a comfortable shoe. The foot is supported properly in each step. The roomy toe box also keeps the toes comfortable with no chaffing or blister potential. The heel cup is also well-designed to hug the foot without being too restrictive. Runners will be thrilled about this amount of comfort.
Style
Style is always a tough category to quantify. Every runner has their own unique style. Some people want to stand out, some people want to blend in. Skechers is used to making good-looking lifestyle shoes so they know a thing or two about style. The GOrun Ultra 2 comes in a variety of attractive colors for runners to choose from. While they do pack a ton of cushioning, they are still able to remain svelte looking. I’m not sure that this shoe would look natural in a casual setting, it certainly still looks like a running shoe. Thankfully, the color choices should make this a passable choice for even the most style-conscious runners.
Durability
As previously stated, durability is probably the biggest area of concern for the Skechers GOrun Ultra 2. The comfortable cushioning found throughout the shoe tends to break down fairly easily. The bouncy feel that runners experience on mile one, may not feel the same way when mile one-hundred rolls around.;The outsole material also seems to be fragile. The traction on the bottom of the shoe makes them suitable for trail runs but rugged terrain will surely cause more premature wear and tear on the shoe. Skechers could have possibly avoided this problem if it used some higher quality materials in the outsole and midsole cushioning. For the price of the shoe, there is still good value here. But runners who are looking to rack up a lot of mileage with these shoes may be unpleasantly surprised by the way they hold up.
Protection
Protection shouldn’t be a major issue for these shoes. There is ample cushioning from heel-to-toe in these shoes to offer protection to the foot. The heel cup does a great job of keeping the foot stable and protected from larger rocks and roots underfoot. The upper material, while not especially breathable, will be protective from debris and minor moisture. These certainly aren’t waterproof shoes, but the lack of breathability does slightly help their water resistance.
Responsiveness
The responsiveness of the GOrun Ultra 2 is pretty solid thanks to the amount of Resalyte cushioning used. Each stride will have that bouncy feeling and help propel your next step. Also, the roomy toe box allows the toes to naturally splay for a proper connection to the ground. These shoes are designed to be light, fast, and responsive.
Support
Skechers has made the GOrun Ultra 2 supportive from heel-to-toe. The heel cup surrounds the heel and keeps the foot properly grounded. The upper material is more flexible than its predecessor which makes for a comfortable, more supportive ride that supports the foot. This support especially comes in handy on long, hot runs when the foot tends to swell.
Terrain
The Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 is designed to handle some of the most common surfaces that runners come across. It will be most at home on asphalt and pavement. Having said that, there are substantial lugs on the bottom of the outsole to give traction on a more slick terrain. Because of the durability concerns, runners should avoid prolonged exposure to the most rugged trail terrain. Runners looking for a more substantial trail running shoe should look elsewhere.
Price
Price is an area where Skechers has always been competitive. Since they are a relative newcomer to the competitive running shoe category, they have found their niche in the price wars. Deals can be had on this shoe for well under $100 which is a tremendous value for all that you’re getting.;You won’t find them on the list of best discount running shoes but they’re still a good deal. While durability concerns do exist, runners will still be getting a lot for their money when buying the GOrun Ultra 2. These shoes may just not last as long as some other premium models. Skechers could have raised the price if they included a bit more technology along with upgraded components throughout the shoe.
Drop
This shoe has an 8 mm drop, which is below average for a pair of running shoes.
Stability
By no means is this a designed stability shoe, but it should have enough stability for the average runner. The well-designed heel cup stabilizes the foot and minimizes excess movement within the shoe. This should also help cut down on blisters or hot spots as well. The arch support is relatively neutral for a shoe of this style without forcing any extra stabilization. Most runners will have no concerns with the stability of this shoe.
Flexibility
This shoe is flexible enough that you can bend it with just your hands. Although it is not the most flexible shoe available, these are flexible enough that you can maintain a natural gait and have room to spread out your toes.
Traction
The traction on the bottom of the outsole of these shoes is Skechers GOImplulse technology. These raised lugs will help grip and connect with any terrain on which you run. The lug pattern helps keep too much debris or mud from getting stuck in the sole of the shoe. The durability of the lugs is average, as they will wear down with consistent use on rough terrain.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 is a solid option for the casual runner who is looking for something with maximum cushioning without maximum weight. Skechers managed to keep the weight down on this shoe while giving a bouncy, responsive feel. The traction will be enough for a majority of surfaces, but these shoes are really best used on the road.;The only concern will be with durability on these shoes, especially if logging high mileage on rough terrain. The amazing cushioning just won’t feel as amazing after a short amount of time. Durability concerns aside, the GOrun Ultra will be a stylish, comfortable choice for many runners. Hopefully, Skechers will be able to include some more premium components in the next iteration of the shoe while still providing a good value for the money.
