Details
Brand
Skechers
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Solid cushioning from heel-to-toe• GOImpulse traction technology• A variety of color options• Lightweight design• Innovative heel fit• Breathable mesh upper
Upper
The upper material of a shoe is vitally important. You want the upper to be breathable, flexible, supportive, and sometimes even waterproof. Unfortunately the upper of the Skechers GORun isn’t waterproof, but there are some other great waterproof running shoe options out there if that’s what you’re looking for. Skechers uses a breathable synthetic upper material here to go along with their Sandwich mesh inserts. This makes the upper very well ventilated and breathable. It’s important to note that this breathability does come at the expense of additional airflow that could make the shoes tough to wear in colder climates.
Midsole
The midsole is an area where Skechers has really been successful with their latest round of products. All of the shoes across the Skechers line have been equipped with some impressive midsole cushioning. The GORun 400 is no exception. In this shoe, Skechers is using their 5GEN™ midsole material. This is their 5th generation of midsole cushioning and each version outperforms its predecessor. Skechers claims that runs will see more comfortable cushioning along with a responsive feel. The energy return from this material is remarkable. The midsole is also constructed with biometrics in mind to replicate the natural shape and stride of the foot. Support and stability are greatly increased with this impressive midsole technology.
Outsole
The importance of the outsole comes from the fact that it is what constantly comes into contact with the ground and is the protection your feet have from it. The ideal outsole is able to withstand the beating of many miles on the road while still offering support, traction and cushioning. For the GORun 400, Skechers has once again relied on their GOImpulse technology which can also be found on the GORun Ultra 2. This technology is designed to help runners remain grounded during their run while providing enough traction to avoid slippage. The lugs along the bottom of the outsole are spaced in a way that should minimize the amount of dirt and debris that gets trapped. The raised lugs offer just enough traction without feeling too obtrusive.
Breathability
Breathability is so important for any type of shoe but particularly when it comes to lightweight training shoes. Runners will want to log a lot of miles in these shoes and they need to be assured that their feet will be able to breathe. The GoRun 400 does a solid job of maximizing airflow into and out of the shoe. The upper of the shoe is made of a breathable synthetic material that is accompanied by Sandwich mesh inserts. This will make the shoe breathable whether the runner is wearing socks or not. Those who often find their feet sweating excessively may find a solution with a more breathable sock, but this shoe will do a fine job of minimizing internal moisture.
Comfort
Skechers has long made some of the most comfortable shoes you can buy. Their longtime success in the casual shoe marketplace has translated well to the running shoe world. The GORun 400 will be one of the more comfortable shoes on the market. There are a number of features that Skechers has inserted to achieve this. First is the Goga Run® insole in the shoe. This provides additional shock absorption and midsole support for a comfortable stride. The biometric midsole is well-designed and allows the foot to feel the ground and establish a natural stride. Also, Skechers has added a Quick-Fit Portal at the heel of the shoe that provides a comfortable fit and an easier on-and-off experience. Finally, the cushioning found in the 5GEN™ midsole material will provide comfort for mile after mile in this shoe.
Style
Skechers has always been a maker of stylish lifestyle shoes. They were making stylish shoes long before they got into the world of performance running gear. This style still shines brightly with the GORun 400. The four color options provided here give a nice variety to runners. Those looking to stand out from the crowd can opt for one of the more vibrant colors. Those who want to blend in a bit more can choose the subtle black or gray options. Regardless of the chosen color, the subtle Skechers branding and svelte silhouette make the shoe attractive for most runners. These shoes wouldn’t even feel out of place in a casual environment. The Skechers attention to style detail is much appreciated and a breath of fresh air in the world of running shoes.
Durability
Durability has been a concern in some of Skechers other running shoe models and that concern remains with the GORun 400. While the sandwich mesh material is great for breathability, it may have a tendency to wear down faster than most runners would like. The outsole material as well should hold up better than that found on the GORun Ultra 2, but it will still break down after heavy mileage on rough terrain. Fortunately, the 5GEN™ midsole cushioning seems to hold pretty well compared to previous iterations of midsole cushioning. Runners who are training for shorter, faster races will be pleased with the durability of this shoe but those training for half-marathons and longer may be disappointed.
Protection
Protection is extremely important when trying to remain injury-free as a runner. You want a shoe that allows the foot to connect with the ground while still protecting it from the surface and elements. The GORun 400 is equipped with a number of features to protect the foot. The Goga Run® insole does a great job of absorbing excessive force and shock from the impact of the ground. Without this, the runner would feel soreness throughout the bottom of the foot with each stride. The GOImpulse sensors found on the outsole of the shoe are great protection from uneven or slippery terrain that a runner may encounter. With the construction of this shoe, Skechers has added synthetic overlays in the feel and both sides of the foot to aid in protection. The synthetic upper material also does a fine job of keeping dirt and debris from entering the shoe.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness is key when designing a lightweight running shoe that is meant for speed training and races. The ultimate shoe will feel light and adapt to subtle movements within the shoe without feeling too bulky or restrictive. Skechers has finely tuned their responsiveness on their latest shoes. The 5GEN™ midsole material does a wonderful job of absorbing impact and returning it back to the runner with a bouncy stride. The lightweight cushioning helps deliver energy return in a way that propels the foot forward in every responsive step. The GOImpulse sensors on the outsole also allow for the shoe to give responsive traction that the runner can feel as the terrain changes below them.
Support
Every running shoe needs enough to support to make the runner feel comfortable in each stride they take. Some runners prefer more support, some runners prefer less support. Skechers has done a great job of positioning the GORun 400 in the middle ground of the support spectrum. Runners will feel the support provided by the Goga Run® insole. It will give moderate arch support while absorbing impact and propelling the foot forward. The biometric midsole construction also goes a long way in providing the structure and support that is needed for most runners. Runners who are used to less support like those found in popular toe shoe models will notice a huge increase in the support found here. But those runners coming from a bulkier, more cushioned shoe will conversely notice the decrease in support. Skechers has created a great middle-of-the-road option.
Terrain
Any good running shoe will be able to handle some of the most common surfaces that runners encounter. The Skechers GORun is a solid training shoe that is versatile to handle most types of terrain. But keep in mind that this is not a designated trail running shoe. If you’re looking for that, there are some great options out there. This shoe is designed to be a lightweight speed work trainer and racing shoe. It will perform best on the track, asphalt, or sidewalk. Sure, you can do the occasional trail run with these shoes but note that durability will become a major concern if these are regularly taken out on rugged trails. These shoes are designed for more gentle terrain, and to get the most life out of them it’d be wise to stick with them for a majority of runs.
Price
Skechers have always provided a great value with their shoes. Discounts and deals can usually be found on Skechers products and the GORun 400 is no exception. Runners on a budget will be pleasantly surprised with how much they get with these shoes without breaking the bank. The GORun 400 is easily perched in the mid-range value portion of the running shoe market and can easily be found for less than $100 in most instances. For the amount of technology found in these shoes, that is a tremendous deal.
Drop
Skechers has given the GORun 400 an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. Some people will appreciate this extra height while others might want something that feels a bit more natural. Whatever your preference, the 8 mm drop works well within the overall construction of the shoe. This will be a strong departure for those who are used to the popular 0 drop options but for a majority of runners, this drop will be sufficient.
Stability
Stability is key when creating a sold mid-range running shoe that’s packed with versatility. Most of the stability in the GORun 400 comes from the midsole design. Skechers designed the midsole with biometrics in mind to offer stability while honoring the natural contours of the foot. The Quick-Fit Portal in the heel is another tool that adds to the stability of the shoe. The heel is kept firmly in place minimizing any excessive movement in the shoe. This also reduces the chances of creating blisters or hotspots.
Flexibility
Fortunately, Skechers was able to keep this shoe very flexible despite its ample cushioning. The flexibility comes from the 5th Generation midsole technology. It’s able to provide supportive cushioning while still flexing and bending to accommodate the subtleties of the foot. No one is going to confuse this shoe with one of the more flexible minimal shoe offerings on the market, but it does give when you flex it in your hands. The shape of the shoe is designed to promote a more efficient midfoot strike. This flexibility comes in handy when trying to improve your running form while avoiding injuries caused by inflexible soles.
Traction
The traction used on the bottom of the outsole of these shoes is Skechers GOImplulse technology. There are raised lugs that help grip and connect with the terrain that you’re running over. The pattern of the lugs should do a good job of keeping mud and dirt from sticking to the bottom of the shoe. Slippery surfaces shouldn’t be a problem of these shoes. The only issue again is the possible durability of the outsole lugs. The depth of the lugs will likely wear down significantly with prolonged use on rough terrain. Once again it is advised to treat these shoes gently and stick to a majority of your runs on paved surfaces rather than rugged trails.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Skechers GORun 400 is a wonderful option for runners looking for a lightweight shoe that they can use for speed work and the occasional cross-training session. The shoe is also light enough to be worn in shorter distance races less than a half-marathon. For the very reasonable price, runners will get a lot of technology crammed into a stylish package that won’t look out of place even worn in casual settings. Runners will be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable option that will fit seamlessly into their quiver of running shoes.
