Details
Brand
Skechers
Heel To Toe Drop
4 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Racing
Key Features
• GOimpulse Sensors on the outsole• Seamless, one-piece GOknit upper• Comfortable EVA foam midsole• 4mm drop is a nice transition point between standard and zero drop shoe• “Rocker” platform in midsole helps promote a natural stride
Upper
The upper of the GOrun Ride 6 is made from the proprietary GOknit fabric. Breathable and outfitted with cooling panels and large perforations running along the sides and toe box for superior ventilation, this material also provides the wearer with a snug, sock-like fit. External Hotmelt support straps give the upper structure and act as overlays to secure the foot firmly in place. A molded heel counter keeps the heel secure and prevents wobble and slippage. On the back of the heel is the Quick Fit Portal, a finger loop that aids in easily slipping into the shoe.
Midsole
In some instances, just because a new edition of a shoe line comes out doesn’t mean every part of it needs a radical overhaul. In fact, some shoe lines have found disaster when they reinvent too radically from one edition to the next. With the GOrun Ride 6’s midsole, Skechers wisely retained the popular M-strike technology from its previous editions. This platform features the rocker design that encourages runners to strike with the midfoot, helping keep a natural roll with every stride. Although the midsole foam is thinner than that found in the Ride 5, this EVA foam is lightweight, soft, and responsive. It enhances efficiency with each stride and provides a great amount of comfort. In addition, the EVA foam reduces impact shock to protect the foot from any potential damage while on a run.
Outsole
The outsole of the GOrun Ride 6 is fitted with GOimpulse Sensors, which are circular rubber pods located at both the heel and forefoot of the outsole. These provide excellent grip and traction when on a run and provide a nice energy return with an extra push on every step. Although the GOrun Ride 6 has less rubber on its outsole than previous iterations, this economizing of rubber also keeps weight off the overall shoe.
Breathability
Thanks to the GOknit fabric, a soft mesh that’s flexible and lightweight, and the numerous perforations on the sides of the shoe and the toe box, the Ride 6 is a highly breathable trainer that will keep a runner’s foot cool and dry even on a long run on a hot day.
Comfort
Although the midsole has been updated to be slightly thinner and more lightweight than previous editions, the EVA foam midsole is still comfortable and responsive. Many reviewers noted how well-padded the inside of the Ride 6 felt, even though it’s actually less padding than previous versions. The “rocker” platform in the midsole also encourages a natural stride. Meanwhile, its lightweight and flexible upper provides a sock-like fit after lace-up and the GOimpulse Sensor rubber pods on the outsole also aid in cushioning, responding to each foot strike with a good energy return.
Style
Outfitted with the signature large “S” on the side, the Skechers GOrun Ride 6 is a colorful entry in the GOrun Ride line. Coming in a number of color combinations, the Ride 6 has the familiar aesthetic of a number of trainers: a heavily perforated upper, traditional lace-up scheme, white outsole, and a low profile. It’s nicely designed and looks like a standard Skechers brand, but one could be forgiven for confusing it with a pair of New Balance or Asics, as well. Perhaps not the most inventive or adventurous stylistic choice, but form fits function with the Ride 6.
Durability
The GOknit fabric that comprises the upper is a seamless one-piece construction that is made of durable synthetic materials. The rubber outsole, although thinner than previous editions in the GOrun Ride line, is similarly sturdy, with the GOimpulse Sensors pods retaining their shape and grip for a long time after first step-in. The only part that may wear out before the rest of the shoe is its EVA foam midsole, which tends to lose its bounce after a while. However, the insole is removable and easily replaceable.
Protection
The greatest amount of protection the GOrun Ride 6 offers is the effects of impact during a run. The GOimpulse Sensors on the outsole are thick rubber pods that absorb the impact of foot strike on the ground and provide a fair amount of energy return with each step, while its EVA foam midsole similarly functions to absorb shock during a run. However, this is a lightweight trainer with a thin upper so this is a shoe not to wear in extreme climes or conditions.
Responsiveness
With a “rocker” platform built into the midsole, the Ride 6 is best utilized for midfoot striking and responds to the runner’s natural stride. The rubber pods that are outfitted on the outsole’s forefoot and heel are responsive to impact strikes, cushioning each step while providing a bit of bounce back. These pods also allow the runner to change direction easily without losing traction. Its EVA foam midsole, although thin, is also responsive to the natural rhythms and effects of impact and surface control.
Support
The GOrun Ride 6 is a neutral trainer, meaning that it’s mainly made for those with a neutral running stride. With this comes neutral arch support, which will work for most runners. However, those who need more support due to overpronation or fallen arches may need to find an insole to replace the standard one that comes with this shoe.
Terrain
Since this is a lightweight running shoe with only moderate traction, the GOrun Ride 6 is ultimately best on standard running surfaces, such as asphalt, pavement, and springy running tracks. With its upper’s many perforations, runners may be disappointed to find a soggy sock if running in the rain or on puddle-heavy surfaces. And although it has a fair amount of tread and grip, there isn’t much in the way of protection from harsher elements so this is also not a trail running shoe. But for those looking for an everyday trainer to take their daily jog in on their regular paved running route, the Ride 6 will perform well on these terrains.
Price
The GOrun Ride 6 is not a particularly expensive shoe–there are plenty of higher-end trainers that carry a much higher price on the market–but it’s also not a budget trainer. For runners looking for a comfortable everyday trainer that’s responsive and has good ventilation, the Ride 6 is a solid shoe for its price. But those seeking a more specialized design–for long-distance running or sprinting–there are other shoes on the market for a similar price that would serve them better.
Drop
At only 4mm, the GOrun Ride 6’s drop is surprisingly much less than one would expect from what is, by all accounts, a rather standard shoe. This drop may be less than what many runners are used to, but it’s not as extreme as a zero drop shoe and may even serve as a good transition shoe for those seeking to go minimalist in their footwear.
Stability
All things considered, the GOrun Ride 6 is a relatively straightforward running shoe: it has neutral arch support, a fair amount of cushioning, and a breathable and flexible upper. The same goes for its stability: although it is a nicely balanced shoe, it is not specifically a stability shoe. However, it does feature a 4mm drop, which is half a standard trainer’s drop. Although not a zero drop shoe and not intended to correct overpronation, this shorter drop does help with stability somewhat.
Flexibility
The upper of the Ride 6 is made from GOknit, a breathable mesh that provides a close sock-like fit after lace-up. The midsole is comfortable while also having a bit of give, and although the outsole is relatively stiff, due to the thinner coating of rubber in the Ride 6, it still grants a little leeway. Maybe not the most flexible shoe, but for a standard trainer it has just enough flexibility to feel comfortable and natural.
Traction
Outfitted with Skechers’ proprietary GOimpulse Sensors on the outsole, which are rubber pods placed on the heel and forefoot of the outsole, the Ride 6 offers a fair amount of traction on traditional running surfaces. Although not the most tenacious traction, runners will still feel on a firm ground due to the pods’ firm grip of the terrain as they propel forward. This is aided by the responsive nature of the pods, which absorb impact and provide a bit of energy return with each step.
Bottom Line
Skechers has been a well-loved brand for decades and it’s easy to see why: their no-nonsense approach to sneaker construction has served them well. Always delivering on comfort and performance without pretension, this is a brand that offers low-key style and solid performance over the years. The GOrun Ride 6 follows along with this tradition. It’s not a flashy trainer, and it’s not seeking to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it’s trying to deliver an overall everyday running shoe that delivers in comfort, performance, and breathability, and on all fronts, it succeeds. Lightweight and featuring good traction, although it may be slightly pricier than other trainers, runners that have come to trust the Skechers brand will find no disappointment with the GOrun Ride 6.
