Details
Brand
Skechers
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• NEW multi-textured mesh upper• 4mm drop• 5GEN cushioning• DuPont midsole plate• M-Strike zone• H2GO water-resistant technology• GOtherm 360 technology• Supportive heel counter• Stretch lacing system• Supportive upper overlays• Reflective detailing• Aggressive outsole tread• Multi-Surface Traction System
Upper
The new revised upper design of the Skechers trail shoe is made of multi-textured mesh. The new construction is a whole lot more durable, protective, and supportive than before. If reviewer comments are any indication, it’s clear that Skechers has hit it out of the park with this single improvement. The thick upper is water-resistant (thanks to H2GO water-resistant technology) and perfect for running in inclement weather. Despite its thickness, the upper material is still suitable for warmer weather training, but we don’t pretend it’s the lightest option available. The resistant material does, however, provide outstanding durability. It’s a massive improvement over the previous design.;Regarding fit, the second edition of the GOTrail has a narrow forefoot design and a very secure feel at the heel. The result is a shoe that fits snugly in all the right places. Wider footed runners might find the forefoot a bit too tight, but for narrow feet, the trail shoe is a perfect match. At the tip of the shoe, there’s a toe guard. Not quite a toe cap, which had some reviewers disappointed. There’s less protection than some might like at the front of the shoe. Other parts of the upper feature reflective detailing and supportive overlays. Stretch laces allow for the wearer to adjust the fit as needed.
Midsole
The GOTrail’s midsole features 5GEN cushioning. It’s a lightweight, resilient material that offers a responsive ride. The cushioning in this Skechers shoe is softer rather than firm and is intended for a specific wearer seeking a certain ride feel. The soft midsole didn’t please everyone. Some found the soft cushioning too unstable for varied terrain. The soft cushioning doesn’t affect energy-return that much, though, thanks to the presence of the shoe’s DuPont plate. The firm protective layer provides plenty of responsiveness allowing for deft trail handling. The M-Strike design also helps contribute to a natural toe-off feel.
Outsole
The GO’s outsole features Multi-Surface traction technology for adaptive grip on all types of terrain. This makes the sole capable of tackling semi-technical trails. The shoe also features a protective DuPont plate. It’s basically a rock plate, but it also provides energy-return. An aggressive tread pattern underfoot ensures that runners get footing on looser terrain. Reviewers also noted that the outsole felt nice and wide which helped to provide extra stability. The hyper-flexible outsole, however, does decrease overall stability somewhat, according to reviewers. Users also said that the outsole was incredibly resistant to wear.
Breathability
The upper revamp includes a whole new multi-textured mesh material. It offers an improvement over the original GOTrail upper in terms of protection, support, and durability. It is thicker, though, so expect breathability to suffer a tad. The upper does feature H2GO water-resistant technology which also cuts down on ventilation. It’s not made of Gore-Tex, though, so most runners – except maybe those whose feet tend to run hot – should feel comfortable on the trail.
Comfort
Reviewers had mostly positive things to say comfort-wise about the Skechers trail shoe. The 5GEN cushioning is soft underfoot, so not everyone loved or will love that squishy feel. The Dupont midsole plate does make up for that ultra-plush sensation, though, since it’s firmer than the cushioning. The fit was bang on for most wearers, but some found the narrowness of the design a bit hard to get used to. Wide foot wearers will likely find the width way too snug. The upper’s H2GO technology performs well and effectively keeps water out. It’s a thick upper, so in hotter weather, some runners might feel a bit steamy inside the shoe. It’s not suffocating, though. Reviewers really enjoyed the fact that the midsole cushioning was very resilient, meaning you’ll feel that padding for miles and it won’t start to feel stale after a while. A flexible sole makes a ride in the GOTrail 2 feel really natural, which reviewers liked but pointed out decreased overall stability.
Style
What’s not to like? The GOTrail 2 features a visible Skechers logo and a fresh design. Not unlike the rest of Skechers’ lineup, the trail sneaker looks athletic but doesn’t scream “I’m made for off-roading!”. The design is well suited for casual situations, too. The available colorways are stylish without being overly trendy.
Durability
The GOTrail 2 gets a durability upgrade thanks to its improved multi-textured mesh upper. The thicker material is more resilient than before. Reviewers also mentioned that the outsole, despite being ultra-flexible, was incredibly resistant to wear and tear. For the price point, the Skechers trail shoe offers impressive durability.
Protection
The lightweight trail shoe offers decent protection for most off-road running excursions. The outsole’s Multi-Surface Traction System provides excellent traction on various types of trails. The lightweight 5GEN cushioning offers resilient impact protection. There’s also a DuPont midsole plate that not only provides energy-return, it also offers protection underfoot. Rocks and pebbles won’t hurt your sore little feet should you encounter them on your run. The upper, thicker than before, is more protective, too. H2GO water-resistant technology keeps water out, and GOTherm 360 provides warmth for colder outings. The shoe also features reflective detailing for nighttime or early morning visibility.
Responsiveness
The Skechers GO’s 5GEN cushioning is relatively soft, but the midsole also features a DuPont layer. The firm plate helps to increase overall responsiveness and energy-return. The M-Strike design of the shoe helps to encourage a snappy toe off and reduce reliance on a heel strike pattern.
Support
The GOTrail 2 provides adequate support for most runners. A narrow construction might not feel right for wide footed wearers, but for others, the fit feels snug and secure. The broad base of the shoe ensures runners are supportively cradled as they run. The thick upper’s overlays and stretchy laces help provide a locked in feel, and the dense multi-textured mesh offers overall structural support. At the rear, a supportive heel counter keeps the foot in place.
Terrain
Trails baby! That’s what the GOTrail two is for. It’s all in the name. The shoe’s aggressive outsole tread and Multi-Surface Traction System were built expressly for trail use. The thicker upper design isn’t just for added durability. It provides more protection and support for off-road running. The midsole’s 5GEN cushioning is paired with a firm DuPont plate for added energy-return and protection underfoot from all sorts of trail rocks and pebbles. The Skechers shoe also boasts unique trail-specific features such as H2GO technology which helps make the GOTrail water resistant. The shoe also features GOtherm 360 technology which helps provide warmth on colder trail run days. A higher cut version of the shoe is also available and delivers even more protection for off-road conditions.
Price
The GOTrail 2 sits at an attractive price point. It offers incredible value. It’s not only an improvement compared to the original model of the shoe. It’s an excellent buy all on its own. It offers durability, protection, and comfort in an appealing, stylish package. Reviewers were more than happy to spend their money on this Skechers brand trail shoe. Its affordable price doesn’t mean that it’s a budget model.
Drop
The GOTrail 2 boasts a 4mm drop height, pretty low compared to other sneakers with built-up heels, but not zero-drop. The 4mm drop keeps runners lower to the ground which helps with navigating tricky trails and enhances stability.
Stability
Speaking of stability, where does the GOTrail 2 land on the stability scale? For starters, it’s a neutral shoe. Any stability in the Skechers shoe comes from the supportive elements of the upper (overlays, a solid lacing system, and a super sturdy multi-textured mesh material). The shoe’s heel counter provides a firm hold, too. There’s also the fact that the outsole flares out somewhat, which creates a stable platform for wearers.
Flexibility
The Skechers trail shoe features an ultra-flexible design. Even with a DuPont midsole plate, the shoe bends readily and easily. You’ll feel light on your feet thanks to the flex provided by the outsole. Some reviewers noted that the super bendy feel of the shoe decreased overall stability, somewhat, but it wasn’t an oft-mentioned complaint and even those who mentioned it didn’t say it was a dealbreaker. Just something to think about if you’re particularly in need of stability.
Traction
Running on trails isn’t a problem with the GOTrail 2. The trail shoe features an impressively grippy tread pattern and a Multi-Surface Traction outsole design. Most trail types are no match for the Skechers off-road sneaker. Reviewers reported that the shoe performed well on both hard packed dirt trails and semi-technical terrain. Many users also found the GOTrail perfectly well-suited for wet trail conditions.
Bottom Line
The Skechers GOTrail 2 is a fabulous update that offers a genuine improvement concerning durability, protection, and support. The new multi-textured mesh seems to make everything better, but it’s tough to ignore the elements that made the original great. The lightweight 5GEN cushioning is plush but responsive and offers excellent protection against the harsh impact that comes with running. A protective DuPont plate adds an extra element that keeps feet from suffering off-road. Features like the water-resistant upper are perfect for wet trail running. The flexible design of the shoe makes for a great ride and stability, and support is never forgotten. The lightweight trail shoe is perfect for runners who want their feet to feel cared for but don’t want to sacrifice agility off-road. The GOTrail 2 is a superb, yet affordable, footwear option for the trails. Unless you’ve got wide feet, there’s no reason not to consider this stellar running shoe.
