Skechers GoRun 2 Review

GoRun 2 was released in December 2012. As mentioned earlier in this blog I was at first skeptic to try Skechers. The first GoRun got mixed review pretty much because of the aggressive mid foot "bump". Some runners loved it, some runners hated it. On the 2 edition the bump is reduce a lot, it s still there but not noticeable. GoRun 2 is now in my rotation and my review is based on apx 100 miles of mixed running (endurance, tempo, hills, intervals, you name it...).

What Sketchers says:

Skechers GOrun 2 is the next generation of a serious minimal running shoe. Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it works as a great transitional shoe to foster a barefoot running experience.

Details:

Independent circular GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a more responsive running experience

M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike

Radically lightweight - No extra material, no extra weight, nothing to slow you down

Breathable 4-way stretch mesh toe panels engineered to allow toe splay

Custom Fit insole is removable for an even more minimal feel

Roomier Forefoot - Extra space to reduce friction and allow your toes to spread, grip and push off

4mm Heel Drop - substantially less heel drop than traditional running or training shoes to bring you closer to a natural barefoot experience

Resalyte™ Midsole - Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact

Progressive Flex midsole transitions from stable platform to forefoot flexibility

Construction:

Nearly weightless synthetic and mesh fabric upper

Nearly seamless flexible upper with lace up front

Flatlock stitching detail for seamless feel and lighter weight

Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear

Weight: Radically lightweight 6.6 oz per shoe based on a men's size 9 

This is my take:
Im not going really compare it to the first version as I have not tried it, other then the reduced bump. The second edition does not have a bump to talk about really and my concerns with the GoRun Ride I had, has been addressed (pebble collector, aggressive bump, folding mesh).

Upper:
The upper is created by stretchy mesh, by Sketchers called 4-way. It really looks minimalistic but it really does a good job keeping your foot in place. On the Go Run Ride I had concerns about some mesh getting folded, this is not a concern with this shoe. The heel counter, is soft but keeps the heel in place. Ive heard from other runners about possible heel slippage and the insert sliding back, but I have not experienced this matter myself and the heel counter offers enough of support and a secure lock to me. One concern is the lacing. The laces are flat nylon and during several of run I have experienced some hot sport on top of my foot. They also make it harder to secure the arch lock. After I switched the laces this issues was taken care of.  Regarding breathable mesh, I have to wait and see more towards the summer as Ive only been using the shoe in cold weather running.

 Mid sole
The Resalyte really shines and I cant say enough of positive things about this mid sole compound. Reaslyte is a really light and responsive compound. You get a really nice energy return, a specially on your faster days! On Go Run 2 the foot sits really close to the ground and the road feel is great. At first I was concerned about the thin fore foot but the more I got used to them it was not really a concern. I have taken the shoes over 20 miles and the compound holds up really well. For the right runner this shoe can go the full marathon for sure. The Resalyte is very durable and does not show any sign of breaking down.

Outsole

Lack of rubber in high traffic area.

The sketchers use its Independent circular GOimpulse sensors technology. The pods are definitely smaller then the Ride ones and can possibly wear out quick. I read Runbloggers review and the wear test shoes he did. Apperently the first versions of the GoRun2 had more rubber under and on the high traffic pods.  I could have used some more rubber in the high traffic area, so the durability is  a concern of mine. The placements of the pods and the flex grooves makes the shoe very flexible. So far the shoe has not collected any pebbles, this is during winter months with ton of salt and pebbles on the roads.

Over All
Go Run 2 gets more and more time in my current rotation. This shoes is up against Saucony Kinvara 3 in my rotation and the Kinvaras get less usage. You can pretty much use this shoe for anything, for me it could be the potential Boston marathon shoe.The shoe really shines when you take them for tempo runs and its easy to go too fast (could be an issue :) ) Some concerns I have is the laces but its an easy fix, just change them. Also the durability could be an issue as the mid sole compound is exposed in higher traffic areas. Some runners have experienced heel slippage (Insert slides back) but my foot has been secured at all times. Sketchers keeps improving and I'm sure this shoe will replace competitor shoes in runners rotations as it did in mine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”