Skechers GoMeb Speed2 Review

Last year I was all set for Boston Marathon, shoe of choice was Saucony Fastwitch6. I had no doubt that Fastwitch6 was going to be the greatest flat for me. Enough of protection in a lightweight package. I have a small obsession for racing flats I have to admit, so I had been keeping my eyes open for Skechers GoMeb Speed. Anyone who has an interest in racing flats should have, it was #4 at the London 2012 Olympics. One problem, it was not going to be released in time for Boston Marathon. I contacted Skechers Running Division and asked about release date and they responded "we can send you a pair for you to try, plenty a time before Boston Marathon" Since I got the my first pair of GoMeb Speed, I  have never looked back and I did set a new PB at Boston Marathon. So of course I get a bit worried when Skechers Running Division announce that they are going to release GoMeb Speed2 at the NYC Marathon expo only 7 months after the first edition was released!

NYC Limited Edt

Whats New:
The GoMeb Speed2 carry over the same midsole unit, no changes here. You will get the same firm, responsive ride. The big changes are the upper and the tongue. The weight is a bit lighter size 9 comes in right under 7oz at 6.8oz

To break it down:

Midsole/Outsole
No changes here. You will get the same firm responsive ride. What impressed me most during Boston marathon is how I really could feel the energy the shoe was giving back. I really needed it when my form and legs started to get fatigue in the end. I had to dig deep last to miles and I remeber how great the shoe responded.  The Resalyt Midsole is a lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact. (from Skecher website). The Stability plate in the midfoot secure the run and gives you a bit of support. Also it gives you a faster transition to toe off.

Upper: and Fit
Here is the big update. The upper is now almost seamless, with printed overlays. The material is firmer mesh that really snugs your feet. The printed overlays gives you a bit of support but really the mesh itself hugs your feet really well. With GoMeb Speed2 you have to be careful with your sizing to get the snug feel. With my normal size 9.5, I had way to much mesh in the forefoot, it folded unnaturally during my workouts. I would say its the down side of using almost only one piece of mesh to create the whole upper. After sizing down a half size the fit was perfect! The tongue has now more structure and wont create and hot spots or folds, great update. The laces is something I personally often switch out quick. For the GoMeb Speed2 I used Sure laces to improve the fit.

Conclusion/Performance
I'm happy to find the same energetic and responsive ride with GoMeb Speed2. The upper has a greater snug feel that really raps you foot great, if you get the right size. The sizing of GoMeb Speed2 is the key for the upper technology and mesh features. You really want to lock down your feet to avoid the spare mesh that could be an issue in the front. If you get the right size you have nothing to worry about the upper update is great. Many runners had an issues with the tongue on Speed1. Skechers Performance Division paid attention and di a great job. It gives protection on top of your feet and will not fold. Again GoMeb Speed will be on my feet at Boston Marathon,GoMeb Speed2 is a shoe that I can trust and I know will respond well the whole 26.2 miles!

 

 

 

  More Speed2 Reviews:

http://www.believeintherun.com/index.php/2014/01/30/skechers-gorun-speed-2-gomeb/

 

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.”

Skechers GoRun Ultra

I have to admit, before trying the Ultra. I had zero experience with maximum cushioned shoes. Sure I have checked out Hokas but could never see myself wearing them, So I was a bit skeptic when I first heard that Skechers Performance Division had a new maximum cushioned shoe in the loop. I am not an Ultra runner and as Im building up for Boston Marathon I have not done much trail latley. So how did the Ultras fit in, in my rotation? With Polar Vortex weather forecasts, snowy roads and stiff temperature here in New Jersey, I had found a perfect shoe for my winter running and recovery runs!

The GoRun Ultra was inspired by Ultra runner Robert Youngren, here you can read his blog and how Ultra was designed: http://youngrenepics.blogspot.com/2013/11/skechers-gorun-ultra-from-drawing-board.html

To break it down

Midsole/Out sole unit:
Ultra use a combination of a soft Resalyte midsole and more rigid Resagrip outsole to provide cushioning and support. Information from Robert Youngren blog:

Stack Heights 

  Forefoot =  23.0 mm
  Midfoot = 29.0 mm
  Heel = 27.0 mm 
  Net Drop = 4.0mm
  Sockliner = 3-7 mm (tapers from 7mm at heel to 3mm at forefoot)
 
Outsole offers a pattern of medium sized lugs, shaped as triangles almost. Although I have not tried the Ultras on the trails, I have tried them on pretty rough, slushy winter condition roads. And the runs have been safe and secured. Truly I feel this works as well as a road shoes as it does on the trails. The cushioning is very well present, although I enjoy a road feel shoe, I have actully found the cushioning  being pleasant the day after a hard work out when your legs are beat up.  

The running feeling is very "poppy" and the midsole flexes well. I have no problems picking up paces with the poppy feeling.

Upper/Fit:
The upper is very roomy. I have no problems getting a extra thick sock in them on a very cold day. In the front, the mesh is a bit stretchy, for toe display and a tighter mesh in the arch area to secure the fit. A couple of overlays add to the structure of the upper. Nothing to fancy, just simple functional design. The roomy upper is probably very useful if you're are planning to go the Ultra distance where your feet gets pretty swollen and beat up.

  
Performance: 
 As with all maximum cushioned shoes, you get a good stack height. You would think that the shoe therefor have sacrifice the energy return and the "pop" feeling. Ultra does not. I was pleasantly surprised how "fast" they actually felt and how flexible they are. They offer you ton of protection at the same time. I have heard from other runners who had used Ultra and rolled their ankles. This has not been an issue for me.

Sum up :
Im not a trail runner and Im not an Ultra runner, still I found a great place in my running shoe rotation for the Ultras! With a simple roomy upper, and a well cushioned ride the Ultras has given me great protection from Mother Winter nature. The stack height has given me good protection from the slushy wintery roads and the roomy upper has allowed me to add a thicker socks
Out sole lug pattern has protected me from sliding around and I have been able to focus on the running. I really like how I can pick up paces whenever I want without feeling the shoe is in the way.
Even if you're not an Ultra runner, you can find a place for Ultra in your rotation. Its a great versatile shoe that works for many purposes, you just have to explore the shoe and find your way!

 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.”

Skechers GoRun3 review

I have to admit, I had a love affair with the Skechers GoRun2. With the GoRun2 I did most of my runs building up toward my Boston Marathon 2013 sub 3 PB. I loved how the GoRun2 kept me low to the ground with superb road feel ( a feeling that I had been looking for, for years), a snug upper that wraps your foot without bells and whistles! So I was a bit worried when I first opened the GoRun3 shoe box. I have now 160 miles in the GoRun3 and I'm convinced, this is for the better!

What has changed and whats new:
The upper is totally redone, without loosing the snug fit over the arch area. The front of the shoe offer now a more airy stretchable mesh. This makes your toes happy as they are able to spread out more. If you play around with the laces you can get a really snug feeling, having all the different mesh styles working together.
With the GoRun3 Skechers offer a 2 in 1 insole. This means that you can choose your drop between 4mm or 8mm. With the 4mm option you get lower to the ground and you have a more road feeling. the 4mm is the option I prefer. With the 8mm option, you lose some of the road and the experience is a more a cushioned ride. Its really a matter of taste, I prefer as I mentioned above the road feel. The road feel is still there with the 8mmm option but you get a much softer and cushioned ride.

To break it down

Mid Sole
GoRun3 carry over the same mid sole console as GoRun2. The difference is the insole and the 2 in 1 option. With 8mm you get a more cushioned feeling and ride. If you take out the insole for the 4mm option you get the same feeling I liked with GoRun2. Great flexible road feeling, you stay close to the ground.

Upper: The upper has been totally redone. Skechers are working with several different mesh styles to give you a secure fit and at the same time giving enough room in the front for your toes to display. This works really well and the different mesh styles almost feel like they were meant for each other. In the front you have the 3 layer Power-prene mesh on front panel. This is a very open mesh. This will most likely be a winner on a warm day but could be cold and trap snow on a cold snowy day. With some smart overlays and a tighter mesh in the arch area, the foot is secured. I was a bit afraid of loosing the sock like feeling you have with GoRun2, but its still there. Nice and smooth feeling but at the same time the foot is locked down.

Fit: Here you have to careful. With the new 2:1 insole sizing might differ for you.  My advice is to try them on and decide what option you like and are going to use. If you take out the insole the shoe will get bigger. Like the old trick my mom used when I was a kid to save a few bucks. Buy to big shoe and slide in an insole and they fit. If you take the insole out the shoe will run bigger.

Performance: With the 4mm option, as mentioned above you get the close to the ground feeling. Very responsive without being mushy. If you like to pick up the paces the shoe respond well and gives a lot of energy back. I find the 4mm option being a very fun shoe to do work outs in. For me the 4mm option is enough to go the full 26.2, but if you don't thing it s enough you can choose the 8mm option as it feel like more shoe under your foot. Still with a very responsive and energetic ride.

Sum Up: I was  afraid at first but the GoRun3 is a great update to GoRun2. GoRun3 feels more like a complete shoe, still without loosing the feeling from GoRun2. GoRun3 offers a new 2 in 1 insole system. When you try them on be careful with you sizing. With GoRun3 a have a shoe that I can use for all my workouts toward my goals 2014. And for the price of $80 you get the best valued running shoe on the market!

Other Reviews: http://runrepeat.com/skechers-gorun

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skechers 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.”

Runblogger 2013 shoe list

Runblogger offered a survey over 2013 shoes for his readers. Here is the result!

http://runblogger.com/2014/01/runblogger-reader-survey-results-top-road-running-shoes-of-2013.html

Winter Running 2014

First post of the year! Of course it has to be weather related and running in really cold weather! Temperatures and weather has not really been kind to us here in NJ, but hey it can be worse. We are not living in Maine! I always try to complete all of my runs outside and for this year that equals a lot of layers of clothes! This blog is a sum up of how I dress before a really cold run!

Head: As head wear I use a beanie from Gore with wind protection in the front. On really cold days I add an extra headband, also with wind protection to keep my head warm. Sunglasses gives a great protection of your face and eyes. On really cold runs I use a Buff to cover my face and neck, but you might also want to try a face mask. Friends of mine has recommended a face mask from Under Armor.
The fix: Wind proof beanie

Upper body: Its so easy to over dress and get to warm during your run. It is ok to freeze the first couple of minutes of running, but once you get going your are going to get warm. I usually use base layers from CRAFT of Sweden, to me they are outstanding and has always kept me warm and dry. Cold days I use two layers of CRAFT and a weather proof jacket from Sugoi, not to heavy just enough to break the wind. Yes Craft is expensive but they will keep you dry and they last for decades.
The fix: Layers and Keep upper body dry

Hands: I have really cold hands and I cant take a run with cold hands. I always double up on the layers on my hands. Really cold days I use Gore Tex mittens with a wool liner glove. This solutions has kept my hands warm even on the coldest days with really stiff temperatures. Milder days I use a windproof glove from Sugoi.
The fix: Mittens

Legs: I hate to repeat myself, but the trick is really to use layers smart and keep the winds away from your body. Again I use base layers from CRAFT of Sweden, together with wind proof underwear from Asics or New Balance. As for the tights I use a really old pair of Nikes with Wind proof front. This solution is for really cold days. Milder days it might be enough with just the wind proof underwear and a pair of thinner tights.
The fix: Wind proof underwear

Feet: As with the hands, the feet is something I want to keep warm. This year we have been using different shoe models from Skechers Performance Division . All with the "All Weather" protection mesh:

• Special All Weather GOdri three layer edition
• Layer 1: Water resistant protective exterior barrier
• Layer 2: Micro-porous membrane allows air to pass through while keeping water out
• Layer 3: Form-fitting and moisture-wicking mesh interior

The All Weather models, GoRun2, GoRun Ride2 and Bionic Trail has been used in pretty nasty conditions. All from heavy rain/snow and temperatures down to real feel -2. On a really cold days you want to keep the winds away from your toes. If you use a shoe like Skechers All Weather and a pair of really nice wool socks you are good to go, I have been using Elite wool socks from Feetures!. So far my toes has been toasty and warm. If you want to add some traction on a snowy day, the Bionic trail is the shoe to pick. Although its a trail shoe it works really well on the roads and gives you great traction on the snow.  The All weather protection keep your feet dry in most conditions but if you stay out for 60 min+ in heavy rain, no shoe in the world will keep your feet dry. The All Weather mesh is not as stretchy as the regular GoRun mesh but it does wrap your feet really well. The feeling is the same as the original GoRun series.
GoRun series reviews here:
GoRun2
Ride2 
Bionic Trail
The Fix: Windproof shoes and wool

My Winter running blog from 2013:  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skechers 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.”