Skechers is branching out from affordable casual shoes, for which it’s long been known, to pursue another market: runners. You may be hesitant about buying your next pair of running shoes from a company whose most athletic shoe for years was the Shape Up; but the new Skechers GOrun has actually become a strong competitor in the lightweight running shoe market, thanks to its smart design and affordable price.
Weighing in at just 6.9 ounces for the men’s version and 4.9 ounces for the women’s, the GOrun falls squarely in the minimalist running shoe category, joining the likes of the Nike Free, adidas ClimaCool Ride and Puma Faas.
Through its unique negative drop design—the mid-foot area is thicker than the heel area—the GOrun encourages running with a mid-foot strike. If you are a heel striker, this can seem foreign; however, you should reserve judgment on the shoe until you’ve adjusted your running form and evaluated the benefits of a mid-foot strike on your performance.
After several runs in the GOruns, we can confirm that Skechers did its homework before entering the competitive running shoe market. Although standing still in the shoes can feel strange, the GORun is great for long runs, because its design maximizes performance and minimizes the risk of injury.
Skechers encourages running sockless in the shoe. Some runners prefer this while others find it painful. We suggest trying the shoe sockless, but if you start to develop cuts or blisters, put your socks back on. You won’t lose any of the GOrun’s performance benefits.
Skechers has made quite a splash with the GOrun, getting endorsements from marathon icon Meb Keflezighi and New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead. The shoe’s impressive debut means we’ll be watching for Skechers to launch more athletic shoes in the future.
Find the GOrun in stores or online for $80.
Photo:  barefootrunningshoesguide.com