Last Updated on January 22, 2022 by Heather Hart, ACSM EP, CSCS
If you are anything like me, when you think of Skechers, you picture the little kids light up shoes and the flashy, catchy TV commercials that accompanied them. Or you may think of those shape up shoes that were all the rage for a while, but quietly disappeared with rumors of injuries, false claims, and lawsuits. But one thing you definitely don’t think of when it comes to Skechers shoes is running.
At least I never did.
Not even when Meb Keflezighi and Kara Goucher, both incredibly fast and incredibly talented Olympic runners started wearing Skechers, did I ever associate the sport of running with Skechers…unless of course the running was done by an 8 year old on the playground.
Alas, one day a pair of Skechers GoRun 4 sneakers showed up on my doorstep, and I had no other choice but to push aside my preconceived notions of the Skechers line, and give them a whirl.
SPECS:
- Flatlock stitching detail for seamless feel and lighter weight
- Soft smooth fabric shoe lining for easy barefoot wear
- Weight: 5.2 oz per shoe based on a women’s size 7
- Form fitting and virtually seamless sublimated mesh upper with lightweight overlays
- One piece upper engineered to deliver a comfortable and supportive fit
- TPU side overlays with integrated lacing for a supportive, secure fit
- GOimpulse™ Sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a responsive running experience
- M-Strike® Technology promotes a midfoot strike
- Custom insole is removable for an even more minimal feel
- 4mm Heel Drop
- Resalyte® Midsole – Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
- Resalyte® Power Pillar™ cushioning provides a soft and responsive ride
- MSRP: $100 (Less expensive options available on Amazon, see: Skechers Womens GOrun 4 Running Shoe
)
FIT:
Though on the website Skechers claims to have a “roomy forefoot”, I would completely disagree. If anything, I think this shoe runs incredibly narrow. Fortunately, I have narrow feet, so the GORUN 4 fit me smashingly. Length fits true to size, in my opinion. I opt for a size 10 to give myself a little wiggle room, and indeed I had the space I needed.
REVIEW:
Now, I know from having spoken at length with a number of other running shoe aficionados in the industry, that Skechers truly did their research. And not only did they do their research, but they released countless prototypes and revisions of their performance line during the testing phase until they got it just right. So this wasn’t the case of a casual shoe company one day deciding to haphazardly market to the endurance word.
Yet still, as mentioned above, I was skeptical.
Turns out: the Skechers GORUN 4 really, really surprised me. For those of you new to my shoe reviews: I prefer a “minimal-ish” shoe. You won’t find me running long distance in barefoot shoes, but I do like a low profile, slightly cushioned, lightweight shoe. At 5+ ounces and with a 4mm heel drop, the GORUN 4 fits perfectly in this category.
I did exactly what you should never do when trying a new shoe: took them straight out of the box for a double digit run. But, much to my pleasure I experience no chafing, no blisters, no issues AT ALL. The shoe is light enough, yet with enough cushion, that it wasn’t noticeable. I say that often in my shoe reviews, but it truly is a great test: if something nags you enough that you notice it during a run, then that is a failure in my book. I don’t want to think about my shoes or my feet, I just want to run.
Though I’m not one to run without socks, I can absolutely see the claim Skechers makes on their website that the soft smooth fabric shoe lining is designed for easy barefoot wear. The upper is indeed smooth, and the ankle area cushioned *just enough* to prevent any uncomfortable ankle rubbing.
The Skechers GORUN4 sole is incredibly flexible and malleable. While I love this feature, it always makes me wonder about the long term durability of the shoe. I currently have about 50-ish miles on the pink pair, and have yet to notice any wear and tear, other than some minor scuffing on the sole (as to be expected).
In summary, I think this is a fantastic shoe for someone with a regular to narrow foot, looking for a lightweight, barely-there shoe, that still provides some support and cushion. I love that this shoe can be used as both a training AND race day shoe, it truly is that light weight. I personally will use it for training distances and races of up to a half marathon, as I do prefer a little bit more forefoot space for longer distances.
I am pleasantly surprised with the Skechers Performance line, and sorry I doubted them for so long!
Have any questions regarding this shoe? Comment below!
*Disclaimer* The Skechers GORUN 4 shoes were provided to me at no charge. All opinions and reviews expressed are my own.
Heather Hart is an ACSM certified Exercise Physiologist, NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), UESCA certified Ultrarunning Coach, RRCA certified Running Coach, co-founder of Hart Strength and Endurance Coaching, and creator of this site, Relentless Forward Commotion. She is a mom of two teen boys, and has been running and racing distances of 5K to 100+ miles for over a decade. Heather has been writing and encouraging others to find a love for fitness and movement since 2009.
Steve
Fun shoe for all distances. Nice review, Heather!
The Clean Eating Couple
Interesting.. I have always had the same perception of sketchers.. I’ve never actually owned a pair or even tried them on! Maybe I will have to give them another try 🙂
-Liz
http://www.TheCleanEatingCouple.com
Jamaica King
Oh man! Sketchers still exists? I totally do think of light up kids shoes as well. What a throwback.
Yum Yucky
I started wearing Skechers before I noticed the Olympic runners were doing it. So of course I feel all cool ‘n stuff. Your sneakers are wonderfully colorful.
Amy Lauren
This was a great review! I have a few friends who are trying out Sketchers (couple runners who tend to be early adopters or just like to try the latest shoe) and they really like them. It sounds like a shoe I would like too since it’s lightweight and low profile. We have a Sketchers store here so I may see if they have them there.