“Oh does Britney want to go for a run?” or “Ups, you’re jogging again?”

It certainly is not stress-free to show up for a group run with the lads sporting Skechers running shoes. Image definitely has a lot to do with how you perceive. These days US shoe brand Skechers is still associated with something else then proper, and by any means proper, running shoes. But a lot has happened since they first released a performance shoe line in 2011. I had the chance to run the GoRun 2 and after positive encounters with these shoes I was pumped to try the GoRun 4.

If you are following (elite) running a bit closer you will see Meb Keflezighi and Kara Goucher on the front of a big worldwide marketing push towards severe running. With latest recruits of famous players such as US die-hard marathoner and world-class blogger Nate Jenkins together with highly talented German triathlete Nils Frommhold, plus one of my all time favourite triathletes Paul Amey, you know that these people from Californias Manhattan Beach are serious.

But lets looks at the raw produce – the GoRun 4. The GoRun had to undergo some changes since the first release. I don’t want to come up with a full judgment to the former models because there are simply too many changes to the previous shoes. For myself I always look at the drop of a shoe first. 8mm is the variance between the back and the front of the shoe. It’s a bit much for my likes but still at an tolerable level. Besides that the new version is slightly heavier then the old ones. But with simply 227 grams (size 12) this is still a very light shoe.

I liked the feeling of the shoe just straight from the start. Just like the older models the mesh and the shaping of the shoe suits me very well. Although it is a little bit thicker now. The sensation is distinctive and could be described as loose and soft. But this would imply that you do not have a structured shoe. The shoe still feels snug and the thin materials make up for good support nonetheless. To get a bit lower to the ground, I took out the insole which, according to the Skechers website, is meant to create more space in the shoe. It certainly creates more space but I favoured the more direct feeling by taking out the insole.

Perhaps the major apprise to the GoRun 4 is the sole. Its thicker and particularly on the middle Skechers upraised the game significantly. Surely the more cushion plays into the more weight part but it is a well-applied feature. As I strike with the forefoot I wouldn’t need to have the “Resalyte midsole“ but it adds to the stability and performance. I played around with it for quite a while with different running styles and ways to hit the ground and it’s a nice bouncy feel without being unnatural. I ran the shoe on gravel roads, tarmac and technical trail. While this shoe is a road running shoe I had zero problems guiding the soft sole around dry rocks. When it comes to rainy, rocky trails this wouldn’t be the best choice.

Just like the former model, I liked this shoe for being a light day-to-day training buddy. From Skechers first approach towards the GoRun series this is certainly a step away from the minimalistic trend towards a heavier shoe. With a stiffer upper and a thicker sole the direction is absolutely not minimal anymore. Still the Skechers GoRun 4 makes a great training buddy that enjoys a fast ride on a daily basis. I had zero problems when it comes to fitting and chafing and whatsoever. This is a shoe that is fun and surprised during every run. Lets see how long it takes until Skechers wont get any Britney related comments anymore…

This is the 4th version of the GoRun Series
Good traction – softish feeling
The typical style of the GoRun series. Now with some more cushion in the middle
Resalyte Midsole
Styling
Nice little feature – QuickFit Portal
Sunbathing Skechers
Fastlane access – QuickFit Portal
Just one of five colorways
Radically lightweight