The GOrun 6 was an odd shoe for me. The midsole/outsole was similar to the very successful GOrun 5 that gave a lightweight responsive feel for both training and uptempo days. The addition of such a flexible mesh in version 6 made for a great casual shoe, but an unsupportive upper lockdown. Along comes version 7, my first experience with the new Hyper Burst midsole material. Which absolutely blew me away. Boost and ZoomX have both been good midsole material upgrades, but they either had weight or durability issues. The Hyper Burst midsole combined with a slightly secure but flexible upper has brought this shoe back to life for me. Let's talk more.
Specifications (per Skechers Performance)
Weight: 7.7 oz (men's size 9)
Stack Height: Not available
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Lightweight Trainer
FIT/UPPER
I typically wear a size 10 in most shoes and that is exactly how it fits. The knit mesh is far more secure than the previous version and fits almost like a compression sock. The midfoot has new lacing system with extension of the laces down to the midsole similar to (but far better than) flywire. Tightening the laces creates a much better fit than the previous version as there is far more security in the midfoot. The heel has a very flexible counter that provides some minimal structure. Those with sensitive heels need not worry as it is very soft even against bar skin. The heel also features a booty style extension of the upper that provides a sock like fit around the heel collar. Despite the sock like design, I would not suggest running long mileage sockless in this shoe. There are some internal seams that work fine wearing sockless casually, but beyond short runs this may cause issues (I have run up to 8 miles in these sockless and had some minor skin irritation but nothing major). The forefoot is slightly wider than the previous version but fits snugger due to the compressive knit upper and the slight taper at the toes.
Overall the security is better than the previous version, which makes this shoe far better for speed workouts and uptempo runs. For aggressive courses with sharp turns, the knit upper is still not secure enough. So as long as you are going in a relatively straight line, the GOrun 7 Hyper is great.
RIDE/MIDSOLE
The Skechers GOrun 7 was my first experience with Hyper Burst and I am extremely impressed (I also am having very good experiences with the Razor 3 which I will review soon). This new midsole material seems to pick up where both ZoomX and Boost got lost. The material is extremely lightweight, responsive and durable. Bouncy and firm were the first two words that came to mind. My first run was a tempo that ended up being faster than I expected (given that I was halfway through a tough fellowship program and not sleeping much) and found that Hyper Burst responds as you need it to. If you need protection, go slower. If you need speed, go faster. It responds well to each but never bottoms out like other midsole compounds.
The sole design is smooth, flexible and simple. The outsole is podular like previous GOrun shoes. The outsole says M-Strike, but in today's running shoe world the sole is just gently rockered. There is a solid heel bevel that is angled toward the lateral side. The flex grooves run deep and are placed strategically. There are no flex grooves in the midfoot, only in the forefoot and a few in the heel (with what looks like a decoupled heel). Normally I would get on Skechers for posterior outsole flare, but the heel bevel is substantial enough that it does not create a problem. Overall a flexible (but not overly so) midsole that runs smoothly with the responsiveness of the Hyper Burst.
STABILITY
The Skechers GOrun 7 Hyper is not a stability shoe by any means. It is a simple, neutral shoe. The 4mm drop provides a little more stability (lower drop shoes are generally more stable), but the additional width of the midfoot makes this shoe better than many lightweight trainers. There is minor sole flare throughout, which creates a slightly wider base. The firmer but responsive Hyper Burst creates a stable but bouncy ride (unlike other midsole materials). There is no raised arch in the midsole or sockliner. So those looking for a stability shoe may find this shoe works as a speed shoe, but may need additional measures for longer training runs (in addition to working on strength).
SPEED
As a lightweight trainer, the Skechers GOrun 7 Hyper works best for uptempo training but can handle anything you can. The Hyper Burst compound is great for workouts and speed, but at 7.7 ounces (men's size 9) it can handle mileage if you are used to it. The responsiveness of the midsole combined with the flexibility make it great for fartleks and speed work on the road where you want a fast shoe but with a little more protection. This is not the fastest shoe as I would reach for the Razor 3 Hyper or Speed 5 first for races from the mile to the marathon, but it is more protective. So for a variety of mileage and uptempo training, this is a great choice.
DURABILITY
I am extremely impressed with the durability of the upper and midsole of the Skechers Gorun 7 Hyper. The midsole in all my pairs has stayed consistent no matter how many miles I put on them. Hyper Burst, unlike ZoomX, seems to keep going and going. No wrinkling of the midsole, no softening and no loss of responsiveness. The upper, despite the flexibility, has not had any loose seams or rips despite using them on a variety of surfaces. The outsole has worn at a fairly average rate, which is typical for my experience with the GOrun series. Particularly those with podded outsole tend to see destruction of them, but the extended outsole in the rearfoot provides additional life. I expect at least 200-300 miles out of this shoe based solely on outsole wear. For those that are light on their feet, the GOrun 7 will last for a long time.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT
I appreciate that Skechers Performance angled the heel bevel toward the lateral side of the shoe. I commonly get patients and runners asking me if the wear on the posterior lateral side of their shoes is an abnormal sign (it isn't). It is important to note that despite many professions claiming wear patterns are an important thing to pay attention to, there is little to no research on the subject. There is certainly no research that I am aware of that demonstrates that wear patterns are indicative of certain injury patterns. However, if we use common sense, excessive asymmetry in wear patterns may be something you want to take a look at. By take a look at I mean ACTUALLY WATCH THE RUNNER. Static signs mean nothing without actually watching the person move. Movement is key. This is the same reason why those static foot scanners are so useless in determining arch height (seriously, if the store you are at uses one of these, you might want to run in the opposite direction unless they actually watch you move). Arch height is a nice place to start, but you won't find anything out until you watch how the person is using their arch (hence why most tests for this involve movement, like the Navicular Drop test).
I digress. Most individuals land on the lateral aspect of the foot regardless of their foot stride. The reason for this is it sets MOST people up to gentle pronate to neutral or beyond neutral into foot inversion. This is not bad (unless the individual has extremely poor control of it) and as I have discussed many times is an important method of shock absorption at the foot and ankle. So for those that land at the rear section of the foot, most will land at the posterior lateral section of the shoe. Hence why it would be expected to see wear there. For those that land further forward, you may see greater wear on the outsole further forward. So unless you are completely chewing up the outsole of one shoe and not the other, I probably wouldn't worry about your wear patterns too much. Focus more on the quality of your movement and your strength (there is plenty of research and evidence behind those!).
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
This shoe is for those looking for a simple lightweight trainer with a responsive and fast new midsole material Hyper Burst. The GOrun 7 continues to offer a flexible (but more secure) upper, but the updated midsole dramatically changes the ride for the better. For mileage and uptempo days, this will be the go to shoe that many using the Razor 3 and Speed 5 will reach for. Some will use this shoe up to the marathon distance for racing, but most will find this as a do-it-all lightweight trainer.
Similar Shoes
Saucony Kinvara 10 - Similar in concept, but the GOrun 7 features a full length new midsole material and a far smoother ride. The upper is more secure in the Kinvara 10
New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon - Similar in concept, but more updated midsole material. The upper of the Beacon is far more secure.
Hoka Mach 2 - Similar in weight and concept. However the Mach 2 features a traditional midsole, a more rockered sole and far less flexibility. The fit is also typical Hoka (slightly off).
Mizuno Wave Shadow 2 - higher drop, stiffer heel and a much harsh/firm ride compared to the flexibility and responsiveness of the GOrun 7. Good fits from both shoes.
Nike Epic React 2 - Similar weight and concept but higher drop and far more cushioning in the heel. I personally do not find React foam that responsive and prefer the Hyper Burst hands down. The Epic React series is also FAR more narrow throughout in fit.
GRADING
Fit/Upper 7.5/10
Ride/Midsole 10/10
Stability 8/10
Speed 9/10
Durability 8/10
Total Score: 85%
Thanks for reading!
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Dr. Matthew Klein PT DPT OCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Kaiser SoCal Manual Therapy and Sport Fellow Graduate
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Kaiser SoCal Manual Therapy and Sport Fellow Graduate
***Disclaimer: These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review. We thank the people at Skechers Performance for sending us a pair. This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We put at least 50-75 miles on trainers and 10-25 miles on racing flats prior to reviewing them. Currently I have 75 miles on my pair first pair, 33 miles on my second and 20 miles on my third. My views are based on my extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.
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