Skechers Razor 3 Cloak Hyper Review
The "Zee-Bruh" design is finally here! This color scheme was used on many Skechers Performance prototype shoes and instead of being subtle, was instantly recognized due to the extremely cool design. As a prototype colorway, it was never intended for production, but after a great deal of demand from the public (and some influence from Jamison Michael), it is here. The Skechers Razor 3 Cloak Hyper is an adaptation of the original Razor 3 with an updated Cloak upper and colorway along with a updated GOODYEAR full contact outsole.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 6.5 ounces (Men's 9)
Stack Height: 28mm/24mm (including sock liner)
Drop: 4mm
Classification: Versatile Performance Trainer/Racer
HIGHLIGHTS
The Razor 3 Hyper was a loved shoe by many. Now it has a couple updates with the emphasis of giving the people what they want (again shout out to Jamison Michael)! The Razor 3 Cloak Hyper features the famous zebra colorway and an updated GOODYEAR full contact outsole that helps with traction and durability. The shoe is still VERY fast but even more durable and will be able to tackle daily training mileage as well.
FIT
The fit of the Razor 3 Cloak is dialed in as a performance shoe. The midfoot has a good hold when laced, the heel is normal width with a semi rigid counter, and the forefoot is normal width with just enough space for toe splay in the toebox. The Cloak upper is a tad bit thicker than the original non stretch mono mesh upper but I think it is more just the color coordination that makes it thicker. The upper is still very breathable and does not hold moisture excessively. The length is true to size. There is a toe guard up front that is not overbearing in anyway. The upper is reinforced and handles turns very well when pushed. Overall the upper is very well done with a dialed in performance fit and normal to slightly narrow width throughout.
RIDE
The Skechers Razor 3 Cloak still has a very similar ride to the beloved Razor 3. The shoe is soft for how low stack the shoe is but still relatively firm when compared to daily trainers. The transition points are really fluid with a gradual heel bevel and toe spring built into the shoe. The forefoot is flexible which helps maintain a smooth transition when running at daily and moderate paces. The biggest change is the traction experienced from the Goodyear outsole. The rubber switch and the introduction of the medial panel are noticeable in only good ways. You can really feel the road, but still feel very protected. The shoe is light and really fun to pick up the pace in. The shoe is good at recovery paces as well but really shines at moderate to fast paces since the shoe is constructed to have really quick transition points and M strike emphasis (midfoot). The drop ratio of 4mm feels true, though the shoe does not feel aggressive in any way. The shoe depends on geometry for fluidity of strides and does a great job. The shoe definitely has enough protection for training or half marathon racing, with some being able to take it to marathon. I did an 18 mile run in them and it had enough protection, though I started feeling the feet a little around 16-17.
STABILITY
The Razor 3 Cloak is surprisingly stable for a neutral performance shoe. The introduction of the medial GOODYEAR panel on the outsole increases the rigidity through the region slightly and makes the shoe respond well without contorting as much to outside forces. The traction is overall improved significantly and I feel it does much better when taken to other surfaces as well (dirt, grass, etc.). The upper holds well through turns and doesn't collapse through any regions when landing. Overall impressive stability for such a low profile shoe. The soft foam and low profile still make for a little instability but again, impressive for such a minimal build.
SPEED
The Razor 3 Cloak, like the OG Razor 3 is a very versatile shoe. I have taken through pretty much every pace from 4:00/mile to about 8:00/mile. The shoe feels best in the range from slightly uptempo to controlled fast running (5k pace give or take) for me. It is the perfect workout shoe for me and can also function as a long run shoe. Daily training miles I tend to like a little more structure but it is definitely doable in this shoe. The shoe did just fine with 800m repeats at 2:22, 1 mile repeats at 4:47, and through longer tempos around 5:30 pace. A long run around 7 min average with an uptempo finish did fine as well. It can do a little bit of everything, but I definitely love it for workout and training companion, with a potential option for short distance road racing.
DURABILITY
The Razor 3 Cloak is a very durable option for such a low profile shoe. This is a shoe you can both train and race in and not have to worry about mileage chewing it up. The Goodyear outsole update greatly lengthens the life of the shoe, since it is slightly thicker and more durable. Expect normal training mileage 250 to 300, which is phenomenal for shoe that can double as a racing flat.
THOUGHTS AS A DPT
With this shoe being an upper and outsole update to the original Razor 3, please refer to the Thoughts as a DPT section for the prior model here.
https://www.doctorsofrunning.com/2019/03/skechers-gorun-razor-3-hyper-review.html
RECOMMENDATIONS
Honestly, I have minimal recommendations for the Razor 3 Cloak. As it is, it is a phenomenal training companion and potential racer with improved traction. The upper might be a little thicker with the Cloak colorway, but not a deal breaker. I think it would be good for Skechers to consider doing a wide model to expand the market for many runners who have been dying to run in this shoe but just cant fit in performance shoes well, but that's about it. Phenomenal shoe and will be a great training companion for the Razor Elite.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
The Skechers Razor 3 Cloak is a highly versatile performance trainer that can also race well if asked to. The traction and durability is significantly improved from the prior version. The Razor 3 Cloak can be a trainer for some and a workout training companion and racer for many. The shoe is incredibly low profile by todays standards but offers a really good amount of protection for how low stack it is. This is a shoe that pretty much anyone can find a worthwhile spot in their rotation for.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Honestly, I have minimal recommendations for the Razor 3 Cloak. As it is, it is a phenomenal training companion and potential racer with improved traction. The upper might be a little thicker with the Cloak colorway, but not a deal breaker. I think it would be good for Skechers to consider doing a wide model to expand the market for many runners who have been dying to run in this shoe but just cant fit in performance shoes well, but that's about it. Phenomenal shoe and will be a great training companion for the Razor Elite.
WHO THIS SHOE IS FOR (Conclusion)
The Skechers Razor 3 Cloak is a highly versatile performance trainer that can also race well if asked to. The traction and durability is significantly improved from the prior version. The Razor 3 Cloak can be a trainer for some and a workout training companion and racer for many. The shoe is incredibly low profile by todays standards but offers a really good amount of protection for how low stack it is. This is a shoe that pretty much anyone can find a worthwhile spot in their rotation for.
BONUS: Link to our interview with Jamison Michael where we found out that he had a role in this colorway coming to the public market!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RRqc5Me9t0&lc=UgxlGTeAZwHMgl09wYB4AaABAg
GRADING
David
Fit 9.5/10 (Dialed in and reinforced really well, a little thick for a go fast shoe, that's it)
Ride 9.5/10 (Ride is smooth through all transitions, legs still take some pounding with long mileage)
Stability 9.5/10 (Really good for performance shoe, outsole helps, softer foam on neutral platform still lowers stability slightly)
Speed 9.75/10 (great for pretty much everything. More forefoot stiffness would be good at really fast paces, but not a deal breaker.)
Durability 9.5/10 (Good durability for both performance shoe and trainer, expect normal mileage for daily trainer to slightly more potentially)
Total Score: 95.5% (D: 9.55/10)
Thanks for reading!
TESTER PROFILES:
Dr. Matthew Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little cushion when he gets beat up.
Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing, IG handle: @docsofrundavid
Dr. Brown is a 155 lb male with notable PRs of 18:18 5K, 39:25 10K, 1:29:01 half marathon, and 3:54 marathon. He typically runs between 20-40 miles per week at a variety of paces from 7:30-8:30 min/mile for recovery runs to 6-6:45 min/mile for tempo runs. He typically prefers shoes that provide some cushioning underfoot but still maintain a more firm and responsive feel. Current goals for 2020 are to break the 1.5 hour half marathon and 3:30 marathon. IG handle: @nate.docsofrunning
GRADING
David
Fit 9.5/10 (Dialed in and reinforced really well, a little thick for a go fast shoe, that's it)
Ride 9.5/10 (Ride is smooth through all transitions, legs still take some pounding with long mileage)
Stability 9.5/10 (Really good for performance shoe, outsole helps, softer foam on neutral platform still lowers stability slightly)
Speed 9.75/10 (great for pretty much everything. More forefoot stiffness would be good at really fast paces, but not a deal breaker.)
Durability 9.5/10 (Good durability for both performance shoe and trainer, expect normal mileage for daily trainer to slightly more potentially)
Total Score: 95.5% (D: 9.55/10)
Thanks for reading!
TESTER PROFILES:
Dr. Matthew Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and 2:32:44 for the full marathon. He typically runs 70-100 miles per week and trains at a variety of paces from 8min per mile recovery runs to 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. He is particular to less cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little cushion when he gets beat up.
Dr. David Salas is a 135 lb male with notable PRs ranging from 3:54 in the 1500m to 1:08:36 for half marathon. He typically runs 60 miles per week and trains from about 7:30 recovery runs to fast shorter efforts at 4:30 pace. He normally prefers neutral shoes with a firmer ride, but is completely open to other types of shoes. He is a footwear enthusiast at heart and will always appreciate a high quality shoe when it comes around. For updates on training or testing, IG handle: @docsofrundavid
Dr. Brown is a 155 lb male with notable PRs of 18:18 5K, 39:25 10K, 1:29:01 half marathon, and 3:54 marathon. He typically runs between 20-40 miles per week at a variety of paces from 7:30-8:30 min/mile for recovery runs to 6-6:45 min/mile for tempo runs. He typically prefers shoes that provide some cushioning underfoot but still maintain a more firm and responsive feel. Current goals for 2020 are to break the 1.5 hour half marathon and 3:30 marathon. IG handle: @nate.docsofrunning
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.
Matthew Klein, PT DPT OCS FAAOMPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Nathan Brown PT DPT MS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Masters in Anatomy and Clinical Health ScienceMovement Performance Institute Certified in Advanced Functional Biomechanics
David Salas PT DPT CSCS
Doctor of Physical TherapyCertified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
***Disclaimer: These shoes were provided free of charge in exchange for a review. We thank the people at Skechers for sending us a pair. This in no way affected the honesty of this review. We put at least 35-50 miles on trainers and 10-25 miles on racing flats prior to reviewing them. Currently we have 45 miles (David) on our pairs. Our 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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