Difference between revisions of "Skechers GOrun Ultra"

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==Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Hoka Clifton 2==
 
==Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Hoka Clifton 2==
The [[Hoka Clifton| Hoka Clifton 2]] is the best [[Minimax]] shoe by far, combining massive cushioning with light weight. The GOrun Ultra is heavier, but offers less cushioning. The Clifton has far less drop, and lasts vastly longer, as well as being better cushioned. While the GOrun Ultra may be cheaper to buy, the cost per mile is much higher, and the Clifton is a better shoe in every way I can think of.  
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The [[Hoka Clifton| Hoka Clifton 2]] is the best [[Maximalist]] shoe by far, combining massive cushioning with light weight. The GOrun Ultra is heavier, but offers less cushioning. The Clifton has far less drop, and lasts vastly longer, as well as being better cushioned. While the GOrun Ultra may be cheaper to buy, the cost per mile is much higher, and the Clifton is a better shoe in every way I can think of.  
 
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{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
 
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
 
==Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Saucony Kinvara==
 
==Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] is a great transitional shoe from a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GS 2000]] to something more optimal. The Kinvara is quite a bit lighter (>2oz) and has less drop, but not as well cushioned. The Kinvara is a much better transitional shoe, and the Ultra is more of a compromised [[Minimax]].  
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The [[Saucony Kinvara]] is a great transitional shoe from a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] to something more optimal. The Kinvara is quite a bit lighter (>2oz) and has less drop, but not as well cushioned. The Kinvara is a much better transitional shoe, and the Ultra is more of a compromised [[Maximalist]].  
 
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Latest revision as of 20:42, 19 July 2016

Is the GOrun Ultra a Hoka for only $80? Sadly not, but it's closer than you might expect, though the cost per mile probably works out higher than the longer lasting Hokas. With the updated GOrun Ultra 2, Skechers has some good improvements, but there's still some way to go before it's competitive. I've rated the Ultra as "Worth Considering." (I use The Science of Running Shoes as the basis of how I test running shoes and what you should look for in a running shoe.)

Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 top
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 bottom
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 inside
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 outside

1 Characteristics

  • Why you’d buy it. The GOrun Ultra offers a lot of cushioning for the purchase price, but its lack of longevity makes it hard to recommend.
  • Cushioning . The GOrun Ultra has plenty of soft cushioning, but it falls short of the Hoka Clifton. The cushioning lacks bounce, especially when compared with a Hoka. I think part of the problem is the egg crate effect of the midsole that make the GOrun Ultra softer on initial contact, but this softness does not last all the way through the landing. Overall, the GOrun Ultra can't compete with the Hoka Clifton for the soft, plush ride.
  • Drop. The drop of the GOrun Ultra is 6mm, but when the shoe is worn this goes up to 8mm, which I believe is far too much.
  • Structure. The construction of the sole is a little odd, becoming thicker just in front and to the inside of your heel. This creates a sort of medial post, in an attempt to resist the natural roll of your foot as it lands. The combination of the shape of the midsole and the drop caused me slight knee discomfort, something I rarely suffer from.
  • Flexibility. The GOrun Ultra is quite flexible when compared with a Hoka. This is partly due to the lack of outsole, and partly the egg crate effect that means the midsole is thinner than it would otherwise be.
  • Outsole. There is no outsole, and the egg crate effect of the exposed midsole means that the GOrun Ultra wears quickly. The exposed egg crate "lugs" wear down horribly quickly on asphalt, even faster than the Altra One.
  • Shape. The GORun Ultra has a better shape than most running shoes, and while it's not really designed to fit the human foot, I found I could run in them without cutting open the toe box. (I recommend cutting open the toe box of virtually all running shoes, with the exception of a few shoes like some Altra shoes. When you have some worn out shoes, you should try cutting open the toe box. I've found that it's a big improvement, allowing my toes to move naturally and engage for toe off, as well as reducing the possibility of blisters.)
  • Upper. The upper mostly unpadded, with just a relatively small amount around the ankle opening. There are far more seams and overlays than I'd like, making blisters a possible issue. Most of the upper is inflexible, but the area at the top of the toe box and the lower part of the tongue is quite stretchy. The inflexible areas of the shoe don't have much breathability, and seem overly thick.
  • Tongue. The tongue is attached on either side, but this does not extend all the way up the tongue, so it doesn't feel like a "sock upper". This arrangement worked really well, keeping the tongue in place without any problems putting the shoe on or creating excessive pressure on the top of the foot. The tongue is moderately padded at the top end.
  • Lacing. The traditional flat laces stayed tied.
  • Heel Counter. The heel counter is fairly firm, but also quite small so it shouldn't cause any issues.
A close up of the sole, showing the wear that occurred after just 130 miles.
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This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions.


2 Comparisons

Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.

2.1 Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Sketchers GOrun Ultra

Skechers have made a number of good improvements over the original version. The thickness of the midsole had changed from 26/40 to 28/34, so the forefoot is thicker and better cushioned, while rearfoot cushioning has been reduced. While it's sad to see the loss of rear cushioning, this has made the drop rather less horrible. The drop is still 8mm when loaded, but at least that's an improvement. The other improvement is in the upper at the extreme rear where it wraps around the heel bone. In the original, the rear did not cup the heel at all, which was an odd sensation and I found it put undue pressure on the Achilles bursa (actually the Retrocalcaneal Bursa). Sadly Skechers did not improve the lifespan of the GOrun Ultra, and it still wears out like it's made of chocolate. For more bad news, the weight has gone up nearly an ounce.

Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 top
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 bottom
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 inside
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 outside
Sketchers GOrun Ultra top
Sketchers GOrun Ultra bottom
Sketchers GOrun Ultra inside
Sketchers GOrun Ultra outside

2.2 Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Hoka Clifton 2

The Hoka Clifton 2 is the best Maximalist shoe by far, combining massive cushioning with light weight. The GOrun Ultra is heavier, but offers less cushioning. The Clifton has far less drop, and lasts vastly longer, as well as being better cushioned. While the GOrun Ultra may be cheaper to buy, the cost per mile is much higher, and the Clifton is a better shoe in every way I can think of.

Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 top
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 bottom
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 inside
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 outside
Hoka Clifton 2 top
Hoka Clifton 2 bottom
Hoka Clifton 2 inside
Hoka Clifton 2 outside
helping-hand.jpg
Please support this site

This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions.


2.3 Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 and Saucony Kinvara

The Saucony Kinvara is a great transitional shoe from a traditional shoe like the Asics GT 2000 to something more optimal. The Kinvara is quite a bit lighter (>2oz) and has less drop, but not as well cushioned. The Kinvara is a much better transitional shoe, and the Ultra is more of a compromised Maximalist.

Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 top
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 bottom
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 inside
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 outside
Saucony Kinvara 6 top
Saucony Kinvara 6 bottom
Saucony Kinvara 6 inside
Saucony Kinvara 6 outside
helping-hand.jpg
Please support this site

This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions.


3 Cushioning and Shoes

It's intuitively obvious that the cushioning in a shoe will reduce the impact on your body when running. However, The Science of Running Shoes indicates that the reality is rather more complex. While slight cushioning may reduce the effort needed to run by improving your Running Economy, most scientific research indicates that more cushioning does further improve Running Economy. In addition, cushioning does not generally reduce impact and may actually increase it. This is counterintuitive, but is likely to be due to the way a runners mind and body adapts to softer cushioning. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence is far from complete and it's hard to give clear recommendations. I believe that some runners will prefer more cushioning, while others prefer less, and typically those running further have a fondness for greater cushioning. I also believe that a shoe should be as light as possible, and a shoe should justify its weight with the cushioning it provides. My advice is to decide what level of cushioning you're looking for, and then find the lightest shoes that also fit well and are comfortable.

4 Visualizing the Attributes of the Skechers GOrun Ultra

How Skechers GOrun Ultra compares showing rearfoot cushioning against the performance penalty of its weight. Upper right is better.
How Skechers GOrun Ultra compares showing forefoot cushioning against the performance penalty of its weight. Upper right is better.
How Skechers GOrun Ultra compares showing the price against the benefit (cushioning/performance penalty). Upper left is better.
How Skechers GOrun Ultra compares showing the loaded drop against the benefit (cushioning/performance penalty). Upper left is better.

5 A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes

trophy-winner.jpg

If you're looking for "the best of the best" running shoe, here are my top picks. Of course, the answer will depend a little on what you're looking for, so I have recommendations for various categories.

  • Best All Round Shoe. The Altra Escalante is my current all-round favorite. It has plenty of cushioning for its weight, it has a very springy midsole, it lasts well, and it has a shape that's closer to the shape of a human foot than most shoes. It's a great shoe for any runner, including those Starting to run. It's also a fairly easy shoe to find due to its popularity.
  • Best Maximalist Shoe: If you want something massively cushioned, then I'd recommend the Saucony Kinvara 8. It's remarkably light and remarkably cushioned, beating Hoka at their own game.
  • Best Optimal Shoe: For those looking to trade cushioning for speed, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 was my top pick, but the latest version (LT 4) falls short of it's predecessor. There are lots of great optimal running shoes, which provide just enough cushioning with light weight and minimal frills, but all have their weak spots. Probably the best option at the moment is the Altra Vanish-R, which offers great cushioning for just over 5oz/150g.
  • Fastest Shoe: If you really want speed, then check out the Nike Vaporfly 4%. It's light, massively cushioned, and has a carbon fiber plate. Nothing comes close, not even the now defunct New Balance RC5000‏‎ or New Balance RC5000v2‏‎. There are a number of caveats; it's really expensive, it's really hard to find, and there's a significant injury risk.
  • Best Minimalist Shoe: Merrell Trail Glove. I recommend the trail glove for road running in spite of the 'trail' moniker. It's not a fast shoe by any means, but it's comfortable and will last well.
  • All Terrain Shoe. For trail running, I've become a fan of Altra, and I think their best shoe is the the Altra Timp, though the Altra Lone Peak is really close.
  • Honorable Mention: It's not really a running shoe, but the Vivobarefoot Ra is comfortable, minimalist and can more or less pass as a dress shoe. I've worn mine to weddings with a suit and they've not looked out of place. You can run in the Ra, but the leather means it doesn't breathe well.

For a more detailed on running shoes see the Recommendations for Best Running Shoes. This table lists the key attributes of What to Look for in Running Shoes. For more detailed information, on the shoes see detailed shoe comparison.

Full Review

Brand Name Rating Recommended
price
Benefit Weight
(oz)
Penalty
(sec/mile)
Forefoot
Thickness
Heel
Thickness
Loaded Drop
mm
Cushioning Flexibility
Saucony Type A Review Saucony A/A7 Recommended $100 6.4 6.7 12.1 19 22 1 4.3 7
Saucony Type A6 Review Saucony A6 Highly Recommended $100 8.2 6.1 9.5 17 21 4 5.0 7
Saucony Type A8 Review Saucony A8 Highly Recommended $90 7.5 6.2 9.7 19 20 -1 4.7 7
Adidas Adios Boost 2 Review Adidas Adios Worth considering $140 4.7 8.6 13.4 17 27 11 4.0 6
Hoka Bondi 5 Review Hoka Bondi Recommended $150 6.1 11.6 18.1 38 42 5 7.1 2
Hoka Clayton 2 Review Hoka Clayton2 Highly Recommended $150 9.1 8.3 12.9 23 28 1 7.5 5
Hoka Clifton 4 Review Hoka Clifton4 Worth considering $130 7.7 9.3 14.5 30 35 10 7.2 3
ON Cloudflash Review On Cloud Cloudflash Worth considering $180 4.4 8.3 14.6 19 26 7 3.7 6
On Cloudracer Review On Cloud Cloudracer Worth considering $130 5.7 8.2 12.8 19 27 5 4.7 7
ON Cloud X Review On Cloud CloudX Not recommended $140 4.5 8.3 16.3 21 27 7 3.8 7
Mizuno Wave Cruise Review Mizuno Cruise Worth considering $120 6.6 5.9 12.5 17 20 7 3.9 6
Newton Distance IV Review Newton Distance Worth considering $155 7.5 9.1 14.2 26 31 3 6.8 5
Asics Gel DS Racer 10 Review Asics DS Racer Worth considering $110 8.2 7.0 10.9 21 26 6 5.8 5
Altra Duo Review Altra Duo Recommended $130 6.0 8.4 13.1 29 29 1 5.0 5
Mizuno Wave Ekiden 8 Review Mizuno Ekiden Worth considering $115 5.7 5.7 14.6 13 18 6 3.2 8
Saucony Endorphin 2 Review Saucony Endorphin 2 Worth considering $115 8.0 5.1 9.6 15 13 -1 4.1 8
Adidas Energy Boost Review Adidas Energy Worth considering $160 7.2 10.0 15.6 20 30 7 7.2 5
Altra Escalante Review Altra Escalante Best of the Best $130 9.1 8.7 13.5 28 25 -1 7.9 6
Altra Escalante 1.5 Review Altra Escalante 1.5 Best of the Best $130 8.2 9.0 14.0 26 27 -1 7.4 7
Saucony Fastwitch Review Saucony Fastwitch Highly Recommended $90 9.5 7.1 11.1 20 22 4 6.8 7
Topo Fli-Lyte 2 Review Topo Fli-Lyte2 Highly Recommended $100 6.7 9.1 14.2 24 26 3 6.1 5
Reebok Floatride Run Review Reebok Floatride Worth considering $150 7.7 9.6 14.9 28 34 10 7.4 5
Saucony Freedom Review Saucony Freedom Recommended $160 5.4 10.7 16.6 25 29 3 5.8 6
Skechers GORun 4 Review Skechers GORun Not recommended $100 6.1 7.5 11.7 15 23 3 4.5 7
Skechers GOrun Ultra 2 Review Skechers GRU Worth considering $90 7.5 10.0 15.6 28 34 8 7.5 4
Asics GT 2000 Review Asics GT 2000 Not recommended $120 4.8 11.2 17.4 28 35 5 5.4 2
New Balance Hanzo S Review New Balance Hanzo Worth considering $110 7.6 6.9 10.7 21 19 2 5.2 5
Hoka Hupana Review Hoka Hupana Recommended $115 6.1 8.9 13.9 31 36 7 5.4 4
Asics Gel Hyper Speed 7 Review Asics Hyper Speed Highly Recommended $75 10.9 6.3 9.8 22 26 5 6.8 6
Altra Instinct 4.0 Review Altra Instinct 4.0 Worth considering $120 6.0 9.8 15.3 29 25 -1 5.9 5
Asics Tarther Kainos 3 Review Asics Kainos Worth considering $130 10.0 6.9 10.7 17 27 9 6.8 6
Altra King MT 1.5 Review Altra King MT Recommended $140 7.5 10.7 16.7 19 21 3 8.0 5
Saucony Kinvara 8 Review Saucony Kinvara 8 Best of the Best $110 9.3 8.6 13.4 26 31 3 8.0 5
Altra Lone Peak 3.5 Review Altra Lone Peak Highly Recommended $120 4.2 11.4 17.7 24 25 4 4.8 5
Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 Review Nike LT3 Best of the Best $80 9.8 5.4 8.4 16 21 5 5.3 7
Nike Zoom Streak LT 4 Review Nike LT4 Recommended $90 8.5 5.5 8.5 15 21 3 4.6 6
Nike LunarSpider R5 Review Nike LunarSpider Recommended $125 6.9 6.7 10.4 17 21 3 4.6 6
Hoka Mafate Speed Review Hoka Mafate Best of the Best $170 7.6 11.9 18.5 39 40 4 9.0 1
Pearl Izumi EM Road N0 v2 Review Pearl N0 Highly Recommended $100 7.9 6.5 10.1 14 20 4 5.2 8
Saucony Nomad Review Saucony Nomad Worth considering $110 4.3 10.5 17.2 25 27 2 4.5 4
Hoka Odyssey Review Hoka Odyssey Highly Recommended $130 8.5 9.4 14.6 37 45 5 8.0 3
Altra Olympus 2.5 Review Altra Olympus Highly Recommended $150 4.6 11.8 18.4 35 34 0 5.4 6
Altra One 3.0 Review Altra One Recommended $100 6.1 8.8 13.7 23 23 0 5.4 6
Altra Paradigm 4.0 Review Altra Paradigm Highly Recommended $150 5.3 11.0 17.1 28 30 5 5.8 8
Asics Piranha SP 5 Review Asics Piranha Recommended $100 10.1 4.2 6.5 11 15 3 4.2 9
Brooks PureFlow 5 Review Brooks PureFlow Worth considering $110 6.0 9.7 15.1 26 29 5 5.8 8
Salming Race Review Salming Race Worth considering $130 6.9 6.5 10.1 16 19 4 4.5 6
Altra Escalante Racer Review Altra Racer Highly Recommended $140 6.6 7.6 11.8 24 26 6 5.0 8
New Balance RC1600 v2 Review New Balance RC1600 Highly Recommended $110 8.8 5.6 8.7 15 21 5 4.9 8
New Balance RC5000v2 Review New Balance RC5000v2 Best of the Best $125 14.2 4.0 6.2 13 21 6 5.7 7
Skechers GoRun Ride 3 Review Skechers Ride Worth considering $85 5.9 8.5 13.2 18 28 6 5.0 8
Nike RN Distance 2 Review Nike RNDist2 Worth considering $120 8.0 9.2 14.3 25 28 4 7.4 7
Inov-8 RoadXTreme 220 Review Inov-8 RXT-220 Worth considering $120 5.2 8.0 18.2 14 17 3 4.2 8
Salomon Sense Ride Review Salomon Sense Worth considering $120 8.5 10.0 15.6 26 29 6 8.5 0
Altra Solstice Review Altra Solstice Highly Recommended $90 7.1 8.1 12.5 23 25 0 5.7 5
Topo ST-2 Review Topo ST-2 Highly Recommended $90 8.2 7.3 11.4 20 18 0 6.0 7
Hoka Stinson Lite Review Hoka Stinson Highly Recommended $160 7.3 11.6 18.1 35 40 6 8.5 0
Altra Superior Altra Superior Highly Recommended $110 5.6 9.9 15.5 21 25 -1 5.5 4
Adidas Takumi Sen 3 Review Adidas Takumi Sen 3 Highly Recommended $160 7.7 6.6 10.2 17 21 4 5.1 5
Topo Terraventure Topo Terraventure Review Pending $110 2.6 10.8 27.5 24 24 0 2.8 10
Altra Timp Review Altra Timp Best of the Best $130 3.7 11.6 18.1 30 31 -1 4.3 6
Altra Torin 2.0 Review Altra Torin Worth considering $125 3.4 9.6 20.7 30 25 1 3.3 9
Altra Torin 3.5 Review Altra Torin 3.5 Worth considering $125 5.8 9.3 14.5 27 28 0 5.4 8
Hoka Tracer Review Hoka Tracer Recommended $130 7.2 7.4 11.5 21 24 2 5.3 5
Merrell Trail Glove 4 Review Merrell Trail Glove 4 Best of the Best $100 3.4 8.4 23.8 13 13 0 2.8 10
Topo Tribute Review Topo Tribute Recommended $100 5.9 7.3 11.4 20 18 -1 4.3 6
Mizuno Wave Universe 5 Review Mizuno Universe Highly Recommended $125 10.7 3.1 10.6 9 12 1 3.3 9
Altra Vanish-R Review Altra Vanish-R Recommended $100 16.1 5.3 8.2 19 21 4 8.5 6
Merrell Vapor Glove 3 Review Merrell Vapor Glove 3 Highly Recommended $85 2.1 6.1 27.6 6 5 0 1.3 10
Nike Vaporfly 4% Review Nike Vaporfly Best of the Best $250 10.4 7.2 11.2 25 37 8 7.5 2
New Balance Vazee Pace Review New Balance Vazee Pace Worth considering $110 6.0 8.6 13.4 18 24 6 5.2 5
Asics TartherZeal 3 Review Asics Zeal Worth considering $140 10.9 6.3 9.8 17 27 9 6.8 6
Saucony Zealot 3 Review Saucony Zealot3 Recommended $130 8.9 9.5 14.8 29 32 4 8.5 6
Nike Zoom Fly Review Nike Zoom Fly Worth considering $150 8.3 8.7 13.5 29 36 8 7.2 3

It's not a running shoe, but I love the Hoka Tor Ultra hiking boot and I've tested the Altra Lone Peak Boot, the Hoka Tor Speed 2, and the Inov-8 Roclite 325 hiking boots
Older shoe reviews: Saucony Hattori Review, Mizuno Cursoris Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, Hoka Clifton Review, Saucony Virrata 2 Review, Brooks PureCadence 3 Review, Brooks PureConnect 3 Review, Brooks PureFlow 3 Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, New Balance 980 Review, Brooks Transcend 2 Review, Hoka Huaka Review, Patagonia EVERlong Review, Asics 33-DFA Review, Hoka Conquest Review, Saucony Cortana Review, Puma Faas 100 R Review, Saucony Fastwitch Review, Nike Free Review, Asics Gel Lyte 33 Review, Skechers GOmeb Speed Review, Skechers GOrun Ultra Road Review, Nike LunaRacer Review, Altra Paradigm Review.