Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Skechers Performance Go Run 7+ Hyper Multi Tester Review: A Great Ride Gets a Worthy Upper

Article by Jeff Beck, Derek Li, Peter Stuart, Mac Jeffries, and Michael Ellenberger

Skechers Performance Go Run 7+ Hyper ($130)
Introduction
Jeff: Skechers Performance is bringing out a number of revisited shoes in 2020, with the GoRun 7+ being the first with the + identifier. Apparently the team at SP has been listening to comments and reviews - which have overwhelmingly said that the midsole/outsole/ride of their latest shoes is top notch, but the uppers have left a sour taste in many, many mouths. First, the good news. Very little has changed beneath the foot from the GoRun 7 Hyper to the GoRun 7+ Hyper. The great news? The upper has been completely torn down and rebuilt, and we have ourselves an honest-to-goodness running shoe that doesn't require any lacing wizardry from Mac (no joke - check out last year's review) to make work. This circular knit upper fits just like a running shoe should. And the result? Impressive.


Mac: What he said! The GOrun 7 Hyper was one of the best training midsoles with one of the worst uppers I have had the pleasure to wear. Yes, I figured out how to make it work - and I have gotten a ton of miles from them - but there has always been this feeling of “I shouldn’t have to do this to make a shoe run-able.” Also, it was ugly. Really ugly. The 7+ (SEVEN PLUS) keeps the same great midsole as the 7, but subs in sweet, functional upper, and looks good. Geez, if SP keeps this up, what are we gonna have to complain about??? 


Peter: Kudos to Skechers Performance. There were all sorts of issues with the upper on the GoRun 7. They could have bailed, gone to a different design, eliminated the line, etc. Instead they took feedback, believed in what they had going underfoot and doubled down with a new upper. So were we right? Was the GoRun7 midsole worth finessing? Yes.


Derek: When I did my review of the GoRun 7, I think the sizing wasn’t the final production one and it was on the long side. Combined with the knit upper, it created some hot spots for me during the run and the ride wasn’t quite so enjoyable and actually felt quite firm. With that in mind, I was very interested in what a more traditional upper could do for the shoe. We all know how good a midsole HyperBurst is, so there was no reason the GR7 couldn’t be a great shoe with an updated upper. The end result is very, very good!


Michael: In the end, you know, reviewing the GoRun 7+ Hyper was actually quite easy. Why? Here’s how I concluded my review of its predecessor, the GoRun 7 Hyper: “If you try the GoRun 7 on, and take it for a test run, you’ll love the midsole. It’s unquestionable. But pay careful attention to the fit and the upper. It may work for your feet, but Skechers needs to do (another) overhaul before they’ve reached perfection.” 
And now, in 2020, Skechers has done that overhaul, and - as promised - come pretty damn near trainer perfection. This shoe is exceptional.


Pros:
Jeff, Mac: Midsole and outsole remain among the best of lightweight trainers, upper is great
Mac: Much better aesthetics, and Goodyear rubber in the outsole.
Peter: Looks good, feels gooder, runs even gooderer.
Derek: Bouncy ride, easy fit.
Michael: One of the most dynamic trainers I’ve worn; Hyperburst doesn’t disappoint; looks aren’t bad either!


Cons:
Jeff, Mac: Shoe gained 21 grams in my size 14 (but I'm willing to overlook that for the upper improvement)
Peter: none.
Derek: Gained weight, surprisingly. 
Michael: Tongue-lace integration could be improved so it’s not so hard to tighten.


Stats
Weight: 7.7oz/218g (Men’s 9) | 6.3oz/179g (Women’s 7)
Samples: 8.53 oz / 244 g 10.5D mens with sockliner, (8.0 oz/ 226g without sockliner)   men’s US9.5 241g / 8.5oz (including sockliner)
Midsole Stack: 19mm heel /15mm forefoot
Total Stack Height: 25mm forefoot /29 mm heel, 4 mm drop, removable 4mm sock liner
Available Early Feb 2020. $130



Tester Profiles
Michael is his 20’s and is a 1:07 half marathoner. He runs 50-60 miles per week, generally in lightweight trainers or racing flats at around 6:00-6:30 minutes/mile. 
Derek is in his 30’s and trains 70-80 miles per week at 7 to 8 minute pace in mostly tropical conditions in Singapore. He has a 2:41 marathon PR.
Peter lives in Austin, Texas and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:25 half marathoner in recent years
Mac is a former collegiate defensive lineman who runs to fill the competitive void left after school and to stay in shape. He is in his late 30s, runs 50-80 mpw, and at 6’3”, has come down from his playing weight of 275 lbs to a steady 205 lbs for the last 10 years. Jeff’s PRs are 19:30, 1:33:xx, and 3:23:xx; he also teaches and coaches XC & T&F.
Jeff is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup as such his viewpoints on shoes and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 40 miles per week, both roads and desert trails in Phoenix, Arizona. He has a PR's of 4:07 marathon and 5K at 23:39. In December he raced his first 50 mile trail ultra. 


First Impressions and Fit
Jeff: What a difference a year makes. The GoRun 7+ (which I'm just calling the Plus from here on out) no longer has an awkward upper shaped anchor around its neck to drag it down. Instead, it has a decent-to-great upper that does its job, which is to get out of your way and let the Hyperburst midsole shine. Sizing it is spot on true-to-size for me, and while it isn't the biggest toebox around, the Plus has plenty of room up front for average to slightly wider feet. The Plus has an ideal blend of lightweight construction with lots of good cushioning that very few shoes can boast. That's been true since last year, but now it comes without any baggage.


Mac: I gotta echo what Jeff said in the intro: SP listens to feedback. We can immediately tell that this is the shoe that the GR7H SHOULD have been: it looks great out of the box, has a sock like fit in the toebox but it is secure midfoot. The toebox could be a tiny bit wider UNDERfoot for my E width foot, but this is actually one of the few shoes that I do not employ a toebox-widening lacing pattern. 


Peter: True-to-size and the materials feel plush. This is one of the simplest and most sleek Skechers from a design perspective. I don’t know if I’ve just gotten so used to the S logo or they’ve finally figured out how to make it look decent. Good looking shoe, comfortable and relatively simple.
Derek: The new upper is great. It feels very plush and will likely work great even for sockless running. It is so easy to get the fit dialed in, zero heel slippage, good lock-down. The bright green midsole is beautiful against the more understated circular knit of the upper. Fit is true to size for me. 
Michael: A strong first impression here. As we’ve discussed, the 7+ looks sharp - I don’t think your average runner would ever pick this out as a Skechers model - but it also feels great. The upper (as we will cover) had done away with the ankle-height collar and is instead a refined and smooth circular mesh. I’ll note here - as was in my “Pros and Cons” - that the last line of laces to go across your foot also passes through an insert on the tongue, which creates a sensation that the shoe is difficult to tighten, because you’re facing that friction. It’s sort of a weird choice - on every other shoe I’ve worn, the tongue-mounted unit is further down the shoe - but it’s not a big issue and I can attest that in 70+ miles, it is not something that kept me from picking up this shoe. 


Upper
Jeff: The main point of the Plus update is the complete redesign of the upper. This new version features a circular knit upper, that has more shape and structure than its flat knit predecessor. Many of us equate "knit upper" with "sock like" and that's not the case here. You've got a very standard looking and feeling upper, with a somewhat flexible heel collar.


It isn’t super rigid, and it doesn’t dig into the ankle or heel any, but it does keep its shape. 
Most of the tongue is made of the same material and thickness as the rest of the upper, and though it doesn’t have any gusseting or other mechanism to keep it in place, I didn’t experience any tongue drift. The top inch and a half is a little thinner, but it fits nicely against the foot.
It's funny, on any other shoe I think this upper would draw more criticism. It is a perfectly serviceable upper, but compared to last year, that’s a quantum leap forward. The upper retains some heat. It isn’t a sauna in there, but it also isn’t the most breathable, but it is such an improvement the minor issues are easy to look past. The shoe has seen a minor weight gain, a little under an ounce (21 grams from my 10.5 GR7 to my 10.5 GR7+) but I’ve never been so happy to see a shoe come through slightly heavier. Last year’s version made it hard to see the forest for the trees, and it made it hard to appreciate this incredible midsole. Now it’s easy to see how great this shoe is.
Mac: The only nuance I will add to Jeff’s description is that I feel like the GR7+ upper fit IS sock-like… but only in the toe box. That makes my toes happy just writing it. The midfoot, however, manages to have a superb lockdown; there is none of the sloppiness that the GR7H will unfortunately be remembered for. This upper reminds me of the New Balance Rebel in this regard, and the NBR had one of the best uppers in 2019… so yeah, this one is a gold star.


Peter: What they said. It fits nicely, holds my foot well and looks good. Laces easily. 
Derek: One of the drawbacks of some knit uppers is that it can be a bit stretchy and affect the fit of a shoe. Here the knit reminds me a lot of the knit used in the Skechers Razor v1, which was brilliant for me. Nothing gimmicky around the heel and toebox, but all work as they should and the fit is just so easy to dial in with this shoe. Another thing I will add is how well this knit breathes compared to other knit models that Skechers have released of late. Overall, it is a huge improvement for me on the original GoRun 7, and completely changes the performance of the shoe. 
Michael: Slight lace issue notwithstanding, the 7+ upper is a substantial improvement over the 7. Gone is the ankle-irritation bootie construction and collar, and replacing it is a snug-but-not-tight knit material that just feels wonderful. I think if Nike had used this upper on their Zoom Fly Flyknit, it would have been a more accessible shoe, and it works wonders on the 7+. I experienced no irritation or hot spots in more than 10 runs.


Midsole
Jeff: I spoiled it up above, but this midsole is incredible. The Plus midsole is still made from Hyperburst with the same geometry as the Run 7. The lightweight supercritical CO2 processed EVA material has great “all of the above”. It cushions very well, it isn’t mushy, and it has a nice pop to it when you pick up the pace. 
Skechers is still using the pod design, with six channels of slightly varying depths running across the shoe, and it allows the midsole lots of flex. It isn’t quite Nike Free levels of flex, but it’s close. The pod design started in last year’s GoRun 7, and was duplicated to a certain degree (as well as exaggerated) in the Max Road 4. The Max Road 4 pods gave the shoe even more spring to it, but they destroyed my feet, giving me a 200% failure rate (every single run resulted in two blisters), and this shoe doesn’t have any of that. What’s more, this is a lightweight trainer that I can easily run for 8-10 miles without major complaint or concern. Hyperburst punches above its weight, and we get the benefit.


Mac: The midsole, from what I can tell, is unchanged. This Hyperburst compound really shines the thinner it is: It is Good in the Ride 8, Fantastic in the Razor 3, and Potentially Best Ever in its Class in the Speed 6. Since the GR7+ is between the Ride 8 and Razor 3 in thickness, that makes the midsole Great, by my calculations. Something about its springy structure just shines when there isn’t much of it, but can feel a tad mushy if there is too much of it #GRR8H #shoveacarbonplateinitalready  Fear not, the GR7+ (and GR7H) are safely inside of the “still lightweight with great protection and springiness” sphere on my Venn diagram :-) 


Peter: Hyperburst delivers. It’s everything other companies claim in their marketing but don’t deliver on. It’s light, it’s bouncy, it doesn’t bottom out, it’s responsive and protective. I agree with Mac that the hyperburst delivers at different thicknesses:  Razor 3 is great and the Speed 6 is my shoe of the year FOR SURE. For me, the Ride 8 is a tiny bit too much. The Hyper 7+ has a pretty good amount of cushion, and generally feels really good. I found it to be just a hair unstable when I ran real speedwork in it. 


Derek: I know the midsole is unchanged, but damn the shoe feels so so different from the GoRun 7, somehow my foot feels more connected to the shoe underfoot, and the bounce is much more perceptible. 


Michael: What can I say that hasn’t been said? Hyperburst is awesome. It was my favorite training midsole of 2019, and I think it’s going to be a tough one to knock off in 2020. Why? It’s just so darn fun. Truly, the 7+ feels as competent as a racing flat (I did a long interval workout in it) as a recovery day trainer, and it’s almost entirely due to the midsole being so adaptable. The buzzword I would go to is snappy - I think what Peter says about it never bottoming out is right on; it’s just a material that can be worn pretty hard (when you’re turning over on a faster workout) and it just pops you back up!


Outsole


Jeff: Skechers Performance continued with the same rubber pillar design, though now they are boasting Goodyear rubber in the Plus. Dry traction was fine, as most shoes with rubber on the bottom experience, but the wet traction was good too. One of my runs was an easy five miles that started about an hour after a 36 hour constant drizzle, and I didn’t have any insecurity through puddles or wet surfaces. The exposed midsole around the pods shows some wear through 25 miles, but not enough to give any concern.


Mac: Some folks poo pood on the pods on the GR7H. I rather like them: it keeps the shoe very flexible, while keeping most of the midsole off of the pavement. Also, the Goodyear rubber promises to be much more durable than SP’s previous offering, and it DEFINITELY handles wet pavement better. This is a win. 


Peter: Yup, same great design, better rubber. Holds the roads, feels solid. 
Derek: As much as I feared that this pod design contributed to hot spots for me under the ball of the big toe joint in the GoRun 7, and to some extent in the MaxRoad 4, after trying the GRR8, I realized I do prefer the pod outsole for easy runs, as it makes the shoe so much more flexible with all the deep grooves between the pods. 
The GRR8 by comparison is a bit stiffer length-wise, because of the flat strips of GoodYear rubber, nothing good or bad about either, but I think for a daily trainer, it is nice to have a bit more flexibility in the shoe to facilitate those easy runs a bit better.


Michael: At the time of writing this review, I have about 70 miles on my 7+, which is more than I usually have before writing up a review, but gives me a little added insight into the durability (though it should be noted that about half of those miles were on a treadmill). The rubber pods have experienced light wear - visible in the forefoot, where I tend to come down - but there isn’t any noticeable lack of traction or what I would consider premature wear.


Ride
Jeff: The Plus works well at fast and slow paces, allowing it to serve double duty as a fine lightweight trainer but also as a great shoe for speedwork, uptempo runs, or even some races. At slow paces the Plus has a nice smooth, but bouncy, ride, and when you turn the speed up it firms up just slightly. It provides great cushioning and protection regardless, and I really think it could be a great 10K to half marathon shoe for slower runners who want a “fast” shoe.


Mac: Fantastic “do-everything” shoe. I have worn it for moderately-paced 2 hour runs, tempo work, and mile repeats, and it all just works. It has the protection for long stuff and the snap for quick stuff. 


Peter: No disagreement here. It’s a great jack-of-all-trades shoe. It feels cushy and forgiving on easy days, nice and peppy on tempo, handles long runs great. At very high speeds I found it to be just a tiny tiny bit unstable in the forefoot--but I’m not planning to do 5k races in these. The ride is all smiles . It reminds me of early Kinvara, has hints of vaporfly (hints--don’t freak out), and is a nice complement to the Razor and the Speed 6. 
Derek: I think the ride of the GR7+ shines through a lot more now that the upper doesn’t get in the way so much. I really enjoy my runs in the GR7+ and it is my current go-to shoe for daily easy runs. I incorporated it into part of a medium pace long run as well recently, and it has no problems ramping up to 7:00 miles. For me the GR7+ is now the best all-around trainer in the Skechers line-up and easily displaces the GRR8. Like Peter says, it slides in very nicely between the Speed 6, Razor 3, and MaxRoad 4 now to create a full suite of performance shoes that is very hard to beat.


Michael: I’ve previously said that if you needed one shoe to train and race in, the Zoom Fly would be your best bet. With the GoRun 7+ Hyper, I think Skechers has made a real - and plateless! - challenge to that crown. No, it’s not a racing flat, but the Hyperburst material really transcends what I expect out of a daily runner and is so darn fun to run in that I actually considered lacing these up for a recent half-marathon. For Skechers non-believers, this is the time to try.


Conclusions and Recommendations
Jeff: My hat is off to the team at Skechers Performance for listening, re-evaluating, and delivering a home run. Last year’s shoe had a fatal flaw, and this year’s shoe got out of its own way. I could see every runner finding a place for the GR7+ in their rotation; faster runners as a daily trainer, heavier or slower runners for speed work/race shoe or even as a trainer as well. Hyperburst provides more protection than it should for the weight, and I think this is my favorite implementation of it. It might not be the best for summertime runs in Phoenix, but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there in a few months. For now, it’s a lively premium shoe at a lightweight and non-premium cost.
Jeff’s Score: 9.3 /10
Ride: 10 (50%) Fit: 8 (30%) Value: 10 (15%) Style: 8 (5%)


Mac: again, thanks to Jeff, this has been a remarkably easy review to write. SP made two major changes - the upper and outsole - and both were just spot on. Yes, these are a tad heavier than the GR7H, but you will never notice it. 
RIDE is still great, if maybe a tad plush for my taste, and the FIT is spot on. VALUE takes a tiny hit at $130, but these should honestly last you a long time (certainly longer than any EVA offerings).


Peter: This should be the entry point for any runner who might still be skeptical of Skechers. The 7+ will work for just about everyone and is a great all-rounder to have in the quiver. I finally convinced a friend to get the Razor 3 recently and he was SHOCKED at how much he liked them. SP is real people. Get a pair of these and put some fun into your runs. 
Peter’s Score: 9.7/10 
A tiny bit of instability at speed but a home run from Skechers.


Derek: Unbelievable update that really belies the name it has been given. It really should be a GoRun 7++++
Derek’s Score: 9.05 / 10
Ride 40% 9.0, Fit 40% 9.5, Style 10% 8.0, Value 10% 8.5


Michael: What can I say? The 7+ is my favorite trainer in the recent past, and as I ramp up mileage for what I hope is a busy spring racing season, I hope to be doing a lot of running in the Skechers. It’s the kind of shoe that almost makes you not want to be a shoe reviewer, because I need to take it off to try something else! With the exception of a lacing system that needs just minor tweaking, I think the 7+ Hyper is a damn near perfect daily trainer.
Michael’s Score:  9.6/10


Comparisons Index to all RTR reviews: HERE


Skechers Performance Gorun 7 Hyper  (RTR Review)
Jeff: Just no. The improvement from the 7 to the 7+ might be the most drastic I’ve seen from one shoe to the next (which is especially telling considering it was only an upper change), you shouldn’t consider the 7. The upper was narrow in the wrong places, wide in the wrong places, and had lots of stretch where it wasn’t wanted. The Plus has none of that - which is why it is a vastly better shoe.
Mac: the obvious comparison. I will keep it short: identical(?) fantastic midsoles, but everything that the 7+ changed, it nailed. 7+ all day. 
Derek: No question the GR7+ is loads better in ways that are not limited to the upper update as the whole ride is enhanced because of the better upper for me.


Skechers Performance Gorun Razor 3 Hyper (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size, but the Razor is a much more dialed in and tighter fit. The Razor has a speedier toe-off, while the GR7+ has more protection. If you only want a race shoe, go Razor, but if you want any versatility (or you think a 7 minute mile is fast), think about the Plus.
Mac: What Jeff said. The Razor 3 is just slightly better all around at the fast stuff. That said, get both! 
Peter: Agreed. Razor is hard to beat for speed--and was the only shoe I took on a recent trip to do all of my runs--but the 7+ will be a great one shoe solution for many. I think more casual runners will prefer the 7+
Derek: Both fit true to size for me. I like the Razor for workouts, but for longer tempos I would probably go with the GR7+ for the extra cushioning. The GR7+ is more of a lightweight trainer, while the Razor 3 is pretty much a pure racer.


Skechers Performance Gorun Ride 8 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. The GRR8 has a more stable and cushioned ride (likely the result of the solid midsole, not one with pods/pillars) but it isn’t nearly as much fun to run. If you are a lighter runner looking for a trainer, I’d think you’d enjoy the GR7+ more, same if you are a heavier runner looking for something fast and fun. If you are looking for a smooth running well-cushioned trainer, you could do much worse than the GRR8.
Mac: The GRR8H just barely missed the mark for me; the midsole was just a little too much of a good thing. The GOrun7+, alternatively, perfectly hits the maximum amount of midsole that Hyperburst can be and still be called “amazing”. 
Peter: The Ride 8 doesn’t excite me as much as the 7+
Derek: I  wear true to size for both shoes. The GRR8 is a great shoe, but in terms of ride the GR7+ is just livelier and more fun. Well worth the price premium.


ASICS EvoRide (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. When pitted against each other the extreme breathability of the EvoRide makes the GR7+ feel like a sweat, same with the ASICS’ extreme rocker geometry of the midsole makes the Skechers feel pedestrian when standing still. Luckily, running shoes are made to be run in, and the Hyperburst (and ounce lighter weight) of the Plus make it shine. EvoRide is great for fast runs, but the versatility of the GR7+ makes it the winner.


Michael: The EvoRide is a great ASICS trainer, and one that did genuinely surprise me but (if you read my above review, you won’t be surprised) I would take the Skechers model every day. Who might want the ASICS? Runners who want to try a more distinct midfoot-rocker feeling may like the sway of the EvoRide (though the GlideRide has it even more pronounced), but that’s about it. EvoRide is great! GoRun 7+ is just better.


ASICS Nimbus Lite (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. Another recent winner from ASICS, the Nimbus Lite straddles the line between daily trainer and lightweight trainer and is only an ounce-and-a-half heavier. The ASICS upper is much lighter, but doesn’t have nearly the same locked down feel. And while the midsole is among the best ASICS has put out in years, or ever, it doesn’t compare to Hyperburst, especially at faster paces. If you want an easy trainer that isn’t blocky, go Nimbus Lite, if you want something faster or lighter, go GR7+.


Hoka One One Rincon  (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. The Rincon comes in about an ounce lighter, with a higher stack, but its soft, borderline plush, midsole makes a nice trainer. While the toebox is better than many Hokas, it is more restrictive than the GR7+, and the EVA midsole can’t hang with the Hyperburst goodness. GR7+ for the win.


New Balance Beacon 2 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. Another shoe that comes in a little lighter than the GR7+, the Beacon uses almost zero rubber on the outsole to keep the weight down. And while the NB has a nice pop to it, it doesn’t have the same fun factor the GR7+ does.
Mac: weighing in here just to say that the GR7+ (and GR7H, for that matter) have taken the Beacon’s spot as my favorite Do Everything shoe. Snappier, more fun, and you won’t notice the added weight. GR7+ for me. 
Peter: Like the Beacon 2--love the 7+


New Balance Fuel Cell Rebel (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. Both fun, both fast, both have well-done knit uppers. The Rebel is my choice for dedicated fast runs, while the Skechers has much more versatility, and underfoot protection. If you’re looking for a Swiss Army Knife of a shoe, go Skechers, otherwise, Rebel would be my suggestion.
Mac: The Rebel is the best comparison out there of any non-Skechers shoe: SImilarly great uppers, springy midsoles, and fast rides. This is honestly a push for me, with the caveat that the Rebel is offered in Wide sizes and therefore fits me just a tiny bit better. 
Peter: Pretty close, but the 7+ has WAY better traction on wet roads than the Rebel. 


New Balance Fuel Cell Propel (RTR Review)
Derek: I wear true to size for both shoes. I think both shoes are equally on the soft side, but the GR7+ has a more solid springier feel to it while the Propel is more Clifton-esque. For really relaxed runs i think the Propel would be better. If you want versatility and the ability to handle pace variations, then i think the GR7+ would handle it better.


Michael: Agreed on the sizing overall, though I found the Propel to run a little shorter, and a little wider than the Skechers. The Propel is a fun shoe, and my current favorite out of a very strong lineup from New Balance, but overall I prefer the Skechers. However, I agree with Derek is his assessment of real recovery - the Propel is a bit spongier, and if you don’t want to be tempted by speed, the Propel probably is a better pick. For a diverse, top-to-bottom trainer, I like the GoRun.


Nike Epic React (RTR Review)
Jeff: Skechers fits true-to-size, Epic runs a half size small, which is my standard for nearly all Nike shoes. The closest shoe to the GR7+ on paper, they share a lot of attributes. But the Hyperburst midsole is much more lively than Nike’s React, so I’ve got to lean toward the Skechers.


Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. This is the Nike that takes the cake - and about the only midsole material I enjoy running more than Hyperburst. That said, it carries a $50 premium (unless you look around for older colorways) and that’s a lot of coin for what is ultimately a slightly better shoe. The Peg Turbo 2 upper is more breathable, and the midsole is more stable (and softer, but with more pop), but head to head against the GR7+ the cheaper shoe holds it own. If money is no object, or you shop the sales carefully, go Peg Turbo. Otherwise, grab the GR7+.
Derek: Both shoes fit true to size for me. I for one still feel that the Peg Turbo 2 is not enough cushioning for a daily trainer. I think the GR7+ has better cushioning and vibration dampening, and scarily enough, has MORE BOUNCE than the ZoomX of the Peg Turbo 2.


Michael: This is a tough one! The Turbo 2 was my 2019 shoe of the year. Despite the vast improvements to the Skechers’ upper, I actually also think the upper composition is better on the Nike. Skechers picks up points for the midsole - I like the slightly bouncier Hyperburst over the spongy (in comparison only) feel of the Turbo 2. Outsole goes to Nike - I don’t think I experienced any visual wear in my Pegs over 300+ miles. So, I think in an immensely close contest, the Pegasus Turbo 2 comes out ahead - but it is tight! You can’t go wrong either way.


Reebok Floatride Run Fast (RTR Review)
Jeff: Both fit true-to-size. This might seem like an unlikely comparison, but as a 200 pound runner they both fit the same niche in my lineup. Surprisingly, the Reebok speed shoe feels great as a lightweight trainer, and of course when the schedule calls for a fast effort. That said, Reebok’s premium PEBAX midsole is great, but it’s not Hyperburst. Give me the GR7+ for all runs. 


Saucony Freedom 3
Peter: These are brothers from another mother. Sorta. Pretty similar shoes in many ways , reasonably soft, fun to run in. The upper on the Saucony is a little more dialed in for me, but the ride and forefoot cushioning of the 7+ win the day. I feel less beat up after 10 miles in the 7+ for sure.
The Go Run 7+ Hyper launches early February 2020
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22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Could you post a top down picture of the shoe so we can get a better idea of the width? Even better if it could be next to a popular shoe of the same size, like a Pegasus 36 or Hoka Clifton. Thanks!

MarkP said...

I still think I got a duff pair of the OG Go Run 7. My experience of them is similar to how Derek describes his original test pair. I get hot spots after about 6 or 7 miles and find the ride in them very firm with none of the spring that always seems to be used to describe Hyperburst. After little more than 60 miles in them they now sit unused whilst I find my Epic React 2s and Hoka Rincons provide a far nicer ride.

Jim said...

Now to convince myself I've got room in the lighter section of the lineup that (thanks to CRAZY sale prices) already has:

*New Balance Beacon v1 (85 miles)
*Reebok Floatride Forever Energy (1 older - 357 miles, 1 newer - 120 miles)
*Reebok Floatride Run Fast (1 older - 270 miles, 1 newer - 31 miles)

😃

I've been hoping for a launch colorway of the Rincon to go on clearance since I was looking for a long, fast day shoe...can the GRR7+ do that like the Rincon? I love my Run Fasts for that, but I'm trying to save my 2nd pair for race days if I can.

Thanks!
-Jim

Anonymous said...

When is the 7+ in the store?

Greatings,
Luc

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Luc,
We have early Feb 2020 in 2 places in the article as the release date. I imagine it will take longer for certain countries and retailers to receive but don't have those more exact details yet.
Sam, Editor
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Barry said...

Can the 7+ compare to the Rincon for longer distances (50 yr old, 185lbs)? I just ran my first marathon (9 min pace) in the Rincon and they treated me great, but they definitely lose some of their magic at 125-150 miles. I like something that can handle 15+ mile training runs (9:45-10:15 pace) in this category as well. GRR8 isn't quite suiting me as it feels a touch "slappy" in my gait cycle, so only use it for 6-8 miles as another reference. Appreciate all your great reviews and insights at RTR!

Michael said...

Anonymous - stay tuned, I can take a photo at home and have Sam upload.

Mark P - bizarre, but not impossible. Did you try reaching out to Skechers Performance CS? May be worth a try (depending on when you purchased).

Jim - I think this is perhaps the perfect long, fast trainer right now. My previous choice would have been the Zoom Fly Flyknit (which is still, if you can find it, a great trainer) and while the 7+ doesn't have the same "downhill" feeling, it's an ideal balance of bounce and comfort.

Michael

Paul Martin said...

I'm convinced that Skechers are loved only by 1) running shoe reviewers, 2) running store employees with a generous Skechers rep, or 3) runners with 20+ shoes in their rotation. Basically if you can get them for a free and/or have so many shoes you never wear them past 50 miles.

I've given Skechers a try in the past based on glowing reviews, but once you get past 100-150 miles, they're trashed. The midsoles just fall off a cliff, the uppers develop weird holes, and the outsoles are gone. If it's a racing shoe, fine, I can deal with lack of durability. But for trainers? I'm not shelling out $130 for a shoe I'll use up in two weeks of training. I feel like for years now we've heard, "THIS is the Skechers trainer that will change everything." Still waiting.

Unknown said...

I had two pairs on Forza 3 that both lasted close to 400 miles and I only replaced them as the foam had died. Other than that they look like they've just come out of the box and I still use a pair for gym work. My GR7 are also in perfect condition albeit with only 60 miles on them, I just don't get on with them. No quality issues in my experience.

Michael said...

@Paul, I admit we (as shoe reviewers) generally do not see the full life cycle of a shoe, and have to approximate - but in this specific instance, I did put more than 250 miles on my GORun 7s last year, and after last night’s run, have put 100 on my 7+. So no, not end of life for either trainer - and maybe, as you suggest, not long enough for the issues to present - but at least it could be an indication of an uptick in quality?

Michael said...

If someone (me) found the GRR7 to fit well in a size 11 but the GRR8 in an 11 to be a tad too long/too high volume in the toebox, what size would you recommend in the GR7+? Unfortunately none of my local stores carry Skechers Performance.

ChrisZ said...

When I tried Razor 3 for a 12mile run, my legs were exhausted towards the end though it was awesome at high speed. I felt the heel was too low after a few miles with 4mm offset. For 7+ 4mm offset, will I expect the same low heel? I do not have issue with 6mm GRR7/8 and Beacon.

Anonymous said...

This shoe has been on my radar ever since I heard the new version was coming out with a improved fitting upper. Now that your staff has done a good job of convincing me that the upper has vastly improved in locking down your foot, theirs only one thing that I heard that might make me think twice. I heard the upper does a terrible job in managing water and moisture absorption. This would be a deal breaker since part of my running depending on the season will be in warm and wet condions. Can you tell me if anybody tested these in those conditions and if the the upper did a good, average or poor job when it comes to drainage issues if you know what I mean. I'm a big fan of your blog and youtube previews and reviews. Keep up the good work.

Michael said...

@Michael - sorry for the delay. I’d stick with 11. The upper has largely removed the boxy fit.

@Unknown - I didn’t have issues relating to low drop, but at this point I only really notice that sort of discomfort in a zero-drop shoe, so take it with a grain of salt. The 7+ does feel pretty “traditional” in that sense.

@Anonymous - the upper is thick, definitely, and I don’t think I could call it “drainable” (compared to an upper like the Hoka Evo Rehi which has built in water management) but I got these plenty wet this winter and never had issues running in them the next day (or in some cases, later the same day). Can always chuck some newspaper in there.

Anonymous said...

Without starting a pointless arguement about running styles (heel strike vs midfoot vs fore foot) what do testers think of Skechers M-strike for efficient heel strike running.
I like the specs of these and the razor, but had disastrous results with a pair of Skechers Performance a couple years back. Thank you.

Anon said...

I've put 500km on my GRR7s, and they're still going strong.

Sam Winebaum said...

Hi Unknown,
M-Strike has been in Skechers for a long time to encourage a midfoot strike. I have found its “presence” less and less noticed for this mostly heel striker. Not sure exactly why but my feeling is that as Skechers has improved heel rubber coverage and midsole foams I tend to “bottom out” less at the heel and thus find it easier and faster to get to midfoot and M-Strike area to transition. Sam, Editor

seung.kim said...

Any thoughts on using this for a flat mostly hard-surface 100-mile race? Hoping to average 9-minute miles for the race.

If GoRun 7+ wouldn't be your choice, what would be a light road shoe (sub- 8 oz for men's size 9) that you'd recommend for a road 100-miler?

terry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jimmy said...

The toebox is very narrow, it is immediately obvious when you set the shoe down because the midfoot looks like it is as wide or wider than the toebox which is not how human feet are shaped. The shoes run a bit long also so going a half size up would make them really long. I'll probably keep them and just do shorter runs with thin socks in the hopes the toebox will stretch a little but I expect some blisters between my big toe and 2nd toe to be the consequence. I wish the reviewers would be more direct and say that the toebox width is a real consideration instead of saying it could use a tiny bit more width as if it's only a minor concern.

Jimmy said...

I used the forefoot widening lacing pattern found at https://runrepeat.com/top-10-running-shoe-lacing-techniques, which seemed to alleviate the tightness in the forefoot enough for me to go out for a 5 mile recovery run in them today. Energy return felt good but need to do some faster paces to get a better idea. One thing I could tell from the 1st run was that the heel drop felt a little lower than anticipated based on my experience with the Skechers Razor 2 and MaxRoad 3 which didn't feel as low even though they are also listed as 4 mm drop. The 7+ heel drop felt similar to the Razor 3 but with a little extra stack height. Due to the low heel drop I'm not sure if I will be able to train daily in this shoe but I have other shoes to rotate so it shouldn't be too much of a problem but definitely something to watch out for if the Razor 3 was also problematic for you.

Anon said...

How would the outsole on the 7+s stand up to dirt and gravel trails? The rubber pods would obviously be fine, but what about the exposed foam? Thanks. -Simon