Article by Sam Winebaum, Peter Stuart and Jeff Beck
Skechers GO Run Ride 11 ($125)
Introduction
The Ride sits as Skechers all around daily trainer with the yet more cushioned Max Road as the long to recovery run option and the Razor series as the uptempo models.
The Ride 11 sees a major update in midsole foam to Hyperburst Ice dual density construction with a new Hyperburst 2.0 as a central core, 4mm more stack height front and back with now 38mm at the heel, and the inclusion of Skechers carbon infused H-Plate, here the less aggressive version.
The upper changes from a mono mesh polyester to an engineered mesh material.
The changes lead to a 13g increase in weight to about 9.7 oz / 275g (US9) which is quite frankly not noticed on the run as we get a snappier, more agile, deeper and more energetically cushioned versatile trainer. There is plenty of deep GoodYear rubber with a more aggressively gripping pattern for some terrain versatility as well.
And in a huge plus with all the updates including carbon in the mix, and despite inflation, the Ride remains at a super fair $125, one of the best if not the best trainer bargains out there.
Pros:
Versatile: Any pace or distance friendly Sam/Peter/Jeff
Great value: Still $125 for a now dual supercritical foam midsole and lots of it, carbon infused partial plate, and copious GoodYear rubber outsole Sam/Peter/Jeff
New Hyperburst Ice midsole is energetic, soft and even with the big stack not mushy
Smooth rocker off of heel landings even at slow paces, snappy flexible toe off at all paces Sam/Peter/Jeff
H Plate is felt as stabilizing and propulsive but not over demanding of a particular strike pattern, really comes to life at faster paces, is not harsh or in the way at slower paces.Sam/Peter/Jeff
Runs lighter than weight
Cons:
Upper feels warmish and may also add to shoe weight Sam/Peter
- Tongue is perhaps a bit too padded Peter
Weight has increased 13g, understandable given stack height increase and outsole but..
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.7 oz / 275g (US9) / women's oz / g (US8)
Samples: men’s 9.45 oz / 269g US8.5, 10.89 oz / 309g US10.5
Stack Height: men’s 38mm heel / 32mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec)
Ride 10: 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot>increase in stack height leads to increase in weight. v10 : 8.4 oz / 238g US men’s 9
$125 Available now.
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: The upper is an engineered mesh with Skechers Arch Fit sockliner. It was not that long ago that such an engineered mesh would have been top of the line but as run shoes continue to evolve with lighter, thinner uppers this fine upper and its copiously cushioned collar, semi rigid heel counter and thick top of tongue (no gusset and no side tongue slip) may contribute to the shoe’s gain in weight.
Previously in the 10 we had an engineered mono mesh polyester blend upper which was a bit more performance oriented whereas here the feel is more plush if also snugger. And most likely this more “basic” upper helps keep the Ride at $125.
The midfoot volume is quite low with the Arch Fit playing a role of filling space.
Notice the distance between lacing sides yet as the mesh has some stretch and the broad lacing keeps the foot lockdown the fit ends up secure and comfortable for my narrower lower volume feet.
Skechers podiatrist certified Arch Fit EVA is the product of 120,000 unweighted foot scans and is designed to conform and support a wide variety of foot and arch types. Here I sense it gently but clearly hugging and supporting my arch. I have found Arch FIt in other Skechers to take a few runs to adapt to my foot with, as the miles go by, becoming less noticeable.
Upfront we have a moderately wide toe box. As with the midfoot. the mesh delivers good toe box height up until the bumper area which is a bit low. Denser mesh delivers an extended toe bumper for great lockdown.
The fit is true to size for me and maybe a tiny bit short and low at the very front.
Peter: The upper is not my very favorite part of the Ride 11. The tongue is a bit overpadded, and the mesh could be lighter. I’d love a monomesh. It’s not uncomfortably warm, but was still wet this morning from yesterday’s run.
My pair was a half size under my normal shoe size and I could still wear them without great damage to my feet. I think true-to-size will work for most people.
The Archfit seems to hold my foot very well.
Jeff: I wasn’t part of the GRR10 review, but reviewed and loved the GRR9. And while I agree with Sam’s assessment of the upper, I’ve felt for some time that Skechers Performance uppers were some level of fine - but you’re really here for the midsole. Similar to Subaru performance for years, the interior might be a little underwhelming, but ultimately you’re buying one for the drive train. So while the upper is basic, and maybe a little thick in areas, it’s window dressing compared to what’s going on under the foot. The sizing is true-to-size for a standard training fit, and the toebox is about as narrow as I can wear and still consider “adequate”. I wouldn’t mind just a little wider platform and room up front.
Midsole
What is Hyperburst Ice? Hyperburst Ice is made up of an outer carrier of Hyperburst 1.0 which to my pressing, is a tiny bit softer than the firmer HB as in the Razors with the Run and Max Road having a super soft HB, The core is the new softer, more plush Hyperburst 2.0 which is sea foam in color.The outer firmer Hypeburst 1.0 helps provide stability to the softer inner foam.
Both Hyperburst foams used here, and in the Max Road 6 (RTR Review soon), are created by expanding a miniature hard "baby" EVA form of the midsole (top blue above) with the CO2 based supercritical processing then applying some compression and inner weight reducing and energy returning voids with the final result shown center above.
The Ride includes a training focused H Plate (bottom above) with more performance oriented H plate as in the Speed Beast and Razors shown above. I much prefer the Ride’s plate to the more performance oriented version as it is in no way harsh, has more flex and plays super well with the big 32mm of stack up front. I would call it adaptive in the sense that at slower paces it is easy to gently roll through while at faster paces, in combination with the big stack of supercritical foam, it becomes more reactive with a snappy quicker feeling toe off yet at the same time with very decent flexibility. This is in no way a rigid “carbon” shoe. For most training purposes I prefer more flexible plates and here Skechers delivers just that.
Overall the midsole is highly cushioned with the 4mm increase in foam clearly notice, on the soft side and very pleasantly energetic.
I particularly like the rear combination of heel foam, rocker and rubber arrangement at the rear which allows even slow paces to roll forward easily with no over softness as in the Max Road 5 for me. I notice the long sweeping curve of the rear rocker in the picture below, clearly felt on the run after heel landings.
Moving forward from the heel there is no lag at midfoot often the case in big stack relatively low drop shoes and here we have a 6mm drop.
Overall the combination of deep and energetic cushion and well tuned front H Plate impulse give the midsole great versatility for just about any distance or pace although I would lean towards the Razors for tempo and speedwork.
Peter: I’ll be the vibe guy here since Sam took care of the facts. This is a fantastic feeling foam combination. Highly protective, bouncy, smooth at any pace and responsive as well. The combination of the two foams pays off in a great ride. The H plate helps to keep the snap in the front of the shoe, and the Ride 11 seems to thrust forward with every stride.
Jeff: I’ve been a fan of Hyperburst since they debuted it a few years ago, so I was curious what a new flavor of the midsole would feel like, and I’m impressed. There’s definitely a little more bounce than the previous iteration of Hyperburst, and the plate - which has been in a few versions of the Max Road - is probably the most subtle plate in a shoe. While it might give the shoe a bit of a pop, it feels like it’s more for stability than anything.
Outsole
The outsole is GoodYear rubber and there is lots of it! The Ride should prove very durable and the more aggressive mini lug pattern upfront deliver light trail and gravel road grip.
The new more chevron shaped design upfront delivers a nice snappy and easy flex in combination with the H-Plate. I like good flex and snap in an outsole and here Skechers pulls it off with a “plate” in the mix.
Peter: The outsole has terrific traction and looks like it will last forever.
Jeff: The Goodyear rubber is one of the best around, in the upper pantheon with adidas’ Continental rubber and Puma’s PumaGrip, there’s traction and durability beyond what can be expected. The exposed midsole is done carefully and in a way that won’t lead to premature failure.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: I am early in my testing with a sore hamstring, allergies and trail race weary legs. The Ride is treating me well!
Easy to roll, soft and energetic, decently stable with nice flexibility upfront with, at any pace, some snap from the H Plate which. unlike most plates and even Skechers more performance oriented version in the equally soft higher stacked yet Speed Beast, tend to be “felt” and a bit harsh unless really driven hard. Not so here.
With this big update of more stack height, new foams and a plate the Ride does gain some weight and its upper is not “perfect”; it’s a bit warm and low volume if comfortable. Amazingly, given all the improvements in ride and new tech, Skechers keeps this all around daily trainer at a super wallet friendly $125. Ride 10 fans should be pleased and if you have never tried a Skechers and need a plush riding, fun and dynamic trainer that welcomes all paces now is the time to Ride Skechers.
Sam’s Score: 9.37 /10
Ride: 9.5 deductions are for weight
Fit: 8.9 what is now a “budge shoet” upper is fine but a bit heavy and not very airy
Value:10 no question!
Looks: 9 OK
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Peter: The Ride 11 may be the best daily trainer I’ve put on this year. The ride is fun, responsive,cushioned and without mush. The upper could indeed be modernized and this would be a 10/10 for me. I’d recommend the Ride 11 for anyone who needs a daily trainer that is incredibly comfortable, efficient and can handle any pace including quick ones.
Score 9.5/10
The upper needs some trimming, cooling and updating, but the ride is fantastic.
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6 Comparisons in brief ahead of our in depth multi tester review coming soon
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Skechers Ride 10 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: Covered in the review. Essentially the 11 has a superior midsole, is more cushioned, and due to plate has a snappier toe off while the 10 has a superior upper. Something had to give to stay at $125.
Peter: The Ride 10 was good, solid and…not that exciting. The Ride 11 steps up the daily trainer game and delivers a delightful ride. A great improvement from the Ride 10.
Skechers Speed Beast vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Speed Beast features Hyperburst Pro foam, a new supercritical TPU (Ride has EVA) expanded form foam. A 4mm drop shoe vs. 6mm for the Ride the Beast has 2mm more heel stack and 4mm more forefoot cushion. It's plate is the more aggressive H Plate and quite frankly I do not find the plate as well matched to the midsole as the Ride's with a stiffer more rigid feel which to work well requires.. Speed. I think it would have been a better shoe with the more mellow H plate of the Ride. Given its plate I do not find itas suitable for slower paces as the Ride. It is, despite the additional cushion stack slightly lighter at 9.5 oz vs. 9.7 oz for the Ride. It has a more refined poly mono mesh upper with a somewhat broader roomier toe box. It costs $60 more expensive . I think the Ride is a superior value and for the average runner a more versatile daily training option.
Skechers Razor Excess 2 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: At 8.04 oz on a lower 30 mm heel / 26 mm forefoot stack height (-8mm at the heel, -6mm at the forefoot) with firmer Hyoerburst foam than the Ride, the Excess is the uptempo companion to the Ride. Firmer with the more aggressive H plate it is a speedier shoe which could serve as a daily trainer for some but in my view not as many as the friendlier Ride.
Peter: The Razor Excess is a lower stack, slightly firmer shoe that is better suited to tempo days. The Ride can handle tempo, but also excels at all paces.
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 25 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: A soft, easy going highly stacked big update to the classic, the latest Cumulus has a 37.5 heel / 29.5 mm forefoot stack height of Flyte Foam Blast Plus on a slightly lighter and lower platform than the Ride. It does not have a front plate as the Skechers has and would benefit from one for faster daily training days as it has a soft flexible toe off that could use a bit more snap. Its Blast Plus foam midsole is fine but not as fun and energetic as the new Hyperburst Ice. Its upper is plusher and roomier in the toe box than the Skechers with a somewhat more comfortable and truer to size than the Ride up front.
Puma Magnify Nitro 2 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Magnify 2 has a 40mm heel / 30mm forefoot so more at the heel and less at the forefoot than the Ride. The foam is similar in feel also being a supercritical EVA foam but one processed with nitrogen instead of CO2 used in the Skechers. I slightly prefer its soft but slightly denser foam feel which has a bit more and quicker energy return feel but as with the Cumulus it could benefit from a plate as the Skechers has to improve its faster paces performance as the front of the Puma is quite soft and actually stiffer in flex and this despite its fine and well lugged outsole, both outsoles being strong points. Equally supportive its upper is lighter feeling on the foot if heavier mesh and by my sense is more breathable
Hoka Clifton 9 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Peter: The Clifton feels softer, but doesn’t roll off the toe as easily as the Ride 11. If I had to pick one it would be the Ride.
Hoka Mach 5 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
The Mach 5 is a run daily trainer and more uptempo shoe, but the ride is a little more fun.
Saucony Ride 16 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Sam: The Saucony has the least "modern" foam of the comparisons with its non supercritical EVA/TPU blend and is the firmest and most responsive. Of the shoes compared it is the most classic riding daily trainer with a lower 35mm heel / 27mm stack height. The tradeoff here is between a firmer responsive foam and a combination of softer more energetic foam and a plate as in the Skechers. Both true to size and with a performance type fit.Skechers Performance Max Road 6 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Similarly constructed shoes with mesh uppers, Hyperburst Ice midsoles infused with an H-plate, and well-executed Goodyear outsoles, the Max Road 6 brings a bit more stack height and toebox width to the GRR11. Shockingly considering my history of appreciating more cushioning, the GRR11 brings more to the table. The MR6 feels a little blocky in comparison, and the GRR11 has enough cushioning for all the biggest efforts, making it much more versatile.
Mizuno Wave Rider 27 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Mizuno’s latest midsole Enerzy is another top tier midsoles, though maybe a little heavier and not quite as bouncy as Hyperburst Ice. Mizuno’s upper is on a different level (as they are to most with some of the best attention to detail in the game) and it has a more accommodating toe box. The Wave Rider has as good, if not a little better, cushioning in the heel, while the GRR11 has a little more squish up front. While Enerzy is great, in this case I favor Hyperburst Ice, and even though the Mizuno upper is substantially better, I’d lean toward the GRR11 just slightly.
Saucony Triumph 21 vs. GoRun Ride 11 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The largely unchanged update of the incredible Triumph 20, the T21 boasts an incredible knit upper paired to an ultra soft and bouncy midsole - virtually identical to the T20. Stack heights are nearly the same, but the Triumph midsole is much softer and bouncier, along with a wider toebox. There is a $35 premium, but the Triumph is at least that much more impressive.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 66 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2022 was Sam’s 50th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets lucky,, training 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run or nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Jeff Beck is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 20 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39. Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again.
Peter lives in Austin, Texas and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:21 half marathoner in recent years.
Samples were provided at no charge for review purposes.RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.
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3 comments:
Skechers amped up their ad campaigns, but has nothing new on the plate.
Thanks for the comparo with the Razor Excess 2. Although I like the Excess 2 (my fav Hyperburst shoe), the plate is definitely felt after medium/long efforts. That being said, it definitely excels at MP or HMP. I keep looking for a soft, plush, do-it-all shoe like the GoRun Ride 7 - not sure if the 11 is it though, but I should probably try it at some point.
Hi: Just got my 11s to replace a fairly well-worn and very much liked pair of 10s. Put them on to run, found the forefoot much tighter and lower volume than the 10. Also, there's a nice bending "give" in the 10s just behind the toes, where on the 11, the plate pushes the bend back nearer the midfoot, and I had to really tighten down the laces to keep my heel in place. Yeah, the extra foam is good but isn't that what the Max Road is for? A little disappointed. Not sure what to do next. Read your review after; it seems to agree.
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