Article by Courtney Kelly, Renee Krusemark, Sally Reiley, and Sam Winebaum
Skechers Aero Spark ($130)
Introduction
Sam: The Aero Spark is an all new moderate stack height daily road trainer. Along with the Aero Burst and Aero Tempo it represents a re-emergence of Skechers as a performance running brand after several quiet years since their strong start as the first mainstream brand to launch supercritical foams with Hyperburst with Meb winning Boston in Skechers and many of us at RTR enjoying the Razor and other models. Then silence until 2025 where they are back with a boldly designed new line of trainers.
Featuring a Hyperburst supercritical EVA midsole with a ball of the foot carbon infused carbon plate and with a moderate 36mm heel / 30mm forefoot stack height it harkens back in many ways to the lower stack more flexible trainers of several years ago but here with state of the art materials.
Pros:
Somewhat lightweight: Courtney/Renee
Durable
Great value at $130: Courtney/Renee/Sam/Sally
Definition of a daily trainer-all arounder any run capable shoe: Courtney/Sam/Sally
Flexible and H-Plate springy yet stable riding: Renee/Sam/Sally
Cons:
Drop feels lower than 6mm. Sinks in at heel.-Courtney
Half US size long: but narrow through foot-Courtney/Sam/Sally
Some heel slippage: Courtney/Renee/Sally
Most comparable shoes
Adizero Boston 12/13 (same stack height, dual foam and plated): Sam
Saucony Endorphin Speed
Puma Deviate Nitro 3
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9 oz / 255g US9 women’s 7.99oz / 226g US W8
Sample Weights:
men’s 8.8 oz / 249g US8.5
women’s 7.99oz / 226g US W8
Stack Height: 36 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Courtney:The Aero Spark is the traditionally stacked option in the Aero line. I tested the white, pink and blue colorway, one of 4 color options for the Spark. The step-in feel of the Spark is comfortable, but the fit is long on my foot with about 2 centimeters of room at the toe.
The lateral forefoot of the Spark is a little narrow at the forefoot and causes some pressure on the 5th metatarsal. After a few runs this tightness lessened but it still runs narrow on that side. The upper of the Spark is a breathable, thin, dual-layer mesh that has a stiffer texture. Light padding around the heel collar helps the comfort of the shoe, but there is some heel slippage and the heel counter doesn’t cup the heel as well as it could. The padded, gusseted tongue does well to protect the foot but that area is not very breathable. The forefoot upper and sides have more perforation and breathe nicely.
Sam: I gravitated to the Spark over the new max Aero Burst (RTR Review) as these days run trainers are increasingly max or super max in stack height, rigid and with little road feel or flex.
The boldly styled Spark fits what I am increasingly seeking in a trainer: moderate stack height, decent weight supercritical foam midsole, and some snappy flex. Putting them on my scale I noted a very reasonable weight of 8.8 oz / 249g US8.5
The upper is a densely woven thin very pliable but not particularly soft engineered mesh. I would call it single layer “plus” as there are extensive embroidered patterns for support woven through the main mesh.
The top section of the gusset tongue has a thick quite stiff overlay of the same plasticky material as the lace eyelets with along its top edge a softer padded insert. Midfoot hold is very solid.
The heel counter is rigid and substantial with collars moderately padded. Hold was just fine for me.
I agree with Courtney that there is no question they run long. If you have a narrow lower volume foot I can confidently say you could size down half a size. Higher volume you may need to try both sizes.
I have a medium to narrow foot and in the next pair I would, although at my usual size they were otherwise fine with a secure hold as the rest of the upper is relatively narrow, just a bit long and this was noticed.
Renee: For sizing, I agree the Spark runs a tad long. I’m between half sizes so the size 8, instead of 7.5, had a bit of extra length. That said, I never considered the length a negative for comfort. As Courtney wrote, the toebox/forefoot is angled and can be constricting on the fifth metatarsal (pinky toe). I’m hesitant to recommend a half size down for that reason. The heel hold is okay for the shoe’s purpose. I agree with Courtney that the heel isn’t super secure for a narrow heel, but like the sizing, this was not a negative for me while running, even on gravel.
Sally: I also received the Burst and the Spark in the same package, and of course I gravitated immediately to the max cushion wild looking Burst. Who doesn't want to have some FUN on the run? When I then tried the Spark, I thought I had the wrong size because my pair felt simply too long for my foot, and did not flex where my foot wants to flex. My first run was not the best and I was ready to write the Spark off as a shoe that was not for me.
I am a lightweight runner/marathoner with a narrow woman’s foot and the tendency to run all my training runs too fast, and I typically prefer the stiffer plated rocker type trainers. At least I am making progress by recognizing my pitfalls! But… I came back to the Spark again and gave it another chance, and I have to admit it feels like a solid daily trainer (with a few fit issues for me).
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The platform at 36mm heel / 30 mm forefoot and weight at 9.7 oz ( a bit on the heavy side) is the very definition of the modern supercritical foam daily trainer. A few years ago a similar weight shoe would have been lower stack overall and higher drop. And here we even have a ball of the foot carbon infused plastic H-Plate.
By keeping the forefoot at a reasonable 30mm and through the design of the plate we have a remarkably flexible and at the same time very springy front of the shoe. It is more flexible than the Adizero Boston and way more flexible than the mostly rigid Puma Deviate Nitro. The flex and spring is similar to the Endorphin Speed 4 but longer. This long spring and flex allows any pace to be better accommodated including rapid changes in pace, think intervals.
The rear extended rocker allows a smooth roll off the heel to the midfoot although at slower paces ( for me 10 min miles or above) the effective drop can feel lower than the 6mm and the heel somewhat firm. Pick up the pace and that sensation goes away.
The Hyperburst supercritical EVA foam is relatively quickly reacting and with some bounce. It is not as “soft” as PWRRUN Pb in the Endorphin Speed but more friendly and cushioned at the heel than the dual foam Boston from adidas with its firm lower layer EVA blend concentrated at the heel. There is a consistent feel under foot from heel to toe. Courtney below thought the heel compressed quite a bit but I did not sense this but did notice that the rear rocker is long which effectively reduces the heel at slower paces for me.
This is a platform that prefers moving along at moderate to faster paces over easy jogs. This “lower” stack shoe at 36mm heel relative to super max trainers at over 40 mm such as the Burst is clearly closer to the ground and more natural feeling with plenty of very well cushioned road feel and fun agility.
Courtney: For a standard weight daily trainer, you immediately feel the cushion mostly under the heel, and with noticeable guidance on the medial side due to the Arch Fit sock liner. HYPERburst ice supercritical EVA foam is durable and firm, but less bouncy than the Aero Burst’s dual TPEE/EVA foams. The midfoot flex point can nearly be folded in half in its flexibility even with the H-Plate, and you feel this comfort and resilience as you run. I noted the light footfalls in the Spark and it's easy roll forward. Even on my long run, I found the last miles kept flying by and I was able to finish the run strong.
The only thing that is somewhat different for me is the heel foam is quite compliant and compresses down into what feels like less than a 6mm drop. As Sam mentions above, this may also be due to the early heel rocker. When running at slower paces, you might land further back where there is less foam. This puts a little more stress on my ankle and dorsiflexion. Although it's good to use other muscle groups (that have become somewhat lazy in typical high stack/high drop shoes), it is something I am mindful not to overwork. This being said, I believe the Spark is a great shoe to work into my rotation for this very reason. It has become a go-to choice for my faster paced recovery runs and even long runs as it provides both cushion and responsiveness. I recently took it to gravel and dirt trails and the shoe did fine.
Renee: At just under 8oz in a women’s size 8, the Spark is not heavy for a daily trainer, especially at this stack height. The shoe runs much lighter than the weight, although for its ride, I do wish it was lighter (see comparison list). The shoe in no way feels like 36mm at the heel, and the ride has “ground feel” because of its soft and flexible underfoot geometry. With a midfoot strike, the shoe is fun and bouncy, and is great for maintaining a fast cadence. Yes, the midsole is very soft but the integration of the H-plate provides stability and prevents a bottoming out sensation.
When forefoot striking and at fast paces, I don’t notice the soft midsole at all. A forefoot landing is the dullest of strikes with this shoe. Not to say it doesn’t handle speed work but it’s a more fun shoe when midfoot striking. For the price, the Spark offers one of the most dynamic midsoles. The TPEE insole adds to the soft yet dynamic ride, and while I know there’s EVA in the midsole it feels more like a TPEE aside from when I was forefoot striking during intervals/speed work.
Sally: This shoe definitely feels better underfoot for me with a midfoot landing and a quickened cadence. My first easy warm-up miles where I clearly heel strike more felt like a struggle to get moving (but doesnt that first mile always feel hard? It does for me, every day.) But the softer than expected EVA foam of the midsole responds well once you get going, and I find the toe-off actually pleasantly springy. I agree with Renee that you feel closer to the ground than the stack height would suggest, and the exaggerated flexibility of the midsole adds to the agile feel.
I am blessed with a bunion on my left foot that I can go months at a time without noticing - depending on the shoes. But certain shoes, especially those with softer midsoles under the first metatarsal, quickly remind me of its presence with a painful, numbing discomfort. The softness and flexibility of the Spark unfortunately reminded me that I have that bunion, which made my first run in them particularly challenging (and remember my pair also fit too long, so the flexing of the shoe above the forefoot might not be ideally located).
I don’t recall a shoe this flexible since the likes of the Saucony Freedom - you can literally bend it in half with your one hand.
My fit issues never completely resolved, but they definitely did improve by the third run, to the point where I was enjoying the faster paced miles and appreciating the versatility of this shoe.
Outsole
Courtney: The outsole of the Spark has strategically placed Goodyear rubber decoupled from the forefoot and rear creating ample flex in the midfoot. The outsole maintains good traction and overall stability.
Renee: The outsole works well with the shoe’s geometry. The lack of coverage under the midfoot and separation between the heel allow flex while giving some firmness to the landing (coupled with the H-plate). Given the soft midsole and TPEE insole, any less rubber coverage and shoe might have a bottoming-out effect. The rubber itself is hearty especially for a $130 shoe. I have no wear at 40 miles on the exposed sections or rubber. 35 miles were on gravel and while the shoe provides no grip on my loose gravel hills, the shoe itself is very controllable.
Sally: I agree that this outsole with its generous amount of Goodyear rubber works well with the geometry of the shoe.
It is a soft feel and a quiet ride, and there are no gravel catching grooves. The traction is solid on wet pavement, and I don't expect to see any wear on this outsole for a long time.
Sam: The Spark has a well designed Goodyear outsole with surprisingly copious rubber coverage for the shoe’s weight, rubber being the heaviest material in a shoe. Two large front cutouts to the midsole along with 2 smaller ones for sure contribute to the Spark’s excellent springy flex.
Could these openings be reduced to give the shoe a bit more of a rigid rocker? Maybe but the flexibility here makes the Spark very easy to rapidly change paces making it a strong choice for runs where paces vary.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Road: Ride (50%): Fit (30%): Value (15%): Style (5%):
Trail: Ride (30%): Fit (30%): Value (10%): Style (5%) Traction (15%): Rock Protection (10%):
New Smiles Fun Score! Out of 5 This score is about how pleasing/fun the experience is on the run, or in the case of race type shoes how effective it is to race.
😊😊😊😊😊(copy paste as many smiles as you need)
Courtney: The Aero-Spark does its job as a daily trainer, providing a lower stack option for daily miles compared to its high stack partner shoe, the Aero Burst. The durability of the shoe is not clear at this point but it seems to have little wear and tear on the Goodyear rubber outsole. EVA tends to have a longer life as well so I expect good things.
I think this shoe is a reliable option for runners who want a lightweight daily trainer. The Spark has enough rigidity and energetic toe off to help you feel strong throughout your runs. It has the ability to run uptempo and even some speed work if that is where you want to take it. It also felt great as a walking shoe and for a reasonable price this shoe is a versatile choice.
Overall 8.25/10
Ride (50%): 8.5 solid energy return and fun to run in
Fit (30%): 7 ran a little long, yet narrow
Value (15%): 8.5 good value
Style (5%): 7.5 I wish skechers had added more shape to the platform, but the simplicity is nice
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Renee: The Spark has a fun, bouncy ride from a midfoot strike. I don’t normally prefer a rockered shoe for daily miles but the Spark is fun thanks to the TPEE midsole and integration of the H-plate. The plate does not aid in responsiveness as compared to a nylon plate but rather gives some stability and structure to an overly soft midsole. I recommend it for runners who like flexible underfoot rides. The Spark does not restrict my natural foot flex as compared to a rockered shoe with a firmer midsole and stiffer plate. The shoe is a fine choice for speed workout as for daily miles, although I found it the least exciting when forefoot striking during intervals. I used the Spark for hilly gravel runs as well, and despite the soft midsole and rocker, the Spark is very controllable on uneven landings.
My longest run was 12 miles (two 12 milers), and with a mid or heel strike the shoe offers enough comfort for long runs. I don’t think I'd use the shoe for 20+ miles unless I was running slow or moderate as I find the forefoot landing to be the least fun and least forgiving. I was reviewing the New Balance Rebel v5 at the same time, and elected to run my 20 milers in that shoe.
At $130, the shoe is competitively priced. In terms of the “smile” score, I debated between four and five, but considering I can wear the shoe on road, the treadmill, and gravel it’s a five. While I might prefer other shoes for certain runs (20+ milers or intervals), I can use the Spark for anything and I had fun on each of my runs.
Renee’s Score: 9.3/10
Ride 9/10 Fit 9/10 Value 10/10 Style:
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Sam: In a sea of increasingly massive stack height shoes and rigid rocker rides, the Spark is refreshing. Flexible and springy with more than adequate reactive well stabilized midsole, I found the Spark to be a great all around moderate distances daily trainer. I easily put down my fastest average pace run with a well sub 8 minute miles finish since some knee issues after slower initial miles. Yes, the long rear rocker does not favor heel striking slower paces with a somewhat low feel and the tendency is to want to speed up here. I really liked the flexible yet at the same time springy forefoot which allows for rapid pace changes.
The upper is comfortable and secure but in a next pair I would size down half a size for length
The Spark is my kind of shoe. Reasonable in stack height, weight and pricing at $130 it is for me also a fun and fast shoe with the latest technologies and that can serve most of my training needs from daily runs to moderate length tempo runs, so a wide range.
It is a near single shoe rotation for me with all but very slow and easy and longer runs where I might select something else. The Spark is also a great choice for the college high school runner seeking a versatile all round and I expect a durable trainer.
Skechers, well loved in the past for their fast and light trainers, is back in the front pack with the Spark.
Sam’s Score: 9.45 / 10
Ride (50%): 9.3- but for a bit over pronounced rear rocker and low slow pace feel, excellent
Fit (30%) : 9.0, run long and upper could be smoother and softer fitting
Value (15%): 9.5 $130 with up to date tech and a versatile ride
Style (5%):10 stunning
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Sally: I initially dismissed this shoe as one of those rare releases that simply doesn’t work for me and my foot shape/running mechanics. I concluded they were too long in fit and the softness irritated an existing bunion on my foot. Thank goodness I persevered and gave them another shot, which then led to a third run and beyond. I tend to prefer stiffer rocker type rides but enjoy the soft, springy, and flexible pep of the Spark. I agree with Sam in that this shoe is refreshing amidst the crowd of high stack superfoams and rigid rockers out there. It can be a versatile daily trainer that can handle faster paces (not so good for me at slow recovery paces) and is a good deal of shoe for $130. I loved the new max cushioned Skechers Aero Burst, and can't wait to see what Skechers will do with their upcoming Tempo shoe in this lineup.
Sally’s score: 8.75
Ride (50%):8.8 Fit (30%): 8.0 Value (15%): 9.7 Style (5%): 10.0
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6 Comparisons
Skechers Razor 4 (RTR Review)
Renee: Neither the Razor 4 nor the Excess 2 had the magic of Razor 3. The H-Plate seemed to dull the midsole and the simple, natural flex of the Razor 3 was replaced with a firmer, forefoot rocker. The Spark implements the H-Plate much more effectively. Here, the plate prevents the overly soft midsole from bottoming out. The rocker is much more from the midsole rather than the forefoot. The Spark is heavier but offers a more dynamic ride, albeit a softer one. Sizing is similar.
New Balance Rebel v5 (RTR Review)
Renee: Both shoes are well rounded daily trainers, but with different underfoot rides. The Rebel 5 has a listed heel stack of 35mm but I measure only 30mm. The Spark lists a 36mm heel stack and in no way feels that high. The Rebel feels like a higher stack shoe, and offers a clearly more protective forefoot landing. The Rebel is about 1 full ounce lighter in my size 8. For a midfoot rocker and springy midsole, the Spark can be more fun. For an all-around shoe, the Rebel. Sizing is similar.
Sam: Significantly lighter yes with a deeper forefoot cushion feel and stiffer and firmer overall ride. I find the Rebel comparatively flatter riding if a bit more stable. Its flex point is far forward and not nearly as long or as springy (as no plate) as the Spark’s. The Rebel v5 lighter more airy upper is easier on the foot and true to size in length. Still, easy pick of the more fun to run and agile Spark for me despite the weight difference.
Sally: Camp Rebel 5 here. It works better for my mechanics, weighs less and runs lighter, and feels more stable and protective underfoot. Both are great daily trainers that can be very versatile.
Brooks Hyperion 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Hyperion 2 is a lighter shoe with a traditional ride. The shoe offers a simple nonsense ride with a forefoot rocker. The Spark has a much softer midsole and a rocker from the midfoot. If you need bounce and softness, the Spark. For a traditional ride, the Hyperion 2. Sizing is similar with the Spark having a touch more length.
Saucony Endorphibn Speed 4 (RTR Review)
Renee: I did not review the Speed 5 and recommend reading the RTR review here. The plate of the Speed provides a firmer more responsive ride. The H-plate of the Spark isn’t felt in the way a speed-focused plate feels in other shoes. The H- plate provides stability to a very soft midsole. Despite the softer midsole, the Spark is the more controllable shoe. For consistent tempo paces with more underfoot, the Speed. For daily miles and a fun underfoot ride, the Spark. Sizing is similar.
Sam: I find more of a disconnect between plate and softer foam in the Speed than in the Spark. The Spark feels more pulled together as its more flexible plate marches its midsole better. The Speed is a bit more forgiving overall with less of that lowish feeling rear rocker but for all around training uses the Spark is a more versatile non super max choice
ASICS GEL-Cumulus 27 (RTR Review)
Courtney: The Cumulus, is ASICS lower stack daily trainer. The Cumulus’s upper is made with a jacquard engineered mesh and is very comfortable and breathable. Though it weighs in lighter, it is slightly wider at the base, adding a little more underfoot stability. This is something I was wishing for while running in the Spark. The Cumulus sports a lower stack and has less cushion, but the 8mm drop and firmer feel of the shoe are more natural for me.
Sam: The Cumulus does not have supercritical foam and while FF Blast is a fine EVA blend it is duller and firmer than the Hyperburst in the Spark. The Cumulus is more stable due to its denser foam, wider platform and non rocker rear of the shoe with its upper somewhat more polished but in its similar weight and stack height class is for me now dated in comparison to the Spark.
Adidas Boston 13 (RTR Review)
Courtney: The Boston is a more specific uptempo shoe. Although heavier than the Aero Spark, the Boston wants to go a little bit faster and I found my recovery runs would turn into progression runs just because the Boston runs better at faster paces. The Aero Spark is more multi-purpose. It suits easy short, or long runs, and can be used for uptempo workouts as well. The Boston is a firmer shoe but both provide a secure and controlled ride.
Sam: Agree with Courtney. The Boston 13 is a more “serious, stable and tighter wound alternative at the same stack height, drop and about the same weight. Its EnergyRods have a more decisive firmer midfoot flex and spring and there is a more distinct forward plunge to the deep Lightstrike Pro upfront after a relatively firm and extensive firm Lightstrike foam rear of the shoe. For longer distance faster tempo runs the Boston, for everyday training at non recovery easy paces the Spark. I tested a true to size pair of Boston and as it has a higher volume upper would size down half a size while also in the Spark I would size down half a size but in its case for length.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Aero Spark, Burst and Tempo
SKECHERS RUNNING
Tester Profiles
Courtney Kelly, age 37 is a college lacrosse player turned avid runner. She lives in Manchester, MA with her husband and two daughters ages 4 and 8. Courtney signed up for her first 1/2 marathon the morning of the race in 2022, winning second place in a time of 1:26. She decided to take running a bit more seriously, joining Wicked Running Club and trying some training plans. She ran her first marathon this fall in 3:04:27. In addition, she holds a half marathon PR of 1:25, a 5 mile PR 30:17, and a 5k PR of 18:20. She looks forward to getting some more strength and speed under her belt this next season, before taking a crack at the marathon again. She is 5’4”, 110 lbs. Off the roads, Courtney is a painter and loving mother to her girls.
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Sally is a lifelong runner and mother of five who agreed against her better judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the past eleven Boston Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicagos, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights (Berlin in 2025). With a Boston PR of 3:25:55 in 2022 (9th place in AG) and three consecutive 2nd place in Age Group awards in NYC, she has competed in several Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships and placed 6th in the world in W 60-64 when she ran an all-time PR of 3:24:02 at age 63 at the 2022 London Marathon. She also competes in USATF races of all distances with the Greater Lowell Road Runners team. To add meaning to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Team Eye and Ear and has raised over $320,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally stands tall at 5’2’’ and 105 pounds, and lives in Marblehead, MA where she trains outdoors year round. She blames her love of skiing out West for any and all Boston Marathon training challenges.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
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