Skechers GOrun 7 Hyper Review: 100 Mile Rundown

The Rundown

Suface:

Road

Stack Height:

Moderate

The GOrun 7 Hyper is the trainer entry into the line of shoes showcasing the new and notable midsole tech by Skechers Performance. The Hyper Burst midsole molds EVA differently—expanding it by creating thousands of gas-filled bubbles trapped within the midsole—for a lighter and longer-lasting material than traditional foams, resulting here in a speedy trainer that’s both bouncy and firm-feeling underfoot.

The Specs

Weight

6.1 oz. (W), 7.8 oz. (M)

Offset

4mm

Midsole

Hyper Burst

Outsole

Rubber pods or “pillars” in strategic locations

Upper

Breathable compression knit

Price

$125

100 Miles In: The Review

This was my first run in Skechers Performance shoes and I have to admit my first impression was one of suspicion. How were they so lightweight with that substantial, yet opaque-looking midsole? I didn’t recognize the sole’s material, and still don’t, but it proved durable enough to perform for more 100 miles without looking any worse for wear.

The knit upper has some stretch but retains its compressive fit. That tight fit is why there are pull tabs on the heel cuff and tongue, to assist in easily sliding them onto the foot. The stretch allows the upper to fit narrow and secure in the midfoot, and comfortably wide at the toe box.

Lacing them up is easy as well, with the flat laces (wide enough not to cut into the foot) pulling on looped straps interwoven down the sides of the midfoot. Instead of TPU overlays, the knit upper uses four rows of these lace-like straps that act like rib stitches woven in and out of the upper. This lacing system pulls on parts the shoe evenly, allowing for an easy midfoot lockdown, while working with the tongueless, stretchy compression knit for a consistent, comfortable fit. Unlike other shoes, I needed no tugging on the first two lower laces to loosen the fit around the toe box before tightening more on the top by the ankle.

On the run, the ride promotes a quick turnover, in keeping with the GOrun’s speedy nature. The forefoot felt firmer than the heel, a function of the compression and rebound of the foam, as there is no difference in density of the midsole. Midfoot strikes felt firm and fast, just not quite race-fast, with plenty of flex which fed into the rockered forefoot roll. There is plenty of lateral flex in the forefoot as well, which made the lateral roll of the foot transition smoothly.

While breaking them in, the cradle of the footbed seemed too severe, as the edges of the shoe bow up, creating an awkward fit for my duck feet during the first few runs. That cleared up, and my toes now nestle into indentions in the footbed.

Hyper Burst, Skechers’ new midsole foam, is a name worth remembering. It makes the shoe so light and the ride so responsive without being too firm. This midsole make these shoes a fast trainer, rather than a plush, springy trainer. These don’t resemble any previous versions of Skechers, or any other shoe, for that matter.

After 100 miles, the soles of the GOrun 7 Hypers are embarrassingly clean and show no signs of breakdown on the tread or compression along the outer edge of the midsole.

There’s The Rub

On slower training runs, when I was trying to get in miles with shorter strides on tired legs, I found the midfoot could land with an unforgiving thud. The minimal foam offered rebound, but without any spongy cushioning. If I cranked up the pace, I’d start landing on my forefoot and it resolved the issues. For some, these may work as everyday trainers; but for me they’d be saved for speed work or longer races.

The flex of the compression knit upper can also feel too lenient. There were times, split seconds really, when it felt like my foot was leaving the shoe behind. 90-degree turns on neighborhood sidewalks maxed out the knit’s secure hold, allowing the forefoot to slosh around. On occasion, I noticed my feet would pronate further than normal and a few times my foot slid laterally over the edge of the sole. Granted, most road race courses don’t involve too many pivots or turns, except when other runners cut you off, but I would have preferred more foot control from the upper. This is how I want my everyday wear sneakers to fit, not my running shoes.

TL;DR

The GOrun 7 Hyper is trim trainer with comfort and durability to last hundreds of miles. The midsole is the star here, getting lots of rebound from its minimal foam, and the knit upper and simple design are meant to make the most of the sole’s light weight. Hitting full stride really highlights the foam’s rebound and the sock-like fit makes these a joy to lace up. Heavier or slower runners may find the footstrikes can feel too hard after time and will likely find the knit upper has some float when mashing on cambered roads or around corners.