Skechers GOrun Ride 11 Review

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Key Features:

• Weight: 7.6 ounces (women’s) and 9.9 ounces (men’s)
• Drop: 6 millimeters
• Stack height: 32–38 millimeters
• Price: $125
• Best for: Jogging and long-distance running
• Price: $125

Any avid runner will know that a running shoe can easily make or break the running experience. That’s why having a comfortable and lightweight daily trainer is important to your overall running game (and preventing injury). Plus, a good running shoe helps deliver traction and stability.

As one of Skechers flagship daily trainer series, the GOrun Ride shoes are a staple amongst the running community. With each new iteration, Skechers promises an upgraded take on the classic running shoe. Their latest model is the Skechers GOrun Ride 11, a lightweight and supportive running shoe poised to outperform its predecessor, the Skechers GOrun Ride 10.

To see whether or not Skechers GOrun Ride 11 lived up to the hype (and customer reviews), we tried this running shoe for 30 days to get a sense of how it performed. In the past month, we’ve determined the pros and cons, who this running shoe might be best for and how it stacks up against the competition. Here’s our extensive Skechers GOrun Ride 11 review.

My Impression of the GOrunRide 11

Before I go into my Skechers GOrun Ride 11 review, I’d like to preface my experience by explaining that I have very flat feet and almost no arch. Therefore, it’s tough for me to find a running shoe that not only fits correctly but is comfortable and helps prevent pain. While I’ve tried many great shoes over the years, I didn’t realize what I was missing out on until I tried the heavily arced and cushioned Skechers GOrun Ride 11—and what I need moving forward.

These running shoes have a neutral support design, but come with a sizable rounded arc that offers even more support than your typical neutral running shoe. While Skechers GOrun Ride 11 aren’t necessarily your typical rocker-bottom running shoes (which have a more pronounced crescent shape), they have significantly more rocking than any other neutral shoe I’ve tried.

That was my first takeaway of the Skechers GOrun Ride 11—just how comfortable they truly are. Since I have a narrow heel, it’s notoriously hard for me to find running shoes that fit just right. If I buy true to my women’s size 10, the shoe might fit everywhere except my heel, where it slips off. If I size down, the shoe becomes too small, and if I size up, it becomes too big.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the GOrun Ride 11 were actually true to size, even with my narrower-than-average heel. These running shoes fit like a glove and felt like I was walking on clouds when I first tried them on and strolled around my kitchen. Plus, they look extremely sleek. I have the running shoes in the black and pink color combo, which is vibrant but still muted enough to match just about any running shorts, running pants or exercise shirts.

If black and pink isn’t for you, the women’s variation of the GOrun Ride 11 also comes in pink and purple. We hope that Skechers releases more color combos for women in time, as not everyone likes pink (and some people just want a simple black or white running shoe). The men’s variation also comes in two color options of black and white or blue (with green tints).

Grip and Traction

Skechers GOrun Ride 11 is a carbon-infused lace-up trainer with breathable engineered mesh and a synthetic upper. It also has a removable Skechers Arch Fit insole, HYPER BURST ICE cushioning (more on this soon, but it’s an upgrade over the 10’s less-plush midsole foam). The outsole, meanwhile, uses a patented Goodyear Performance design that’s grippy and durable.

One thing I noticed off the bat is that the GOrun Ride 11 are fairly squeaky. While there’s definitely no slippage (and you can feel the enhanced traction of the Goodyear rubber outsole), I almost felt that there was too much traction, to the point where my forefoot stuck to the floor with each step. It almost felt like the feeling of having gum stuck to your shoe, which distracted me a bit during my workouts. Yet the real test was on the treadmill—would the shoes stick there?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Even through my headphones, I could hear the shoes sticking to my NordicTrack EXP 7i treadmill. At first I chalked it up to them being new, but the sound persisted after a month of nearly daily use. That being said, there was less sticking and squeaking the more I picked up speed. It was significantly more noticeable when walking vs. running, and while I did have a tiny bit of sticking at higher speeds, it was nowhere near as bad as when I was walking.

Walking on an incline also seemed to cut both the noise and sticking. There was something about walking slowly—and on a completely flat surface—that tended to bring out the issue. However, I didn’t notice this as much walking and running on roads, so it seems that the shoes have a tighter grip on indoor surfaces when compared to their outdoor counterparts.

Despite the noisy Goodyear outsole, I did feel that it offered fantastic grip and traction, even if it was too much at times. My feet firmly hit their intended surface and I noticed that my muscles were able to maintain longer distances when compared to my usual running shoes (Asics Gel Contend 7). I had noticeably less muscle fatigue, burned more calories, and out-performed my usual time and distance. Was it luck of the draw? Maybe, but I chalk up the benefits to the GOrun Ride 11’s phenomenal arch support and carbon fiber-infused plate that adds springiness.

Comfort and Versatility

It was clear to me after trying the GOrun Ride 11 on both the treadmill and around my neighborhood that these shoes are equally suited for indoor and outdoor road running. I tried these shoes in the heart of summer, and while our area didn’t face the massive heat wave that engulfed much of the country, it was still hot enough that breathability made a big difference. Luckily, the ventilated mesh upper of the GOrun Ride 11 kept my feet cool and comfortable for the majority of my workouts, but my upper feet would get sweaty after 30 minutes of running.

The toe box is also fairly roomy. I wore these training shoes with a mix of thicker and thinner running socks and felt that regardless of my sock width, they fit comfortably–and my toes never felt crammed. I really enjoyed the GOrun Ride 11 for their versatility and responsiveness on various surfaces (enhanced by the efficiency-promoting HYPER ARC technology) and felt like I had a better workout wearing these shoes over my usual running shoes, even with the same routine.

While I never took out the removable insole, it’s designed to mold to your feet to reduce shock and increase weight dispersion. I felt very little shock running in these shoes, and just to be sure of the benefits, I also tried them in several other workouts including Zumba and light strength training. Regardless of how they were used, the shoes held up well to all physical activity. Plus, if I haven’t hammered this home already, they are oh so comfortable. The new HYPER BURST ICE cushioning is dreamy soft but still gives plenty of support while walking and running.

Overall, the GOrun Ride 11 are very lightweight. They weigh just 7.6 ounces for the women’s shoe (and a little more for the men’s shoe at 9.9 ounces), which is marginally heavier than the GOrun Ride 10s, but not enough to make a noticeable difference for die-hard Skechers fans. Although I personally used these training shoes for jogging and recovery runs (I like to run or do cardio after a weightlifting session), I can see the GOrun Ride 11 being a great option for half-marathon runners thanks to their delicate balance of responsiveness and cushioning.

Throughout the years, I’ve had a variety of running shoes from leading brands—Nike, adidas, Asics and more—but I can confidently say Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are some of the most comfortable I’ve tried. While I never wore or ran in Skechers performance shoes before, I may begin to turn to the brand for my running needs once my current shoes need replacement.

The Pros of GOrun Ride 11

• New HYPER BURST ICE midsole offers excellent cushioning
• Goodyear rubber outsole delivers enhanced traction and grip
• Podiatrist-designed shape informed by 20 years of data
• Carbon fiber-infused plate creates great energy return
• Patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system
• Removable insole helps reduce shock
• Running shoes are machine washable
• Fits true-to-size
• Carbon fiber-infused plate

What To Consider About the GOrun Ride 11

• Minimal color options for men and women
• Mesh upper gets hot after moderate exercise
• Higher-than-average maximalist stack height
• Curved bottom takes some getting used to

Who Is GOrun Ride 11 Right For

People with flat feet like myself will benefit from the arced, rocker-like design of the GOrun Ride 11. In fact, I felt like I was running with a natural arch, then had to remind myself it was all thanks to the shoes. While the general rule of thumb amongst the running community is that runners with flat feet will fare better with stability shoes, these neutral shoes beg to differ.

Those who love a good plush pair of running shoes will also enjoy the GOrun Ride 11. The new HYPER BURST ICE midsole is tremendously supportive and cushioned, and the carbon-infused plate does a great job of adding even more spring to your step. I felt that these shoes gave a great lift and generous energy return, which made a big difference in my runs.

I also recommend the GOrun Ride 11s for a variety of runners (and even walkers). I loved these shoes for recovery runs and jogging, but their healthy balance between responsiveness and cushioning can also make them a great fit for long-distance runners and road runners.

Who Is GOrun Ride 11 Not Right For

If you don’t like soft or plush running shoes, Skechers GOrun Ride 11 probably aren’t for you. Out of a scale of one through 10 with 10 being the most plush, I’d peg these shoes at an eight. The tongue and heel collar are also heavily padded, which I personally enjoyed, but I can easily see these training shoes being much too soft for those who prefer firmer running footwear.

You might also want to lean toward different running shoes if you live in a year-round hot climate or are prone to sweating in your footwear. While Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are breathable and have a ventilated mesh upper, I found my feet getting uncomfortably hot and sticky after 30 minutes of moderate exercise (for reference, it was around 75 degrees here).

These shoes are also quite tall. With a stack height of 32 to 38 millimeters, you can definitely feel the height when wearing these. In fact, it takes some getting used to. I felt unnaturally tall in the GOrun Ride 11s for the first week of wearing them (I am five foot eight inches for reference), but after a few days, I was used to the feeling. If you’re not a fan of height in your running shoes, I’d recommend choosing a pair with a lower stack height. These do elevate you quite a bit.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Skechers GOrun Ride 11

With so many different brands and running shoes on the market—think Puma, Saucony, Hoka, New Balance and more–it can be tough to figure out exactly which footwear best suits your running needs. Here’s what to consider before deciding on Skechers GOrun Ride 11.

Stability

Running shoes come in three main categories: neutral, stability and motion control. Each category has a different level of stability that is best-suited for a specific type of pronation, or how your foot rolls while you run. Basic, or neutral pronation, means your foot rolls inward in a typical fashion. Overpronation is when your foot rolls excessively inward (increasing your risk of injury), while supination means your foot rolls outward (again potentially causing injury to you).

Neutral shoes are the best option for those with basic pronation or supination. Stability shoes, meanwhile, can help individuals with moderate overpronation, while motion-control shoes are an excellent choice for those with more severe overpronation. Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are a neutral shoe that offers just enough stability for basic pronation or supination. Therefore, if you have moderate to severe overpronation, you may want a shoe with greater stability support.

Design

GOrun Ride 11 have a lightweight and technology-infused design that makes them the most advanced yet of the Skechers GOrun Ride series. The unique design of this running footwear is informed by 20 years of data and 120,000 unweighted foot scans, with the shoe shape itself designed by podiatrists. In the shoe, you’ll find a removable insole that helps reduce shock and increase weight dispersion, HYPER ARC technology that improves efficiency and a carbon-infused plate that increases your spring. Still, that doesn’t mean this design is for everyone.

The GOrun Ride 11s have a higher-than-average stack height of 32 to 38 millimeters, which gives significant elevation to these running shoes. If you’re used to more moderate stack heights, wearing these shoes can feel a bit like having the running equivalent of platforms on. While I got used to this fairly quickly after a few days (and ended up enjoying the extra height), some runners may not like the feeling, and it truly does require a bit of patience to get used to.

While the GOrun Ride 11s are a neutral shoe, they have a significant arc on the sole. If you’ve never worn rocker shoes before, this can also take some getting used to. Personally, I loved the energy return the arc created and I don’t see myself going back to flatter running shoes in the future. The arc was also helpful for creating an arch for someone like myself with very flat feet. Again, arc or no arc on the sole is a personal preference, so be sure to consider this prominent feature if the Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are on your list of running shoes to consider.

Comfort

One thing to know off the bat about the Skechers GOrun Ride 11 is that these shoes have a comfort-first design. Unlike their predecessor the GOrun Ride 10, which had a foam midsole, the 11s incorporate the new and improved HYPER BURST ICE technology with dual-density cushioning. The HYPER BURST ICE is way more plush than the former and if this isn’t your first pair of the GOrun Ride series, you may notice a moderate difference in the 11 shoes.

As I mentioned earlier, I’d rate these shoes as an 8 out of 10 on the cushioning scale. The tongue and heel collar are also heavily padded, which I personally liked, but a handful of users complain that the padding is just too much. If you prefer a less-padded shoe, the GOrun Ride 11s probably aren’t for you. However, if you’re like me and you enjoy a plush feel in your running footwear, these shoes are probably some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn.

Breathability

Upon reading the specs, you’ll see that Skechers GOrun Ride 11 has taken several steps to promote breathability. The shoes are lightweight and have a road running performance lace-up with a breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper (though I also used these shoes for treadmill running). Initially, the shoes will deliver upon the breathability that they promise.

However, after 30 minutes of running or walking, I noticed fairly consistently that my feet would feel hot and sweaty towards the tail-end of my workout. If I stretched my workout to 45 minutes, I’d definitely start feeling uncomfortable and like the breathability was beginning to wane.

For transparency, I live in the Midwest where the climate isn’t necessarily hot, but we have warmer summers. Even around 75 degrees, I felt that these shoes weren’t holding up well to their breathability features after exercising for a moderate period of time. Personally, I can’t imagine running in these in hotter climates (unless I was running indoors), so breathability is one thing to strongly consider if you live in a warmer area and plan to do some road running.

Standout features

Skechers GOrun Ride 11 do a great job in the standout features department. From the HYPER ARC to the HYPER BURST ICE technology, to the carbon fiber-infused plate and patented Skechers Arch Fit insole system with podiatrist-certified arch support, the brand takes numerous steps to make these running shoes standout above the rest. Still, one key feature that I had mixed feelings about was the Goodyear Performance Outsole.

While I agree that the Goodyear outsole did an excellent job delivering traction, stability and durability as promised in the specs, there was so much traction that my shoe stuck to many surfaces–similar to having gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe. Again, I used my shoes both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors on the road and pavement. If you plan on strictly running outdoors in these shoes, you may not encounter these issues (and I noticed the sticking much less outdoors, though it wasn’t gone entirely). Yet indoor runners may struggle with this.

Is the issue enough to make me not wear these shoes? Definitely not. It’s a minor tradeoff for the great comfort, arced design and stability, but it’s something to consider before buying.

Color options

One downside to the GOrun Ride 11s is that they’re extremely limited in color options—two choices each for the men’s and women’s shoe, to be exact. We’re hoping that as time goes on, Skechers will release these shoes in more color combos. For now, you can purchase these in pink and purple or black and pink for the women’s version, and black and white or blue for the men’s variation. As someone who is not a huge fan of pink running shoes, I was a little disappointed to see that I couldn’t buy these shoes in solid black or white (or even a combination of the two), but I did end up liking how these shoes looked while wearing them.

If you’re particular about your running shoe color or you like to match your running shoes to your running gear, you may find the minimal color choices too limiting for your tastes.

Cost

A good pair of running shoes designed to last will probably cost you at least $100 or more. While there are numerous running shoes available that are closer to the $50 range, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality pair, especially if you run often. Remember, shoes pack on miles like a car, and the general rule of thumb in the running community is to consider replacing your running shoes sometime between 300 to 500 miles for maximum performance.

As you budget for your running shoes (and other running gear), keep in mind that your running shoes won’t last forever–and they probably won’t be a multi-year investment like some other gear. Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are on the higher-end of the price spectrum at $125 per pair, so this is something to consider as you’re comparing different shoes. Still, for the higher price tag, you’re getting plenty of higher-end features including a brand new cushioning system.

You can also shop around for the best price. We recommend checking the official Skechers brand website, Amazon and Running Warehouse for any sales or promotions.

Customer testimonials

As a newer release, Skechers GOrun Ride 11 customer testimonials are still rolling in, but the preliminary reviews are great. “This is my first Ride series shoe,” one die-hard Skechers fan explains, who previously purchased the GOrun Razor line. “I’m very happy with the shoe. It’s ideal for long runs.” Still, the same reviewer says the padded tongue “could have been lighter,” echoing a common complaint amongst Skechers GOrun Ride 11 reviewers.

“The Ride is a whole new level of comfort,” another customer notes. “For me, the Ride 11 is the ideal balance of cushion from the HYPER BURST foam, nice energy return from the carbon-infused forefoot (which makes the run feel effortless) and an upper that’s breathable where it needs to be.” As a bonus, the same customer says, “It’s a very attractive shoe.”

Another customer who wrapped up a 5.5-mile walk and run said that the shoes are so responsive, “I feel like I could go again.” “The Ride 11 are my new favorite daily trainer,” confirms a second satisfied buyer. Yet as with my own personal experience, one customer (who also uses the shoes on a treadmill) says “the curved bottom takes some getting used to.”

Customers agree that the GOrun Ride 11s fit “true-to-size,” and one customer who has already clocked 100 miles in his shoes says that the 11s “still feel and look brand new.” With so many promising reviews, Skechers GOrun Ride 11 are shaping up to become a fan-favorite.

How GOrun Ride 11 Stacks Up Against Other Trainers

If the GOrun Ride 11s are on your list, but you’re also weighing out other running shoes, here’s a quick comparison of how these trainers stack up against two popular options.

Hoka Clifton 9 vs. GOrun Ride 11

Similar to Skechers GOrun Ride series, Hoka offers a comparable (and just as popular) series—the Clifton. The latest variation is the Hoka Clifton 9, an everyday neutral training shoe with balanced cushioning and a rocker-bottom design. If you’re a fan of firmer shoes, you may want to lean towards the Hoka Clifton 9, as these are slightly less plush than the GOrun Ride 11s. However, Hoka cost slightly more at $145 per pair for both the men’s and women’s shoes.

Otherwise, many of the stats (weight, heel-to-toe drop and durable outsole) are close enough that you probably won’t tell a noticeable difference, so the biggest deciding factors in which of these running shoes are best for your needs are the level of cushioning and their cost.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 vs. GOrun Ride 11

Like the GOrun Ride 11, Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 are a neutral running shoe with extra cushioning. The Gel-Cumulus 25 have a breathable jacquard mesh upper, an OrthoLite sockliner (which offers step-in comfort) and reflective details designed to improve visibility in low-light conditions, such as running in the evening or during foggy weather. Plus, people who prioritize sustainability will be happy to know that the Gel-Cumulus 25, which costs $140, uses between 33 to 75 percent recycled content in its design, depending on the area of the shoe.

While Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 have significantly more color options (14 for women and 13 for men, to be exact), Skechers GOrun Ride 11 have more advanced technology when it comes to design and comfort. Still, if you’re a night runner or you love sustainable footwear, the ASICS might be a better choice for you - even if the price point is slightly higher.

Final Thoughts

As someone who has owned numerous brands and types of running shoes over the years, my final verdict in my Skechers GOrun Ride 11 review is that these shoes are absolutely worth buying—and are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. While the shoe is a new release, customers agree with overwhelmingly positive reviews that it’s a great buy. If you’re in the market for new running footwear, be sure to read our Skechers GOrun Ride 11 review for everything you need to know about these new trainers and what to consider before buying.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.