Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?
SKECHERS ISN’T EXACTLY the first name that comes to mind for performance footwear. Yes, it’s the third largest sneaker company in the world by total sales, according to some sources—but most people associate the brand with slip-ons, Shape Ups, and casual dad shoes that prioritize cheap comfort.
But that’s changing. At two of the biggest sports events of the year, a Skechers athlete stood out: OG Anunoby of the New York Knicks was rocking a special player edition of the SKX Nexus sneaker when he tipped in the clinching points the NBA Finals Game 4—one of the most thrilling plays in recent sports memory—then became the first NBA player to wear the brand to win a championship. In the FIFA World Cup, Harry Kane laced up Skechers boots to become England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer, notching six goals over the tournament, where the team finished third.
Runners are also starting to see that Skechers isn’t just for walking—and not just because of a pitchman’s exploits. The shoes are good. The brand has released some solid models over the past decade (notably the Go Run Razor line, which featured an early example of the super foams that proliferate contemporary runners)—but a spate of more recent releases in the Aero family have taken Skechers performance line beyond one-off success.
I wore one of these models, the lightweight Aero Razor trainer, for a series of runs to cut through the hype and see if Skechers really is catching up to the competition—or if all that is just noise.
Skechers Aero Razor
Skechers Aero Razor
Pros
- Ridiculously lightweight
- Comfortable, breathable upper
- Low price point for this caliber of shoe
Cons
- Less energetic than some other trainers
- Somewhat limited colorway options
The Shoe Specs
THE AERO RAZOR is absurdly lightweight for a training shoe—it’s just 6.9 ounces. That’s partly due to its thin mesh upper It’s also lower profile than some other shoes in its category, as models of all types have seen stack-height bloat in this age of “illegal” super trainers and racers; the Aero Razor boasts a 36 mm/32 mm midsole, for a 4mm drop.
That midsole is made of Hyper Burst Pro, a firm (but surprisingly cushy) supercritical foam, and it features a rocker shape and “H-wing” plate in the forefoot to aid with turnover. Even with the lightweight design, the Razor also features a substantial Goodyear rubber outsole for traction.
Road Feel
THE FIRST THING I noticed when I laced up the Aero Razor is just how light it feels. It’s closer to a race day shoe than a trainer, even without the stack height pushing the 40mm World Athletics limit for elite footwear these days. That weight is also partly due to the upper. It's a thin mesh, but still substantive and comfortable. I rarely think about a shoe’s upper (if I do, that’s most likely a bad thing), but in this case, I was really pleased.
Once I got moving, I could feel the combination of the rocker shape and foam helping with turnover. Even though the midsole isn’t a super high stack, the foam is responsive without feeling overpowering. This shoe has a really measured ride.
So I wasn’t exactly bouncing off the pavement in the way super trainers and racers feel like. For some runs (faster workouts, easy shakeouts, hill sessions) that’s great. But for long runs, I’ve gotten used to that extra propulsion. Call me soft, but I don’t want to go back to the pre-super shoe days of heavy legs at the end of long efforts.
That’s not what this was made for, though. The Aero Razor is all about training. I’ve run in them wearing weighted vests and after long weeks, and I was able to make it through the workouts feeling strong and stable.
Final Score: 4.5/5
I DON’T HAVE many complaints about the Aero Razor. It’s a really great shoe—but it does lack that extra pop that make other runners with higher midsole stacks or other tech features really stand out.
While the foam is responsive, it’s not energetic in the same way other kicks I’ve run in recently are, and for that reason, I wouldn’t reach for the Aero Razor for training or races longer than a half-marathon. That keeps it from being a true do-everything shoe for me. But that’s not what you need from every shoe—especially not at the $140 price point.
If you’re closed-minded, you’ll assume the Aero Razor is only for your dad or newbie runners just because of its brand pedigree. The Aero Razor will definitely work for beginners—but the people who might love it most will be experienced runners who love speedwork. The lightweight upper and responsive foam make it a nimble option you can lace up without your footwear overpowering your workout. You’re getting a lot of shoe for a price on the low end of the scale, making that combination of performance and value really hard to beat for any type of runner.
Skechers Aero Razor
Skechers Aero Razor
Pros
- Ridiculously lightweight
- Comfortable, breathable upper
- Low price point for this caliber of shoe
Cons
- Less energetic than some other trainers
- Somewhat limited colorway options
Brett Williams, NASM-CPT, PES, a senior editor at Men's Health, is a certified trainer and former pro football player and tech reporter. You can find his work elsewhere at Mashable, Thrillist, and other outlets.
Running
Our Complete Guide to the Best Running Shoes
This New Running Shoe Makes a Great Travel Shoe
The 10 Best Running Shorts Tested by Our Editors
Best Brooks Running Shoes on Sale for Prime Day
This Hydration Vest Is the Only One I’ll Trust
Anthony Ramos Shares His Long Run Training Hack
I Tested Running Shoes That Were Made By a Robot
Hydration Packs Are the Key to Staying Hydrated
Treadmills That Deserve a Spot in Your Home Gym
Save 50% During the Brooks Memorial Day Sale
I’m Using This Road Shoe to Train for a Trail Race
John Summit Shares Marathon and DJ Set Data
Source: menshealth.com
