In this product guide:
How we selected
At the time of publishing, Skechers’ performance running line-up is the best it has ever been. It could very well be its swan song. Buy these shoes (the Aero Burst in particular) while you can, because the future of Skechers Performance is uncertain. For those unaware, Skechers was recently acquired by a private equity firm. Considering that the bulk of Skechers’ business comes from memory foam-padded sneakers rather than performance running products, the future of the Aero line-up remains unclear.
Skechers revamped its lineup this summer, releasing three running shoes under the ‘Aero’ family. These models replace the GoRun series that debuted more than a decade ago. The Aero Tempo sits at the top, serving as Skechers’ equivalent of a carbon-plated racer. The Skechers Aero Spark has a firm, low-profile midsole and a snug fit for speed training such as tempo runs and intervals. It’s also an excellent 5K and 10K racer. Finally, the Aero Burst offers max cushioning in a supportive and versatile package. We like this shoe the best of the three, as it combines versatility, comfort, and durability – qualities that everyday runs and high-mileage training demand.
Not only is the Aero Burst the most usable shoe in Skechers’ lineup, but it’s also one of the best running shoes in its segment. Thanks to its versatile character, the Aero Burst has something for everyone. When used for marathon training, the 42 mm (heel) and 36 mm (forefoot) stack height midsole provides ample cushioning. What if midsole stability is a priority? In that case, the firm Hyperburst Ice foam midsole offers a supportive platform for both forefoot and heel strikers.
That’s not all – the rocker complements the firm midsole and H-plate to make roll-offs propulsive, so the Aero Burst isn’t shy about performing at higher paces. Despite its generous stack heights, the midsole handles 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) paces with ease. The outsole grip is excellent too, courtesy of the Goodyear rubber. Is there a trade-off for all that versatility? Yes – the dense Hyperburst Ice midsole adds some weight, bringing the Aero Burst to 11 ounces (312 grams).
The upper runs a half-size large, so buying a US 10 instead of a US 10.5 should do the trick. That does make the forefoot tighter, however, so try before you buy – optional widths are unavailable. Otherwise, the Aero Burst’s upper offers a comfortable, secure fit. The padded tongue and heel enhance comfort, while reflective details on the upper and laces improve visibility in low-light conditions. The Aero Burst is also available in a ‘Slip-ins’ version, featuring a collapsible heel and adjustable laces for convenient entry.
The Aero Tempo is not your average super-shoe – it avoids the clichés of modern plated running shoes. For example, the Hyperburst midsole doesn’t deliver the soft, bouncy, and unstable cushioning that’s now standard on contemporary racers. Runners also won’t experience the snappy springboard effect of typical plated designs. This is a heavy shoe by racing standards – the Aero Tempo weighs 8.5 ounces (241 grams). For perspective, plated racers such as Hoka Rocket X3 and Asics Metaspeed Edge Tokyo weigh between 5.5 and 7.1 ounces. In return, the Aero Tempo offers an ultra-planted feel due to its firm midsole. The grippy Goodyear rubber outsole covers all contact points, protecting the midsole while providing dependable traction.
The snug and breathable upper ties everything together, as its secure lockdown efficiently transfers power from foot to midsole. The full-length carbon winglet plate and firm ride help conserve energy during transitions. Unlike softer foams, the HyperBurst Ice midsole doesn’t shear or overly compress, so the foot maintains consistent footing. The Aero Tempo is also more durable than most competing super shoes, with longevity comparable to the Hoka Mach X3 and New Balance SC Trainer 3.
Skechers describes the Aero Spark as a versatile daily trainer, but we beg to differ. To us, the Aero Burst (the first shoe in this guide) fits that description better. The Aero Spark, on the other hand, is ideal for 5K and 10K races and high-intensity training runs. The 36 mm (heel) and 30 mm (forefoot) midsole is low-profile by today’s standards and delivers a closer-to-the-ground feel. The firm, dense Hyperburst Ice foam provides a stable ride with excellent ground feel during fast efforts. This is very much a forefoot and midfoot striker’s trainer; heel strikers may find the bevel angle a bit steep for their liking. The foot tends to tip backward when landing on the edge, which can stress the calves and Achilles.
The upper fits a half-size large, but we recommend buying true to size. The forefoot has a narrow fit, so sizing down (e.g., US 10 instead of US 10.5) makes it excessively tight. Like the Aero Burst, the Aero Spark is also offered in a hands-free ‘Slip-ins’ version.
The Aero redesign skipped the off-road section of Skechers’ catalog, so the Premier Trail 2.0 doesn’t feature a Hyperburst midsole or H-plate. That’s a pity, because some of the older Skechers trail shoes from the GoRun series were quite good. Skechers was one of the first brands to introduce max-cushioning in trail footwear over a decade ago.
Apart from the Goodyear rubber outsole and water-repellent upper, the Premier Trail 2.0 uses conventional midsole technology to deliver its cushioned ride. The firm EVA foam (Ultra Go) midsole provides supportive comfort on the trail, while a soft footbed brings plushness closer to the foot. The Premier Trail 2.0 isn’t a hardcore trail shoe, but it’s well-suited for park runs and light trails. It’s a solid road-to-trail hybrid, if you ask us. The upper is offered in two versions – one with mesh, and another with stitched-on overlays that Skechers calls ‘Transfuse.’ The latter has a tighter fit, weighs slightly more, and offers better upper durability. Optional widths are unavailable for this model.