Did someone ask Skechers for a super-light speedy trail shoe that sports some killer looks and we missed the memo? Nevertheless, they have delivered on something fairly remarkable at first glance. We took it out on the trails to see if it could deliver on all the promises we were seeing and put it to the test.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- Ultralight trail shoe designed for speed
- Uses much of the same tech we are finding in their road shoes
- Weighs in at 8oz or 227g for a US Men’s 9
- Retails at $135.00 USD and comes in only 1 color
Run Test
First off, Skechers’ team, what is up with this name and honestly a number of your names. Let’s drop the GOrun bit, leave off the Hyper (as they all use Hyperburst now) and simplify. This then becomes the Speed Trail which seems much simpler to us and honestly to all the consumers out there. With that out of our system, on with the run!
The shoe first really well, more like the Razor 3 than anything, and stays very secure underfoot. That Dynamic Heel-Lock system they have designed as well as that knit collar do so much to keep your foot in place and reduce slippage, you never really need to worry about control or side to side rotation. The Hyperburst is comfortable underfoot and feels just as plush as it does on their road shoes.
Out on the trails, these things just fly. They are so light it makes turnover that much simpler and when you want to slow down, they want to keep going. The mesh upper is still just as breathable, keeping the weight down and the airflow up, the knit collar feels good against your ankle even after many miles but also does double duty keeping trail remnants out. Thankfully, they have widened the toe box here as well giving you a bit more room for your toes which feels great at distance.
The only question we have here is around the use of their Ultra Flight material as it doesn’t have the same feels as Hyperburst, it falls flat a bit. We wish they would run the Hyperburst full length just to see what the feel would have been. Our other semi-negative is on the sole. The Goodyear rubber is great and the lugs are decent, but they need to work on the lug pattern and layout.
Construction: Upper
The upper uses their TPU based mono mesh which does a few things. First, it makes it breathable, supportive, and resilient. It is also super light which helps keep the weight down. The knit collar is designed to be a comfortable barrier from trail elements, but the real money feature is their new Dynamic Heel-Lock System. It looks a bit simplistic, but it works amazingly well and frankly is quite intuitive.
Construction: Midsole
Skechers has equipped the Speed TRL with their Hyperburst midsole in the heel while then layering their new lightweight Ultraflight cushioning in the forefoot for increased responsiveness. On top of that, they have added a nylon plate to the forefoot for increased stability. The jury is out on the Ultraflight for us, but love that Hyperburst.
Construction: Outsole
The outsole uses Goodyear rubber as all-new Skechers due which is durable and of course grips well. The lug design is a bit lacking and probably one the bigger areas for improvement, but on hardpack and simpler trails it does just fine.
Style & Aesthetics
The Speed TRL Hyper is hot looking and while it only comes in one color, it is going to turn a lot of heads. One of the better and more fun looking trail shoes out there. It is just so different which is great.
Overall Conclusion
The Speed TRL Hyper from Skechers is a really solid performer. They are quick and nimble on the trails, yet still, maintain a comfortable upper throughout the run. They are not going to be your next ultra shoe, but for trail races of shorter distances they are going to crush it. The upper is well designed and our only real caveat is around that use of the Ultra Flight in the midsole. This is the springboard for a solid performer for years to come and a super fun little shoe.
Learn more on the Skechers website
|
|
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
|
|
|
|
