I'm a normal sized guy (1.85) with an average weight (85kg) and not a very sportive background. Since I started running a year ago I purchased 5 pairs of running shoes. I started out with the traditional, well cushioned shoe and it suited me fine. After viewing movies on youtube about midfoot-forefoot strike and Pose running I started to change my running from heelstrike to midfoot/forefoot. I bought the Skechers Pro Speed, that, with a distinctive bump in the middle and a undercut heel, made it easier to run that way. They were still well-cusioned shoes. Yet it took my body and especially my calves quite some time to get used to it. In januari I bought the Skecher Go Run, after reading the reviews on the internet. The Go Runs are already less cusioned. At first, I couldn't run more than 5 kilometers in these shoes, after that my feet and legs would get really sore. Finally my body adjusted and now I can easily run 10 15 kilometers in them. A month ago I bought a pair of Vibram Fivefingers Speed. Thanks to almost a year of adjusting in my other shoes, I could run 5 kilometers in them on the first try and I'm still in the process of running longer distances in them. Currently I can run without any problems run more than 10 kilometers in them.
Now the Go Bionic have joined the collection and they fill in nicely between the Vibrams and the Go Runs. They're incredibly lightweight, about 190 grams for US size 11 EU 45. My Vibrams weight about the same! Yet they offer a nice amount of cushioning compared to the Vibrams (wich isn't hard, because the Vibrams offer no cushioning at all). The Go Runs, on the other hand, offer more cushioning, so like I said, they're nice in between them.
Why such a long story about the shoes I own? It's because I think the Go Bionic aren't for everyone. Or, let me precise that: if you have no experience in running with less cushioned shoes with a midfoot/forefoot strike, than don't expect to take the Bionics out and do your normal runs. You'll have to start over again and your body will slowly have to get accustomed to run with these shoes. Personally I think they would be a very nice choice to try this, because the shoes feel very fast and comfortable. If you already own the Skechers Go run and you want to get rid of the bump in the midfoot, the Bionics will suit you well. If you already have minimal shoes like Vibrams, Merrells, Inov-8, etc., the Bionics can be a nice addition, because the shoe still offers some cushioning, but because of the flexibility you won't loose to much of the ground contact and feel. And did I already mention the roomy toe box, especially compared to the Nike Free's?
Something about the sizing: they are true to size. I have quite wide feet and I'm always hovering between an 10.5 and 11. I got the 11 and they fit nicely. I've got plenty of space for my toes, but that's part of the design. The Bionics are also designed to be used barefoot without the sockliner. When I use them barefoot that's the moment when the shoe starts feeling too big. I guess the 10.5 shoe without the sockliner would give me almost the same feeling as the 11 does with sockliner. When walking in them sockless, you'll be also aware of the segements the sole is composed of. During running it won't be a problem (I accidentally tried that once).
Finally I have one thing to complain: with my previous Skechers I always got two pairs of shoe-strings, one white, and one matching with the shoe. this time I only got the white and not a black to match the upper of my shoe. Oh well...
I found another: Skechers should start to put some reflective material on their running shoes. Most of the time I run in the dark and it really would improve my visibility. There is a little bit in the Skechers logo on the side of the shoe, but that's not nearly enough.
At the moment (oktober 2012) the Bionics have become my main running shoe for longer distances (more than 15 kilometers) and speedwork. I'm at around 100k mostly running and some casual walking in them and the sole of the shoe is holding out well. The black paint on the side of the sole is starting to come off here and there, but that isn't bothering me.
Update 2: as of januari 2013 I've now run around 250 kilometers in them. There is clearly some wear visible on the white parts of the sole, altough I can easily double the distance on these shoes before they will be worn down. I noticed that, since I started to run almost on minimal shoes, my feet have changed shape. At the moment I need larger shoes and the two shoes I bougth recently were an size 11.5 and even a size 12. I run in these shoes now without the supplied insole (I use that one in other shoes because it's very thin) and even then my left big toe slightly touches the front of the shoe. It doesn't cause any damage with runs op to 10 miles, so I'll continue to use the shoe.
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I don't use the word "amazing" freely, but that's the first word that came to mind when I put these bad boys on.
First off, the GoBionic shoes aren't your typical Skechers. Although I usually opt for adidas, these shoes are ridiculously light, yet at the same time they provide the valuable support and cushion of running shoes. They train you to run with better form (rather than heel striking) and seem to improve my posture. But what I like most about them is the comfort. They have added toe width to accommodate my thick feet and required no breaking in thanks to the sturdy yet flexible structure. They're excellent for walking. I'm sure everyone knows how awkward it can be to walk up and down hills in typical flat sneakers. It's uncomfortable. These shoes make any sort of walking enjoyable.
The GoBionic's are even better for running. I have every confidence that these shoes would hold up for a marathon, but they're also great for short jogs. They're actually great for anything. They give you a tactile feel and tons of spring in your step for basketball, combat training, and lifting weights (which are what I did in them today). The only thing to keep in mind is that these are designed to feel like "barefoot shoes". They are closer to Asics than Vibrams, but those used to massive, cushy heels may find that they need to adjust their running style. Make sure you know what you're buying.
The best part is that these shoes make you look good. They are the furthest thing from clunky/ugly; they're as stylish as Nike Free's, and from the side, they resemble low-profile sneakers like Converse due to the reduced heel (~0.66 inch compared to the average running shoe's 1.2 inches) and thin breathable exterior, even though they're clearly athletic apparel. IMO, they are better-looking than shoes from adidas, Asics, Saucony, Brooks, and most other brands.
Only beef I have on my second day of wearing them is the words on the removable insert are peeling/fading; they seem to come off easily. I will certainly update if the quality of the actual shoe deteriorates.
As far as sizing goes, they're very true to American standards. US 12 is UK 11. I'm 19, 6'3.5" 200. My feet are about 11 inches, maybe a hair more, and the size 12's leave a thumb's breadth of space at the toe, which is perfect for me.
All in all, these are my favorite shoes already and I couldn't be happier. Give them a try!
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I'm a fan of Skechers "go" series shoes, so after working with the goRun Ride Ultras for a while, I picked up a pair of these for an even more "minimal" experience. (As an aside, I love Amazon's prices--about $95 for both pairs in unpopular colors.) I'm just learning about the whole "minimal" shoe movement, which is inspired by an effort to find a perhaps saner alternative to "barefoot" running or those funny-looking toe shoes.
That said, these shoes are quite "minimal," and probably too much so for your average casual runner or fitness enthusiast--at least as a first shoe in this category. The sole is thin and flexible, but rugged enough to provide meaningful protection from rocks and other road hazards. There is some cushioning, but very little compared to a typical running shoe, and much less than the Rides. As with other shoes in the go line, the toebox is very roomy, which is awesome for my broad forefoot but may require those with narrow feet to size down a half size. They are ultra-light--somewhere in the 6-7 oz. range.
I took these out for a few mile test run on asphalt after receiving them, and boy do they give you road feel and stability. It is pretty much impossible to heel strike while running with these--you'll inevitably land on your midfoot or further up, which is definitely easier on the knees and ankles for me, and just feels more natural. But I could really feel the after-effects of this first run the next day in the form of soreness in the calves and in certain muscles of my feet that have apparently been atrophying by being coddled in over-supportive shoes for years. Many people will be put off by the necessary adjustment period.
The upshot is that I recommend rotating these shoes with more cushioned ones in the beginning. I do this with my Rides, and slowly but surely my feet, calves and achilles are strengthening and adjusting. That said, running on a treadmill with the Bionics is something I think many people can do right away, and those that do will likely feel much more stable and effortlessly balanced than they do with traditional running shoes. These are also excellent for weightlifting and as general purpose court shoes because of the flat sole and broad footprint. But for running on pavement, most people would not want these as their only pair of shoes right away. You'll need to transition.
Honest reviews on Skechers Men's Go Bionic Running Shoe
Last year I reinvented my running form after reading Born to Run and part of the Barefoot Running Book. As I progressed, I went through several Merrell barefoot products and loved them, but I was training for a 25K trail run, and much of the terrain was either packed gravel logging roads, steep and slippery dirt paths, or rough, sharp rocks on various paths and roads. Oh and some smooth and rough pavement as well. At a certain distance, the rocks were finally getting to me, and I got an Altra zero-drop trail runner, which was wonderfully cushioned and grippy, but seemed so much harder to run in, and I feel it masked my poor form, allowing me to start regressing.
After so many $100 pairs of shoes in the same year, after reading a review of the GoBionic, I figured for $65 I'd give 'em a try. While I have not put on more than six miles at a time, it seems like the perfect shoe. Just enough padding to deal easily with a rough rocky road, but firm and thin enough to feel stable and give good feedback on how each landing went. They are super light and fit well. I have a bunion on one foot that causes blisters in some shoes, but the Go Bionics seem roomy and flexible enough not to be a problem there, while the other "normal" foot feels perfectly happy as well.
My favorite fit feel is still the Merrell Road Glove, but these are still very good. I suspect the new Merrell Bare Access II might be very similar; the original one with the foam sole wore out quickly on gravel paths, and didn't have quite enough protection against rocky surfaces. The GoBionic also has a pretty grippy bottom for going up and down the dirt switchbacks. Smooth pavement feels good as well.
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I've been running for about a year now, two or three times a week. While I'm up to 4-8 miles I've been having issues with lower back pain and runner's knee. I have a flat, wide foot with a natural mid-foot strike and faster cadence. While researching my next shoe purchase I discovered "pose" style approach and realized that it exactly what I already do. This shoe seemed to fit the bill for me, the reviews were good. I tried them on at a local store along with 4 to 5 competitors. They fit me well so I decided to buy them through Amazon to try them out. So far the difference has been impressive.
Over three runs (Sat, Sun, Monday), I've already noticed that my form feels much more natural, my stride and pace come together; it all seems to just make sense. No pain! My 4 mile time is down about 2 minutes without feeling that I'm actually trying harder. I can feel that I will go farther too.
Do not buy this shoe if you are looking to heel strike; it is intended for mid to fore-foot strike.
Your calves will get a work out, so I suggest that if you haven't had previous experience with biking (doing a lot of climbing) take your time and ease into it. Great shoe and great price.
