Skechers GoRun Speed Beast Review: The Green Monster

The Intro

THOMAS: The Skechers GoRun Speed Beast is an oddball. It’s got Speed in the name, and Speed is written on the side of the shoe, but it shouldn’t be. The Hyperburst Pro midsole has a carbon-infused winglet plate wedged in, but is it a racer? I’ll save you some time if you are just here to see if the Speed Beast can replace your favorite super shoe for race day. It can’t. However, you could make a case that the Speed Beast could be your long-haul buddy.

The Good

THOMAS: I don’t know where the weight comes from in this shoe, but it ain’t the upper. The upper is as simple as it can be — just a single layer of mono mesh covers the foot. Skechers also cradles the heel with thin pillows to provide comfort and security. While the tongue is not gusseted, it stays in place and protects the arch from lace bite.

Moving down to the Hyperburst Pro Midsole, the TPU-based cushioning feels like a styrofoam cooler to the hand but offers a real treat underfoot. Skechers hasn’t confirmed that there are two different densities, with a softer layer close to the foot and a firmer layer under the plate closer to the ground, but my unscientific “squeeze test” leads me to believe that is the case. Finishing off the GoRun Speed Beast is a generous amount of Goodyear Rubber, offering great traction and durability.

Running in the Speed Beast, you’ll first notice the high arch rocker shape Skechers calls HyperArc. It’ll be a real challenge to heel strike in the Speed Beast — don’t take that as a challenge. Either way, the Speed Beast is a comfortable cruiser, so ticking off miles won’t be an issue.

Skechers gave the Speed Beast a wild paint job, and I admit, I’m into it. I don’t know what Skechers calls it, but I’m going with Electric Zebra (the official name is just Green Orange, shame).

My US M10.5 weighs 9.9 oz. (282 g) and fits true to size with no issues. The stack height is a barely-World-Athletics-legal 40 mm/36 mm, for a 4mm drop.

The Bad

THOMAS: If the intention is to have this be your race shoe, the Speed Beast is heavy. About 8.5 oz. or so is as hefty as I’m willing to go on anything 26 miles or less, except for the Adidas Prime X Strung, which weighs 9.6 oz. For reasons I can’t explain, the Speed Beast felt heavier than it really was. It could be related to the broad base paired with the exaggerated HyperArc rocker, formally known as M-Strike. Sometimes the midfoot bump felt like it was creating a breaking sensation in my stride. I never got past feeling the midfoot swell, which makes the shoe a little wobbly and unstable.

Additionally, this next one is more of a request to Skechers. Stop writing SPEED on the side of your shoes. It’s akin to having a denim jacket with COOL on the sleeve.

Skechers GoRun Speed Beast Conclusion

THOMAS: The Speed Beast name should be changed to Road Beast or Mile Gobbler. It fits in a category with other plated long-haul trainers like the New Balance SC Trainer and the Hoka Bondi X. Like the SC Trainer and Bondi X, the ride is comfy with plenty of cushioning. That said, I’d go with the New Balance SC Trainer over the Speed Beast and the Bondi X.

While I wouldn’t consider the Speed Beast for racing a marathon, you might consider using it for ultra distances. The Speed Beast would be a decent choice for a buffed-out trail or road 50k race. At a price point of $199, it’s one of the more expensive Skechers shoes, but the Hyperburst Pro foam holds up well. You’ll get your money’s worth out of these Electric Zebras.

You can pick up the Skechers GoRun Speed Beast for $185 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the button below.

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