Austin Bonds: “Train like Meb in the Skechers GOmeb Razor.” By training, does Skechers mean race times like those listed on the U.S.A. Track & Field website? A 10K in 29:59 and a half marathon in 1:02:17 in 2015; or placing second at the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials in 2:12:20; or winning the 2014 Boston Marathon with a blazing time of 2:08:37. Yes, I’d like to train like Meb. Will the GOmeb Razor bring me closer to these breakneck times? Unfortunately, no; however, the Razor is an excellent launching pad for shaving some minutes off my current race records.
Meaghan: I first received the GOmeb Razor’s back in April for wear-testing and I’ve been itching for a production model ever since. This is one of my favorite Skechers shoes… ever. From aesthetics to fit to underfoot feel, there are a lot of “goods” to talk about.
The Razor was introduced as Meb’s latest training shoe. It features a newly designed knit upper on the existing GR5 outsole, but with a slightly firmer midsole hardness. If you’re familiar with Skechers, I find the Razor to be a perfect mix of the GOrun and GOspeed. It’s firm enough for speed days, but still cushioned enough for everyday training and general comfort.
The knitted upper provides increased upper support and a little more upper structure than the GR5, which is all based on Meb’s training needs. The laces allow for a nice dialed-in fit, with just enough cushioning around the tongue and collar for comfort. What’s my favorite thing about the Skechers GOmeb Razor (and nearly all of Skechers recent models)? The weight! My W7.5 came in at 5.9oz. Soooo light.
Austin: This shoe is tricky to summarize as it has the same midsole stack (18 mm in the heel and 14mm in the forefoot), “GO knit” upper, midsole foam (5GEN), and diamond outsole pattern as the GOrun 5. The Skechers website indicates that the GOrun upper is “circular,” meaning a sock fit, whereas the Razor upper is thicker (at least from my observations). The total number of eyelets (6 in the Razor and 4 in the GOrun) undoubtedly changes the fit too. As to the ride of the Razor, it’s firm compared to the GOrun 5. Let’s call it snappy, nimble. From a firmness standpoint, this is where preferences emerge. Personally, I favor the softer GOrun; others who enjoy a firm ride will pick up the Razor.
Regarding fit, all three Skechers models I reviewed, the GOrun 5, GOmeb Speed 4, and GOmeb Razor, fit true to size. With more eyelets than the GOrun, I did find the Razor to be the more secure shoe, though the GOrun held my feet well too. Finally, like the GOrun and Speed 4, the Razor has three distinct color palettes that unequivocally suggest fast. The fourth is a simple but classy black and white.
Meaghan: Honestly, there’s nothing I would change about the Razor. Normally I give Skechers a hard time for that stupid quick-fit tab on the back of their shoes, but the Razor comes sans pull-tab 😉
Austin: The heel slightly slipped in the Razor, but not enough to impede performance or pace. Along with the GOrun and Speed 4, the Razor has some sections of exposed midsole, which may contribute to quicker wear. Since I try to be “light” on my feet though, I anticipate the usual running shoe lifespan, e.g. 300-500 total miles.
Meaghan: I’m no Meb, but I dig the guys taste in running shoes. The Skechers Razor is an awesome daily trainer. I’d also argue it’s a solid mid-to-long distance racer as well. The added firmness in the midsole gives you a little extra pop for speed. At $125, the price falls right in line with your typical trainer. I’m two weeks out from my next marathon and I’m deciding between two shoes: the Skechers GOmeb Razor and the Nike Zoom Elite 9. Want to weigh in? Add your thoughts to the comments.
Austin: The GOmeb Speed 4 is clearly meant for just that – speed. How does the Razor fit into the rotation? Meb calls it his training shoe, and I’m inclined to agree with that position. I’m more likely to grab the GOrun 5 for easy runs if my feet feel sore or tired, but others will find the firmer Razor to be equally appealing and comparable for any distance. Be it an easy run, workout, long run, or race, the Razor is ready and waiting.
Between the color, fit, ride, comfort, and durability, Skechers Performance is providing runners with value. I’m sure Meb would agree.
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