Skechers GOrun Ride 9 Performance Review

What You Need To Know

• Weighs 8.4 oz. (238 g) for a US M9 / 6.5 oz. (184 g) for a US W7
• Hyper Burst and Goodyear rubber are a match made in shoe heaven
• Mesh upper is breathable just in time for Summer
• The anti-Razor Skechers trainer

AUSTIN: You might not know it at first glance, but Believe in the Run has reviewed numerous Skechers Performance running shoes over the past decade. In fact, we were one of the first to give credit to Skechers for producing legit performance shoes, like the much-beloved Razor (of which there are now like six variations). Like any brand, some updates are a miss, but the majority are solid trainers. I’m stoked to revisit the GOrun series with the Ride 9.

ADRIENNE: Finally, a Skechers shoe that’s not called a ‘Razor-something.’ The GOrun Ride series has gotten a lot of love from reviewers in previous iterations with its higher stack height and more traditional-style upper compared to other Skechers models. This iteration of a neutral, lightweight daily trainer gives some edge to the anti-Razor. 

The Good

AUSTIN: Three words come to mind with the Ride 9: lightweight, efficient, and soft. At 8.4 ounces (238 grams) in a men’s nine, this shoe checks the box for daily trainers that don’t feel heavy late into long runs. M-Strike, a hallmark of Skechers running shoes, facilitates a midfoot strike. Runners that desire that midfoot landing will enjoy this Skechers trainer, along with plenty others.

I love that Hyper Burst midsole. The Ride 9 reminds me of the HOKA Mach 4, though I do think the Mach is a touch more responsive. With a 34 mm stack in the heel and 28 in the forefoot, the Ride 9 rivals the Clifton 7 in terms of softness. The engineered mesh upper delivers ample toe box room, and the pull tab on the back of the heel is a nice touch. Top it all off with a Goodyear rubber outsole, the Ride 9 provides a silky smooth ride.

ADRIENNE: While not the speedster its Razor siblings are, the Ride 9 provides an option for days when you’re feeling more beat up or heading out for longer miles. That’s not to say that this shoe can’t pick up the pace, it’s just better suited for cruising. The outsole pattern, flex grooves, and grip all seemed to work well for me. With the extra rubber, the Ride 9 should easily last 300-plus miles. What makes this shoe unique is its relative simplicity made for miles, and for neutral runners who land in the mid to forefoot. My legs and feet felt good after runs in this shoe as it disappears from the foot. 

The Bad

AUSTIN: I didn’t care for the laces passing through the tongue. I found it harder to cinch the midfoot down, and it created some instep pressure. Speaking of which, I prefer more padded tongues than the paper-thin one that comes on this shoe. 

ADRIENNE: I feel like I say this with every Skechers review: this shoe is not meant for heel strikers. The rocker shape gives the Ride 9 a smooth transition, however, you tend to land on your midfoot no matter your strike. 

Skechers GOrun Ride 9 Conclusion

AUSTIN: The Skechers GOrun Ride 9 is a damn good trainer with a responsive Hyper Burst midsole. This shoe is ideal for logging hundreds of miles at a range of paces. 

ADRIENNE: The Skechers GOrun Ride 9 is a good shoe.  Those who under pronate/supinate may want to take a look at this trainer. While not as sexy as the million razors in the Skechers family, the Ride 9 can be a good change of pace when you just want a shoe to disappear on your foot. 

You can pick up the Skechers GOrun Ride 9 for $135 at Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shop link below.