Skechers GOrun Ride 9: Weight, Design, and Impact on Running Performance

How much does the Skechers ride 9 weight?

The Skechers GOrun Ride 9 typically weighs approximately 8.4 ounces (238 grams) for a men's US size 9 and 6.7 ounces (190 grams) for a women's US size 7, positioning it as a moderately lightweight daily trainer.

Understanding Running Shoe Weight

The weight of a running shoe is a critical specification that influences a runner's experience, performance, and perception of the shoe. While often overlooked by casual consumers, experienced runners and coaches understand that even a few grams can impact energy expenditure, perceived effort, and overall stride dynamics, particularly over longer distances. Shoe manufacturers carefully balance cushioning, durability, and support features against the imperative to keep weight down.

The Skechers GOrun Ride 9: A Detailed Look

The Skechers GOrun Ride 9 is designed as a versatile daily trainer, offering a blend of cushioning and responsiveness suitable for a variety of runs, from easy recovery efforts to longer tempo sessions. Its specific weight, as mentioned, is around 8.4 oz (238g) for men's US size 9 and 6.7 oz (190g) for women's US size 7. This places it firmly in the category of a lightweight to moderate-weight daily trainer, striking a balance between substantial cushioning and a nimble feel.

Key Features Influencing Its Weight:

• Hyper Burst Midsole: Skechers' proprietary supercritical foam is known for its exceptional cushioning-to-weight ratio. It provides a high degree of energy return without adding excessive bulk.
• Goodyear Performance Outsole: While durable, the outsole uses a strategic placement of rubber rather than full coverage, minimizing weight while ensuring traction in high-wear areas.
• Engineered Mesh Upper: The upper is constructed from a breathable, lightweight mesh designed for comfort and a secure fit without unnecessary overlays or heavy materials.

Factors Influencing Shoe Weight

Several design and material choices contribute to a running shoe's overall mass. Understanding these can help explain why shoes vary so widely in weight.

• Midsole Material and Volume: The type of foam used (e.g., EVA, TPU, supercritical foams like Hyper Burst) and the stack height (amount of material between your foot and the ground) are primary determinants. More cushioning generally means more material, but advanced foams can reduce this impact.
• Outsole Coverage: The amount and type of rubber on the bottom of the shoe for traction and durability add significant weight. Shoes with full-length rubber outsoles will be heavier than those with strategically placed rubber.
• Upper Construction: The materials, overlays, and padding used in the upper contribute. Minimalist uppers are lighter than heavily padded or structured ones.
• Support Elements: Stability features, such as medial posts or guidance systems, often add weight due to denser foam or plastic components.
• Shoe Size: It is crucial to remember that quoted weights are always for a specific men's or women's standard size (typically men's US 9 and women's US 7). Larger sizes will naturally weigh more, and smaller sizes less.

Why Shoe Weight Matters for Runners

The weight of your running shoes can have a tangible impact on your running experience and performance.

• Energy Expenditure: Research suggests that adding even a small amount of weight to running shoes can significantly increase the metabolic cost of running. Heavier shoes require more energy to lift and propel forward with each stride.
• Perceived Effort: Lighter shoes often feel faster and more responsive, contributing to a psychological boost and a feeling of less effort, especially during faster efforts or long runs.
• Race Performance: For competitive runners, lighter shoes are often preferred for race day, as the cumulative energy savings over a marathon, for example, can be substantial.
• Training Versatility: A shoe like the Skechers GOrun Ride 9, with its moderate weight, offers versatility. It's light enough for some faster work but cushioned enough for daily miles, making it a good all-rounder.

Comparing the Ride 9 to Other Shoes

To contextualize the Ride 9's weight, consider the broader spectrum of running shoes:

• Minimalist Shoes: These often weigh under 6-7 ounces (170-200g) due to minimal cushioning and upper materials.
• Race Day Shoes (Super Shoes): While often highly cushioned, the use of advanced lightweight foams and carbon fiber plates can keep their weight in a similar range to the Ride 9 or even lighter, despite massive stack heights.
• Maximalist Shoes: Some highly cushioned daily trainers or recovery shoes can exceed 10-11 ounces (280-310g) for a men's size 9, prioritizing plushness over absolute lightness.
• Stability Shoes: Due to added support structures, stability shoes often weigh slightly more than their neutral counterparts.

The Skechers GOrun Ride 9's weight places it in a sweet spot for a modern daily trainer – light enough to feel agile but substantial enough to provide ample cushioning and protection for consistent training.

Conclusion

The Skechers GOrun Ride 9, at approximately 8.4 ounces for a men's US size 9, exemplifies a well-balanced approach to running shoe design. Its moderate weight, largely attributable to the innovative Hyper Burst midsole and efficient construction, allows it to serve as a versatile option for runners seeking a blend of cushioning, responsiveness, and a relatively light feel for their daily training. When evaluating running shoes, understanding the interplay between weight, cushioning, and intended use is key to making an informed choice that aligns with your running goals and biomechanics.