by Nick Pang, NRC shoe review editor. Building on the success and experience with the original GObionic road running shoe, Skechers has created another blockbuster with the launch of its GObionic Trail running shoe. I have worn my original GObionic road shoe for a lot of my trail running mileage but small debris keep getting lodged into the grooves of the outsole. But no problem on my recent trail runs with the new outsole of the Skechers GObionic Trail.
Utilizing the same GObionic engineering technology, Skechers uses an organic-inspired design for a more natural movement. Engineered to promote a midfoot strike, the GObionic Trail has decoupled geometric lugs on the outsole to elevate flexibility and grip. The Resagrip outsole is a proprietary durable, lightweight and flexible compound.
The uppers are made of ultra lightweight synthetic mesh with a standard lacing system. The uppers are highly breathable and stretchable for all weather conditions. The removable 4mm anti-microbial insole/sockliner is provided for those who prefer a 4mm drop and light cushioning. Remove the insole/sockless for a zero drop barefoo-like experience.
There is also a built-in lightweight rock diffusion plate that disperses pressure to protect against rough terrains.
Review Summary
My pair (US Size 10.0) weighs in at 8.6 ounces with the insole and 4mm drop, or 8.2 ounces without the insole and 0mm drop. It has a really wide forefoot, ultra-flexible outsole, and low midfoot stack height (about 14mm) – lugs are about 4mm.
It is so flexible, lightweight, and comfortable running and walking in them sockless that you forget that these are trail shoes. I have over hundred miles in one pair and about fifty miles in a newer prototype (all weather) — the outsole and uppers still look new except for some dirt and wet mud.
The key here is the outsole. It is very different than the GObionic or GOrun outsoles. Debris does not get lodged on the outsole most of the time except when running over wet mud on a couple of occasions in the Northern California weather during the rainy season. I am not aware of any trail shoe that does not have that problem. On rain, hills, trails, asphalt, rubber track, traction is great and without the sockliner, zero drop!
I run on non-technical trails 90% of the time (aerobic training); the rest are spread out over tartan/rubber (track) and asphalt/concrete (hills) for track and field training. I don’t need any additional protection other than the rock plate –small debris does get into the shoe once in a while but that can be remedied with a gaiter. With a soft, breathable upper and a super lightweight and flexible outsole, this is one of the most comfortable shoes that I have ever worn, and all sockless. I did try them on with a pair of Ashmei merino-wool socks and they worked like a charm too. But I’m still a sockless kind-of-guy.
[nrcwhere2buy shoebrand=”Skechers”]
Any idea when these shoes might be available in the UK?
How would you compare these to the Inov8 245 or Merrell Mix Master 2?
GObionic Trail is lighter, more flexible, and uppers are softer. On a scale of 0 to 5, the GObionic Trail is a 5.0, the Inov 245 is a 4.5, and the Merrell Mix Master 2 is a 4.5
Does this shoe have the built-up midsole like the GoRun 2 has? If so, can it really be considered zero drop?
No they do not have a built up midsole. They are a more aggressive version of the GoBionic road shoe.
Would it last long if you use it mainly on concrete/asphalt?
You should be able to get 500 miles or more on asphalt/concrete
Wanted Skechers but they only go to 14, RT review said GBT fits large so I ordered. Perfect fit! Are all Skechers Gb & GR like this sizing? I want more and to get road shoes. Appreciate any info! BJ