Right then, let's have a proper look at the new Skechers Aero Tempo running shoe, shall we? Here at Sundried, we know a thing or two about what makes a good pair of trainers, and the Aero Tempo, slated for a May 2025 release, is certainly piquing our interest. It seems Skechers might be shaking things up with this "Aero" series, potentially taking the baton from their well-regarded "Go Run" lineup. So, what's the buzz about?

This new contender boasts a single-density supercritical Hyperburst foam midsole, a carbon-infused H-frame, and a TPU sockliner. Sounds like a recipe for a shoe that can handle a bit of pace without sacrificing comfort for those longer training sessions. Let's dive into what folks are anticipating, based on previews and how similar Skechers models have fared.

What's Got Runners Talking (The Good Bits)

One of the main draws seems to be the responsive cushioning. That supercritical Hyperburst foam is the star here, known for giving you a good bit of bounce and energy return. We've seen this tech shine in previous Skechers offerings like the GoRun 7 and the Speed Beast (now the Alpha Tempo), with runners consistently praising its lightweight feel, durability, and that all-important energetic ride. The inclusion of Hyperburst Pro, a TPU-based compound, in related models suggests an even livelier underfoot experience. So, if you like a shoe that feels both comfy and springy, the Aero Tempo could be right up your street.

Then there's the smooth transitions promised by the Hyper Arc geometry. This clever bit of design aims to adapt to your stride, helping you glide from landing to pushing off. By optimising your gait, it should mean a more efficient run and less fatigue over those longer distances. Sounds good to us!

Stability and energy return are also on the cards, thanks to that carbon-infused H-frame nestled in the midsole. We've seen similar tech - a carbon-infused H-plate - in the Skechers Aero Spark, which reviewers raved about for its stability and energy. This H-frame design suggests a smart balance between being flexible enough for daily training but still offering some propulsion for those tempo efforts. It's not a full-on carbon plate like you might find in out-and-out racing shoes, which could make it more versatile for everyday runners.

And let's not forget the Goodyear outsole. This is a consistent feature on Skechers running shoes, and for good reason. It's known for providing reliable grip on various surfaces and holding up well to the miles. Durability and traction are always a plus in our book.

Finally, the comfortable upper is something to look forward to. The design is said to be agile and light, and the lace-up mono mesh upper, similar to what's on the Go Run Alpha Tempo, points towards good breathability. A lightweight and airy upper is crucial for keeping your feet happy, especially when you're pushing the pace or clocking up the mileage.

A Word of Caution (Potential Downsides)

Of course, no shoe is perfect, and looking at feedback on similar Skechers models gives us a few things to consider.

Some reviews of the Go Run Alpha Tempo (the shoe formerly known as Speed Beast) suggest it might not have the same level of "bounce" as some of the super shoes out there. One reviewer noted a firmer feel in the forefoot and a lack of that real "pop". If the Aero Tempo shares similar midsole characteristics, it might feel a tad less lively compared to rivals with different foam technologies.

Fit could also be a potential snag. We've seen feedback on the Go Run Alpha Tempo suggesting it can come up a "full size too small" and a bit on the "narrow" side. Similarly, the Razor 5 was noted for having a very narrow and low-volume toe box. This suggests that Skechers sizing might be a bit inconsistent, or that some of their models lean towards a narrower fit. Definitely something to bear in mind, especially if you've got wider feet or specific sizing preferences.

Beyond the outsole, there have been some durability concerns with older Skechers models. One user reported the Go Run Alpha Tempo "wearing out quickly," and another mentioned the tread giving up the ghost after around 400 miles of road running. While that Goodyear outsole is generally tough, it raises questions about the lifespan of other parts of the shoe.

The weight of the Aero Tempo, around 240 grams for a men's size, is another factor to consider, depending on what you're planning to use it for and how it stacks up against the competition. For context, the Go Run Alpha Tempo weighs in at 249 grams. Some reviews of the Speed Beast (the Alpha Tempo's predecessor) felt it was a bit heavy for a race shoe. While 240 grams isn't overly hefty, it might be a consideration if you're after a super lightweight feel, particularly if the Aero Tempo is pitched as more of a tempo shoe than a highly cushioned daily trainer.

Finally, arch support in Skechers shoes seems to be a bit of a Marmite situation. One reviewer of the Go Run Alpha Tempo found it to have "excellent arch support," while another reported "poor arch support." Similarly, the ARCHFIT insole in the Razor 5 was mentioned as putting pressure on the medial side, which might not suit everyone. So, the arch support in the Aero Tempo might be a case of personal preference and foot mechanics.

Peeking Under the Bonnet: Technical Specs

Based on the sneak peeks, here's what the Skechers Aero Tempo is packing:

These specs suggest a well-cushioned, low-drop shoe with a carbon-infused plate. This points towards efficient running mechanics and could appeal to runners who prefer a more natural feel with a bit of added oomph. The 4mm drop encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike, while the carbon plate and Hyper Arc aim to help you turn your legs over quickly and efficiently. That decent stack height also suggests there's plenty of cushioning for longer runs.

Putting It All Together: Our Thoughts

The Skechers Aero Tempo looks like it's aiming for that sweet spot between cushioning and responsiveness, thanks to the supercritical Hyperburst foam and the carbon-infused H-plate. However, based on feedback from the Alpha Tempo, it might not offer the same out-and-out "pop" as some more aggressively designed racing shoes. This suggests it could be ideal for runners who want a stable and cushioned ride with a bit of added propulsion, rather than those chasing absolute top speed over shorter distances. The emphasis on "tempo" in its intended use reinforces this idea - it's likely designed for sustained faster paces rather than explosive speed.

That H-plate, rather than a full carbon plate, probably aims to provide targeted stiffness for an efficient toe-off without sacrificing the comfort needed for daily training. This could make the Aero Tempo a more versatile option for a wider range of workouts compared to highly specialised racing shoes.

Given that the Aero Tempo is the new kid on the block in the "Aero" line, it's likely intended as the successor or a significant step up from the Go Run Alpha Tempo (the old Speed Beast). Remembering that the Alpha Tempo was often seen as a solid choice for marathon training but not necessarily a top-tier racer gives us a good idea of where the Aero Tempo might sit. It'll probably continue to offer a good balance of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness.

Considering the mixed reviews on sizing and width in past Skechers models, our advice would be to proceed with a little caution and ideally try the shoe on or check out detailed reviews from wear testers once they're available. Getting the sizing and fit right can make or break a running shoe experience.

To give you a clearer picture of the evolution, here's a quick comparison of the anticipated specs of the Aero Tempo with the reviewed specs of the Go Run Alpha Tempo:

This comparison shows some subtle tweaks in stack height and potential improvements in the midsole foam and plate setup, suggesting Skechers are continuing to refine their performance running shoes.

Who's It For and When to Lace 'Em Up

The Skechers Aero Tempo looks like it's aimed at runners wanting a responsive and well-cushioned shoe that can handle both tempo sessions and everyday training miles. It'll likely appeal to those with a neutral gait who prefer a lower drop and appreciate the added stability from that carbon-infused H-frame. The Goodyear outsole will be a big plus for runners who value reliable grip and durability. If you found the Go Run Alpha Tempo or Speed Beast worked well for long runs and faster efforts, the Aero Tempo could be another strong contender.

In terms of when to use them, the Aero Tempo seems well-suited for tempo runs and threshold workouts where that balance of cushioning and responsiveness is key. Its cushioning and smooth ride also make it a good option for longer runs. For runners who prefer a lower drop and a more connected feel to the ground, it could be a capable daily training shoe. It might even be a decent option for half-marathons and marathons for runners who prioritise stability and cushioning over out-and-out speed. Overall, the Skechers Aero Tempo looks like it's trying to be a versatile workhorse, capable of handling a variety of paces and distances, potentially appealing to runners who prefer one shoe to do most of their running.

Final Thoughts

To sum it all up, the Skechers Aero Tempo is shaping up to be a strong contender in the performance running shoe market. It promises a good mix of responsive cushioning from that supercritical Hyperburst foam, smooth transitions thanks to the Hyper Arc geometry, enhanced stability and efficient toe-off from the carbon-infused H-frame, and dependable grip and durability from the Goodyear outsole. While there are potential downsides to consider, based on feedback from similar models - like stiffness, fit, and weight - the Aero Tempo seems strategically positioned as a versatile and well-cushioned option for tempo runs and daily training. Its performance as a pure racing shoe might be more nuanced and will depend on individual preferences and how it compares to dedicated racing models. The arrival of the Aero Tempo as part of Skechers' new "Aero" line is a significant move in their performance running shoe strategy. For a complete picture of how it performs on the road, we'll be keeping an eye out for those detailed reviews and wear tests once it hits the shelves in May 2025. This new line could be a real game-changer for how runners perceive Skechers in the competitive world of performance footwear.