Skechers Go Run Razor 5 Performance Review

We’ve previously tested a couple of Skechers performance running models, but they looked serious and very un-Skechers like. The Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is the first Skechers running shoe we’ve tested that looks like a Skechers shoe. It’s unapologetically colorful and fun in that unique Skechers way.

The previous shoes we tested, the Razor Excess 2 and GO RUN Max Road 6 both had solid tech with a few issues that prevented them from being really high-level running models. Will the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 suffer the same fate? Let’s find out…

What is the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5?

According to Running Warehouse, the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is, “a lightweight daily trainer designed for an energetic and bouncy ride. Its midsole features supercritical HYPER BURST PRO foam, complemented by a carbon-infused H plate in the forefoot for added liveliness. Additionally, the Arch Fit insole provides podiatrist-certified arch support for long-lasting comfort.

The upper is made of a lightweight and breathable engineered mesh to ensure comfort and a secure fit. The Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is complete with a full-length Goodyear rubber outsole to ensure best-in-class durability and traction for confident strides even at fast paces.”

So, as we experienced with the previous Skechers models we tested, the technology and build of the shoe is about what you’d expect from a lighter daily running shoe.

How did it perform for Drew?

Drew: To give you the TLDR, it was solid but lacking a little bit of comfort both under and around the foot. What do I mean by that? Well, I’m glad you asked (because I was going to tell you regardless).

The HYPER BURST PRO in the midsole does have some bounce, but it’s largely lifeless and feels firm-ish underfoot. The HYPER ARC rocker was smooth and efficient but couldn’t overcome the midsole’s lack of squish and pop. I do agree with Skechers that the midsole is resilient and will last a while, but it’s just not that fun to run on top of.

And I know the carbon-infused H plate is in the shoe, and I think it works with the HYPER ARC rocker to make the shoe smoother, but either the plate or cushion isn’t tuned properly to provide that toe-off pop I expect from a plated shoe.

Underneath the midsole, the Goodyear outsole does its thing and grips extremely well. It also showed little to no wear from the testing period. So durability will match or exceed the midsole.

On top, the upper is a fairly standard engineered mesh that tapers way too much around the toes, making the toe box almost uncomfortably narrow. I expect even the mildest of wide footers will have to forgo this shoe altogether.

And, let me finish on something everyone asks about when it comes to Skechers with Arch Fit: how did the arch feel under foot? While other Skechers I’ve worn have MUCH more obvious and everpresent arches, the arch in the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 sort of disappeared while I was running. While I was walking, I felt it – but not prominently. So it’s Arch Fit but not the Archiest Fit. Hopefully that helps more than confuses.

Maybe Annie can give us a clearer picture of the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5.

How did it perform for Annie?

Annie: I’ll start where Drew left off: the arch. I’m notoriously sensitive to any modicum of arch support and can even find it quite painful. So, I was initially worried about testing a shoe with Arch Fit. But in the end, I had a similar experience to Drew’s.

I definitely felt the arch support while I was walking around, but it didn’t cause me any discomfort on the run. I’m not sure if it’s because Arch Fit is a feature of the insole (rather than the midsole sculpting itself, in which case it would be firmer) or if the shoe’s 4mm drop allows it to disappear more with my (mostly) midfoot strike than I typically find in similarly high-arched shoes with higher drops. But whatever the reason, I was personally grateful it didn’t wreak havoc. So, if you crave all the, as Drew said, “Archiest” of Arch Fit, this ain’t it.

I also agree with Drew about the excellent Goodyear outsole performance (with regard to both grip and durability). It performed really well in dry and wet conditions, including over rain-soaked boardwalks covered in leaves. 

As for the fit, Drew and I are on the same page there, too. The shoe’s last is insanely pointed and narrow through the mid and forefoot – so much so that I’m honestly not sure it would even accommodate runners with nearly average-width feet all that well (at least not for very extended miles).

In fact, the complete lack of width is what frustrated me most about the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5…

…because I quite enjoyed the midsole.

While the GO RUN Razor 5’s carbon-infused plate doesn’t feel particularly intrusive when cruising around, I got a ton of forefoot pop from said plate, the HYPER BURST PRO, and the seriously smooth rocker combination during speedy intervals and uptempo progression runs. The ride was pretty lively and responsive even on daily runs, and the shoe felt nimble and lightweight in general.

I didn’t venture beyond 90-minutes at a time in the GO RUN Razor 5 because, frankly, I value my foot health too much (here’s lookin’ at you again, frustrating lack of width). But I think the midsole setup could have comfortably taken me a bit longer if not for the cramped fit. That said, I’m only 5’0” tall and sometimes vibe with what might be considered more moderate stack heights by today’s standards. So take that with a grain of salt.

Pros

• Super-smooth HYPER ARC rocker motion
• Grippy and durable Goodyear outsole
• Midsole longevity
• Lightweight
• Poppy forefoot at faster paces and generally responsive ride (for Annie)

Cons

• Narrow toe box
• Lifeless midsole (for Drew)
• Arch Fit (depending on your preference)

Is the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 wide foot friendly?

Drew: That’s a no. The toe box on the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is way too narrow to recommend it to any of my wide-footed friends.

Annie: Absolutely not. Run away, fellow wide-footed friends (and do it in a shoe that isn’t going to deform your tootsies).

Is the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 worth $130?

Drew: The daily trainer price bracket now sits from $130-$145ish, and the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is at the bottom of that price band. So yes, it’s priced correctly. Butttt….I’d recommend several other $130-$140 models over it as their midsoles participate much more in the experience and amplify the fun factor. You can see many of the models I’d recommend on our Best Running Shoes List.

Annie: I agree with Drew regarding the price bracket overall and think $130 is appropriate for the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 (and may even be a steal for the right runner with the right feet).

For me, the main limiting factor here is the stingy fit. But while that’s a bust for a huge segment of the population (myself included), it could be a boon for our narrow-footed friends who feel like they’re swimming in every other shoe.

Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 Summary

Drew: The Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 is like all the other Skechers running shoes I’ve tested to this point: solid from a technological standpoint, but lacking in several key categories. This time the midsole and toe box are the main culprits. The GO RUN Razor 5 is a good shoe; but it isn’t great, and it won’t be making any of our best lists.

However, I’ve seen what’s coming from Skechers in 2025, and I’m intrigued. Skechers may finally be releasing some shoes that will turn heads and provide a great all-around experience underfoot.

Annie: For me, the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 checks a lot of performance boxes: outsole grip and durability, midsole tech that is both lively and responsive for pace work and also protective and even fun on mundane daily runs, plus a lightweight and nimble feel in general.

But a narrow fit like that found in the Razor 5 can pretty much negate all those positives if it has the potential to place your foot health in jeopardy (as is the case for me). If you have anything but an average-to-narrow foot, you’ll do best to give this one a pass. Beyond that, the gamble is going to be whether your running style leads you to experience the midsole like Drew did or like I did. 

Regardless, I do think the Razor 5 is geared more toward those who like a little less underfoot in their daily trainers compared to many popular models in the category that sport a bit more midsole stack. So if that’s you, and you have a foot shape the Razor 5 can accommodate, it’s certainly worth a test run.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 42, 6’6″ 195lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Annie Keris (age 39, 5’0” 117lbs): Typically follows a “two days on, one day off” running routine. “On” days include daily miles, speed work, and long runs. An “off” day usually involves yoga and mobility/recovery work. Enjoys occasional racing but perhaps enjoys the training process even more. Gravitates most toward the half marathon distance, but ventures into the 10k and 5k as well. The marathon is thus far uncharted territory…

Disclosure

While Skechers did provide a pair of the Skechers GO RUN Razor 5 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.