RYAN: Alright, let’s start with the positives: Skechers has truly learned a thing or two about the size and shape of its uppers. It used to be that every time Robbe and I teamed up on a Skech’ review, we had the same complaints about over-structured toeboxes and just a bit too much room all around. It was the main thing that would sink otherwise great shoes like our beloved MaxRoad 5, but I’m happy to report that the beefy boxes are no more.
Instead, the Aero Tempo’s wide-open, loosely knit upper is as breathable as they come. I’ve had no problems with my feet overheating in the oppressive Baltimore heat, whether tacking on miles with Believe Run Club or tackling 800-meter repeats around a track. The lightly structured upper comes with other tradeoffs, mainly a lack of security that I’ll get to in a minute, but man, if it ain’t breathable.
Underfoot, I once again fall somewhere in the middle. I do think HyperBurst is a good foam, and I know that I can answer Kaleb in saying that it’s just a fat stack of good ol’ hypercritical, but I’m not sure that it’s the right foam for the job. In my head, it’s a good pick for a daily cruiser like the Ride or MaxRoad, and I think it’ll last a freakin’ eternity on the Aero Tempo, but it’s a foam that makes the runner do most of the work. If you’re like Kaleb (young and nimble), that’s probably great, but I like a little more response from my midsole.
Uhh, so, this is supposed to be the section on things I liked, so I should at least throw Skechers a bone for its Goodyear outsole. The rubber coverage is mostly concentrated in the forefoot and has a pattern similar to that of a tire, so I’ve had no issues with grip on any surface. Of course, the most moisture it’s faced is my sweat more than rain, but still, the Baltimore promenade is no laughing matter.
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