Our verdict

The Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 shines for runners who prefer a maximalist shoe for easy-paced miles, jogs, or even just walking. In our experience, its substantial weight and towering stack reduce versatility, but it makes up for this with a comfortable upper, a reliable Goodyear outsole, and an impressively affordable price. We also appreciated its CO2-infused midsole, which also performs better for slow paces than for faster efforts.

Pros

  • Maximalist yet affordable
  • Durable, grippy Goodyear outsole
  • Plush upper
  • Machine washable for convenience
  • Doubles as a walking shoe
  • Fantastic at easy paces
  • Rocker-enhanced transitions
  • CO2-infused midsole

Cons

  • Noticeably heavy
  • Struggles at faster paces
  • Lacks energy return

Audience verdict

91
Superb!

Who should buy

We enjoyed testing the Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 and believe it’s a great running shoe for:

  • Runners looking for a well-cushioned, durable daily trainer with exceptional comfort at an impressively affordable price point.
  • Skechers loyalists seeking a comfortable shoe for slow runs or jogs that also doubles as a good walking option.
  • Beginners wanting their first maximalist running shoe without worrying about breaking the bank.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6

Who should NOT buy

From our perspective, the Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 is going to feel too heavy for those prioritizing a lightweight running experience. In our testing, we found that its substantial weight can overshadow its cushioning benefits for some runners. Those seeking a lighter, high-stack shoe at a similar price point should get the ASICS Novablast 4 or Mizuno Neo Vista, which offer a better balance of comfort and weight.

Additionally, we believe the rockered midsole shape may not appeal to everyone. For those who prefer a flatter, more predictable ride with classic cushioning, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a more suitable option for daily training.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 features a maximalist name—and a maximalist stack height to match. While it doesn’t quite reach the 40.0 mm threshold at the heel point where we measure all shoes (following World Athletics guidelines), we found that its design easily qualifies it as max-stack. In fact, given the wave-like shape of the midsole, the midfoot area rises higher than 40 mm.

It's clear that this is a running shoe designed for those who prefer maximum cushioning over ground feel. We felt that it excels at absorbing impact, offering awesome joint protection for runners, regardless of whether they strike with the heel or not.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Heel stack
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 39.7 mm
Average 33.9 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot also exceeds the 30-mm mark, which is uncommon for daily trainers. In our view, this makes it ideal for runners seeking top-tier cushioning and who don’t mind a thicker foam layer underfoot.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Forefoot stack
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 31.6 mm
Average 25.3 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The actual drop of the shoe measures 8.1 mm, slightly higher than the stated 6 mm. In our view, this is a positive change, as the shoe does a better transition at slower paces, where many runners tend to heel strike.

But this is one of those shoes where the static drop doesn’t fully reflect how it feels. Notice how the heel drops and the midfoot rises? This creates wave-like shape rather than a flat sole, emphasizing arch support. So despite the 8.1 mm drop, we believe this shoe performs best for midfoot strikers, while heel strikers will benefit from increased stability and top cushioning.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Drop
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 8.1 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Max Road 6 features HyperBurst ICE foam, Skechers' latest advancement in training foams. It’s essentially an evolution of HyperBurst—slightly bouncier and lighter—while maintaining the same supercritical CO2 manufacturing process.

In our experience, while nitrogen-infused midsoles from all other brands perform well, there’s something uniquely balanced about CO2-infused foams. They offer a very good blend of softness (19.8 HA), comfort, and responsiveness, making them ideal for easy runs. However, energy return remains limited since it’s made from EVA, and miracles still don’t happen in running shoes.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 HyperBurst ICE

It's worth noting that Skechers patented the CO2 injection process after its invention, which is fair, but it means other brands stick to nitrogen to avoid licensing fees, as we’ve detailed in our guide about foams. For this reason, if you’re a fan of CO2-infused foams, Skechers is your only option.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Midsole softness
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 19.8 HA
Average 21.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.9 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Creating foam through a supercritical CO2 injection process offers many benefits, but it doesn’t improve EVA’s performance in cold temperatures. That’s why we weren't surprised to get a 46.8% increase in our Shore A durometer after the Max Road 6 spent 20 minutes in the freezer.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 47%
Average 26%
Compared to 292 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The "Max" moniker of this shoe extends to its 5.3-mm ArchFit insole, which is significantly thicker than those from other brands.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Insole thickness
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 5.3 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 361 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Plate

One of the coolest features of the Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 is the H-shaped carbon-infused plate, positioned over the midfoot and forefoot, serving purely as a stability element to counter the maximalist stack height of the shoe.

Forget the stiffness and propulsion of carbon plates in competition shoes—that’s not the case here.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Plate

Rocker

The Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 features a Hyper Arc rocker, in our view, is ideal for maximalist daily trainers, particularly those catering to heel strikers and easy paces.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 rockered full shape

Looking closely at the picture above, you’ll notice its clearly curved design, which promotes a smooth heel-to-toe transition. However, the toe spring is quite low—when we measured it, we were surprised to find it rises only 4 cm. That’s significantly less than other maximalist running shoes but suits a model designed for easy-paced runs rather than speed.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Rocker

Size and fit

Size

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 is true to size (24 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 302 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

The Max Road 6 features a notably spacious design (100.7 mm) at the widest part of the upper in the standard size D we tested. And that's the only one, because despite being a daily trainer, Skechers doesn’t offer extra widths, making it a take-it-or-leave-it fit.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Toebox width - widest part
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 100.7 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
91.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We had positive impressions regarding the upper volume, experiencing no substantial pressure on the toes and having sufficient space for some natural toe splay, which added to the overall comfort-driven design of the Max Road 6.

After testing further, we took our calipers and measured the big toe region. We discovered that, while it doesn’t taper dramatically, narrowing to 77.2 mm, it doesn’t provide unlimited toe splay either like you'd find in an Altra shoe.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Toebox width - big toe
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 77.2 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 240 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.6 mm
Toebox width - big toe
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

We have no doubts about the categorization of the Max Road 6—it’s a neutral daily trainer. However, it includes some stability-focused features designed to counter the high-stack build, such as raised midsole sidewalls, the ArchFit footbed, and the H-shaped carbon-infused plate.

Torsional rigidity

We found a surprising 3/5 score in the torsional rigidity test, which was unexpected given the max-stack design and the plate above the midsole. In our experience, most maximalist shoes are too rigid and less comfortable at easy paces, but Skechers seems to have designed this shoe with a slow-pace-friendly, comfort-focused build. And we really like it.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 3
Average 3.3
Compared to 344 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter feels similar to an average daily trainer, with a flexible cardboard insert inside the upper that earned a 3/5 score during our evaluation.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 328 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The shoe appears larger at first glance, and in our experience, it feels that way while running too. However, this is mainly due to its high-stack design. When we checked it with digital calipers, we discovered that its dimensions are fairly standard at 113.8 mm—comparable to an average daily trainer like the Adidas Supernova Rise—despite its visually oversized profile.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Midsole width - forefoot
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 113.8 mm
Average 114.0 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel adds to the perception that the shoe feels larger overall. But it doesn’t just feel broader in this area—it actually is. We measured it at 93.8 mm.

It's clear to us that Skechers designed a heel that’s comparatively wider than the forefoot to align with the shoe’s heel-focused geometry. We believe this design, combined with its rockered shape, makes it particularly well-suited for rearfoot and midfoot strikers, offering a more supportive platform for those landing patterns.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Midsole width - heel
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 93.8 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

This shoe features a carbon-infused plate, but the H-shaped design ensures it adds minimal stiffness. Using our 90-degree bend test, we confirmed that the plate is purely for stability.

We pushed our force gauge and measured 29.3N, which, while around the average, is impressively flexible considering the Max Road’s massive stack height.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 29.3N
Average 28.2N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 348 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Weight

At 11.25oz or 319g, we found the weight of the GO RUN Max Road 6 really noticeable underfoot and wished it could be lighter. While it’s manageable for easy or recovery runs, it becomes increasingly evident when you try to pick up the pace.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Weight
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 11.25 oz (319g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

The upper focuses on maximum comfort with generous padding, which slightly impacts breathability despite the numerous ventilation holes we observed in the toebox and midfoot areas.

After conducting our smoke test, we gave it a 4/5 score. We believe this upper excels in mild climates and can handle a range of temperatures when paired with appropriate socks, ensuring optimal comfort and functionality.

Using our LED light, we analyzed the engineered mesh in detail. The toebox prioritizes ventilation, while the midfoot becomes slightly thicker for added support. From the arch to the heel, the structure shifts to a stability-focused design.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 microscope 1

To examine the material up close, we used our microscope.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 microscope

We discovered a high-quality mesh similar to those from leading brands, with precisely crafted openings that reveal a secondary layer beneath the main one.

But if one aspect stands out most, it’s the luxurious comfort. Skechers opted to add some extra weight to enhance this feature, despite the shoe already being heavy. For runners who appreciate a padded, comfort-focused upper, this one works beautifully. Oh, and as a bonus, Skechers highlights that this shoe is machine washable!

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 295 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Engineered mesh uppers with large ventilation holes often underperform in our Dremel test, but this one features a thick, dual-layer design—so we believe it should have delivered a stronger performance than 2/5.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 2
Average 2.5
Compared to 229 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

On the bright side, the heel padding performed exceptionally well, despite being thick and soft—a combination that often leads to quicker wear. We were thrilled to award it a 5/5, confirming that runners prone to heel wear will appreciate the Max Road 6 for its impressive durability and comfort.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 225 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Turning to the outsole, we began by testing the hardness of the Goodyear rubber with our durometer, which measured 75.3 HC—a slightly softer-than-average reading. In our experience, this isn’t concerning, given Goodyear’s reputation.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Goodyear

The rubber coverage is well-designed, with Skechers clearly prioritizing longevity over weight reduction. While Goodyear rubber may still rank just below Continental in running shoes, we found its performance to be outstanding, especially in wet conditions.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Outsole hardness
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 75.3 HC
Average 80.1 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 346 running shoes
Number of shoes
60.3 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Our final Dremel test focused on the outsole, and expectations were high. The results, while not exceptional, met them well—just 0.7 mm of indentation, outperforming most daily trainers and proving suitable for various surfaces.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 0.7 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 207 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

The thickness measured 2.9 mm, which we found reasonable. However, considering the shoe’s high weight and the proven durability of its outsole, we believe slightly less rubber could be a good design adjustment.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Outsole thickness
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 2.9 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 365 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

The Max Road 6 boasts interesting features, but the main one is undoubtedly its low price. In fact, it's one of the most affordable maximalist shoes right now, offering one of the best price-per-cushioning ratios we’ve ever seen.

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 $145
Average $145
Compared to 366 running shoes
Number of shoes
$60
Price
$285

Reflective elements

We know that brands aiming to keep costs low in affordable running shoes often skip small, easily overlooked details. However, Skechers doesn’t fall into that category—we unexpectedly discovered some reflective elements!

Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 Yes

Tongue padding

The Max Road 6 boasts a comfortable tongue that folds neatly at the top, making it easy to grip when adjusting the fit. This premium-level detail enhances usability. Anyway, in our experience, the tongue’s length is just right, requiring minimal adjustments during wear.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 tongue

The tongue’s thickness—measuring 8.0 mm—adds to the overall comfort, offering excellent protection for the instep. According to our testing, this well-padded design delivers great cushioning and ensures a pressure-free experience, even during over-15-mile long runs.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Tongue padding
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 8.0 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 363 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue isn’t sewed to the sides, though it does have a central loop that provides some help in keeping it in place—but it’s far from a proper substitute. We think this is an area where Skechers could improve this model moving forward.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Tongue: gusset type
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 None

Heel tab

The heel includes a convenient finger-loop heel tab, showing that despite the low price, Skechers hasn’t skimped on the details!

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Heel tab
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 Finger loop

Removable insole

Removing the insole was easy, revealing a cool engraved quote we fully agree with: "Listen to the athlete".

Replacing it with a third-party footbed means sacrificing the Skechers ArchFit support system and its benefits... or potential downsides, as many runners find the arch support from this footbed overly intrusive and uncomfortable.

Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6 Removable insole
Test results
GO RUN Max Road 6 Yes