Skechers Aero Burst review

The Skechers Aero Burst is a breath of fresh air for the brand, deserving its own new series, and it’s ideal for:

• Runners who want a super-comfortable shoe with plenty of foam underfoot.
• Fans of modern running shoes with rockered designs, especially heel strikers.
• Anyone looking for a long-run specific option at a reasonable price given today’s market and its features.

We think the Aero Burst is not the best option for runners with wide or high-volume feet. In our lab we found its toebox low and narrow, and from our perspective, those who usually need extra toe splay may struggle with rubbing or discomfort. For a more accommodating fit, we believe the Adidas Ultraboost 5 is a better alternative.

Additionally, we are convinced that weight is the biggest drawback of the Aero Burst. If you want something lighter, we recommend the ASICS Novablast 5, which delivers the same maximalist midsole in a far less bulky package, or the Nike Vomero Plus, which balances plush cushioning with a lighter build.

Just by looking at the Aero Burst, anyone can notice that this is a max-stack shoe, as the midsole looks crazy high. And high is also the shock absorption, offering plenty of joint protection for every runner who seeks that.

We tested the shoe in our machine and discovered 145 SA in the heel and 120 SA in the forefoot. Both values easily beat the lab average, confirming that those eyeing the Aero Burst for long runs are guaranteed reliable cushioning.

The Hyperburst Ice foam from Skechers is made from supercritical EVA, so we weren’t expecting a supershoe-like result in our energy return test. However, to be fair with the shoe, we were happy after finishing the test.

Scoring 60.3% in the heel and a solid 64.9% in the forefoot is nice to see. It confirms that the Aero Burst is a good companion for daily runs and even those gruelling weekend workouts of more than 1.5 or even 2 hours, as it provides extensive cushioning and solid bounce. Not spectacular like the Adidas Adizero EVO SL, but this shoe is more comfortable in both upper and midsole.

The Aero Burst is a true maximalist running shoe with its towering stack height of 41.7 mm. In our view, this is already more than enough, and we believe it doesn’t need any additional height.

For context, the previous version, the Skechers GO RUN Max Road 6, measured 39.7 mm, coming up just short of the 40 mm threshold.

We measured the forefoot at 32.9 mm, which is exceptionally high compared to the average.

This ultra-thick design eliminates almost all ground feel, delivering a ride best suited for runners who prioritise muscle and joint protection over a traditional, ground-connected experience.

There's a real heel-to-toe drop of 8.8 mm, which is higher than the 6 mm claimed by Skechers.

However, when we tested it with the massive stack and the soft Hyperburst ICE midsole, we found that heel strikers will likely sense a lower drop, as the foot sinks into the soft foam, giving the impression of a flatter platform.

Not every maximalist running shoe is plush, and while a thick midsole often suggests a soft ride, that’s not always true.

In the Aero Burst, though, we tested only 14.4 HA in our durometer—much softer than the average running shoe—and this soft feel translates directly underfoot, making it especially pleasant for easy runs or the occasional weekend jog.

Because of the massive rocker, when you land on your heel or midfoot, the shoe rolls your foot forward smoothly and quickly with very little effort. This makes running feel easier, conserves energy, and reduces stress on the ankles and calves.

Even so, not every runner will enjoy it. While a maximalist shoe usually benefits from a strong rocker, this design pushes it to the extreme, and the ride may feel unnatural and overly assisted for some.

In our hands-on experience, we found that this shoe doesn’t provide a roomy fit.

When we tested it in the lab, the forefoot measured 94.4 mm. That's a bit below the average... but  somehow that doesn’t tell the whole story, does it?

Our second measurement in the toebox gave us a clearer picture of the Aero Burst.

We measured only 70.7 mm, and while it isn’t extremely cramped or instantly uncomfortable, this narrow shape is not ideal for wide-footed runners.

To complete the trifecta of measurements, we also tested the height of the toebox.

It came in super low at 23.0 mm, giving a snug, control-focused fit that clearly favours runners with low-volume feet.

Since Adidas partnered with Continental and earned so much praise, many running brands began reaching out to tyre companies to follow the trend. Skechers called GoodYear.

While the result doesn’t match the most impressive Conti outsoles, the Aero Burst still benefits from a high-quality rubber. We tested it and measured a solid 0.48, confirming dependable traction on both dry and wet asphalt or concrete.

The outsole uses a full-perimeter rubber coverage with a protected zone in the central part of the forefoot. This setup fully guards high-wear zones, and doesn’t add much weight.

Another highlight is the tread pattern, which mimics Goodyear tyre grooves. This design boosts grip on smooth asphalt, pavements, or tiles. On dirt paths, the shoe performs decently, although it’s best to avoid routes with too much debris or small rocks, as there is too much exposed foam.

This isn’t a flexible shoe, but considering its tall stack height, the 15.3N we measured in our 30-degree bend test is actually a reasonable result.

This could be the main deal-breaker for many runners. At 11.4 oz or 322g, the Aero Burst feels heavier than we’d like, even after considering its maximalist stack height.

Those who don’t care much about ounces and want this shoe only for relaxed, easy runs will likely manage with it. Still, there are many models offering even higher stacks and weights that are 20% to 30% lighter, and we believe that this is a weakness that Skechers must address in version 2.

The airflow of the Aero Burst was not bad, though it was far from stellar in our smoke-pumping test, which led us to rate its toebox ventilation 3/5.

We must note that this is not an average design, and it challenges our testing method. While most shoes focus airflow in the toebox and reinforce the midfoot, Skechers added well-ventilated panels along the sides, something unusual in a daily trainer.

It was also surprising that the smoke seemed more trapped than the microscope image suggested, as the mesh looked ultra-clear and airy.

In our view, the upper is thoughtfully crafted: thin and open in the forefoot, yet combined with generous padding in the tongue and heel. 

This mix delivers a plush step-in experience that feels more premium the longer you wear it, creating a secure but cosy ride even during long runs.

The Aero Burst packs an H-shaped carbon-infused plate in the midsole that adds a steady layer of stability, which is much needed in a shoe this tall. It feels similar to the H-Frame system used in models like the HOKA Arahi 8, and unlike the performance-driven plates in supershoes, it just works mainly as a structural element.

There’s also an oversized heel cup that controls lateral forces for heel strikers, which is especially important here since the midsole isn’t as wide as many of its competitors.

Packing the H plate to improve stability brings the side effect of maximal torsional rigidity. With a 5/5 score, it’s certainly a more stable shoe, though not every runner enjoys that stiff sensation.

Skechers loves giving names to features, and the heel counter has been christened the “Heel Pillow.” It scored 4/5 for rigidity, but thanks to its thick foam padding, it still feels very comfortable.

Most maximalist shoes expand not only in height but also in width. Skechers chose a different path with the Aero Burst, and we appreciate that because it brings fresh variety instead of every brand repeating the same formula.

At 117.0 mm, the forefoot is slightly wider than average, yet when combined with the massive stack height it feels relatively narrow. Still, the midsole’s unique shape and the rigid H-plate for stability help balance out the reduced width.

What we just mentioned becomes even clearer in the heel, which measures only 85.6 mm. However, look closely at the photo—those midsole protrusions help stabilize the heel while keeping the ground contact point narrower.

The upper has so many openings that we initially feared durability would be poor. However, it performed surprisingly well and earned a respectable 3/5 in our first Dremel-based test.

The so-called "Heel Pillow" also performed impressively, earning a 4/5 score. That's well above the average shoe and we think there are zero concerns in this area with the Aero Burst.

The partnership with GoodYear delivered positive results not only in grip but also in durability.

We discovered just 0.8 mm of damage after lifting the tool, showing that this durable outsole suits runners who are hard on shoes and demand reliable traction at the same time.

Skechers also ensured there’s a solid layer of rubber, with 3.9 mm of thickness. Perhaps it’s even a bit excessive when you factor in the already heavy weight of the shoe.

The insole provides extra cushioning to the Aero Burst, far beyond the norm. Its design is similar to some Saucony models, featuring a generous 6.2 mm of thickness.

The ArchFit insole is less intrusive than in past versions, which is welcome news. And it’s made from the same supercritical EVA foam—unlike most competitors that use plain EVA—so we recommend keeping it, though it’s removable if you prefer to swap.

The Hyperburst ICE foam performs well and we’re satisfied with it, but it’s still EVA. This means its cold-weather performance isn’t ideal, as it became 29% firmer after a 20-minute freeze in our lab.

The Skechers Aero Burst includes a few reflective elements. They’re not the most impressive we’ve seen in the lab, but they still provide some added visibility, which is certainly better than having none at all.

The top eyelets feature reinforced overlays that add durability and prevent tearing, even with repeated lace tension. We also found textured laces that stay secure without slipping.

One of the key elements for delivering a luxurious step-in feel is the tongue. Skechers understands this well, choosing to sacrifice a bit of weight with an 8.0 mm thick design that feels excellent even during all-day wear.

The Aero Burst tongue is slightly different from the norm. It’s gusseted, but only on one side of the shoe instead of being attached on both sides.

Considering all the results from our lab tests, we can’t call the Skechers Aero Burst expensive. Energy return is solid, comfort is very good, and it includes a GoodYear outsole at a price equal to or lower than many competitors.

This heel tab design is softly padded and slightly extended, making it easier to pull the shoe on.