Take Away

Skechers Go Run Razor Excess 2 is an exciting performance running shoe. It has subtle guidance. Thus, it is a stable neutral running shoe. It is profoundly rockered and rides smoothly. The H-plate in the wide forefoot creates rigidity and intrinsic stability, while the rockered forefoot offers a forward push. Therefore, Go Run Razor Excess 2 is an incredibly responsive marathon racing shoe. 

Introduction

Lately, Skechers has been rubbing shoulders with Nike and Adidas. It continuously releases running shoes that have left many runners approving of Skechers as a reliable shoemaker. Skechers GO RUN Maxroad 5 is among the most successful max-cushioned shoes from Skechers. I think introducing the HYPERBURST midsole foam was the top game-changer for Skechers. It has been the focal selling point for The Maxroad 5 and GO RUN Ride 10.

You can see that Skechers is replicating this foam in its newer models. Like most runners, I fell in love with the Max road 5, then gave the GO RUN Ride 10 and Razor Excess v1 a try, and now I run in Skechers Razor Excess 2.

The Skechers Razor Excess 2 is a lightweight carbon-plated, moderately cushioned training shoe designed for up-tempo running. It is founded on the successes of Skechers Razor Excess 1. It has a higher stack height design and a firmer rocker with yet low stack height traits to attain a lightweight performance trainer tag.

The Razor 1 was good but had a few downsides. I must admit that it was a love-and-hate relationship with the shoe. For instance, the mono mesh upper was too thin and somewhat uncomfortable. At some point, it gave me blisters, especially at the ball of the foot when doing long miles. I am glad Skechers was attentive to its clients' feedback.

The new Excess 2 has a blend of mono mesh and polyester material, a more padded tongue, collar, and ArchFit sockliner. The additional padding has resulted in a substantial extra weight of about 1.2 ounces. Still, it remains incredibly lightweight and has better fitting, comfort, cushioning, and performance than its predecessor.

Skechers Razor Excess 2 Upper Mesh and Fitting

The new mesh upper is well structured. I find the toe box roomy enough and take the foot’s shape without restricting the splaying of the toes. Though the designers did not consider a gusseted tongue, it still does not slip. It also has substantial soft padding to prevent irritation. Razor Excess 2 upper layer runs a bit narrow in the medial area but, in a good way because it enhances a snug-fitting around the midfoot area.

The padding of the collar has made the upper more comfortable and secure. These few changes, including the padded ARCHFIT insole, have established a meaningful improvement in the overall comfort of the shoe. I can run a 5k without experiencing discomfort.

My Skechers Razor Excess 2 fits true to size, but the most exciting part is that it is snug from heel to toe and more supportive than the original version. I have a normal foot and think a narrow-footed runner will love the fit. The mesh is a touch stretchy and breaks in after some time. I can also play around with the adjustable laces, which I hardly do. Apart from the structural design, I love the zebra patterns, which are energizing. 

Skechers GO Run Excess 2 Midsole Design and performance

The midsole of the Skechers Excess 2 is carefully constructed and features the HyperBust midsole foam and the carbon H-plate. I find the Hyperburst foam somewhat soft and responsive, with no trampoline-like sensation. Hence, to make it a great up-tempo running shoe, Skechers carefully infused the carbon H-plate. I say ‘careful’ because the ‘H’ shape spreads out the carbon plate to make it less slab-like, thus creating a balanced ratio between stability and firmness across the forefoot. As a result, the forefoot is fairly stiff despite the carbon plate and extra springy and snappy.

Outsole

Skechers has the familiar Goodyear outsole present in its predecessor. It is grippy and can handle a range of terrains, including gravel and light trail terrains. I have done 80 miles, and there are only minor sights of wear. I have run in various landscapes, including grass, gravel, pavements, and dusty road, and there are no slippage problems.

The greatest takeaway is that the flexible grooves do not make a planted landing. Instead, it aids in creating a somewhat soft underfoot feel and rebound. I foresee a lasting shoe; at least 330 miles. People who land lighter will clock at least 400 miles with the Skechers Razor Excess 2. 

Besides, based on my experience with the Maxroad 5, I believe the midsole will not lose its softness.

Skechers GO Run Razor Excess 2 Overall Performance and Stability

The Skechers Razor Excess 2 rides smoothly. The Hyperburst midsole foam feels bouncy, and the toe-off is fairly intense. The combination of the ARCHFIT sockliner and Hyperburst provides the foot with sufficient protection from the carbon H-plate. It feels exceptionally stable laterally and medially, with energy focused in a single direction. The midsole’s HyperArch geometry encourages a rollover toward the forefoot.

Overall ride is a mix of the right softness, responsiveness, snappiness, and speedy feeling. The responsiveness increases when picking up the pace. The midfoot and heel are softer than the forefoot because of the H-plate, but I hardly notice there is a plate in the forefoot. It goes unnoticed regardless of pace, whether fast or slow. The transitioning is highly concentrated on the forefoot.

At high speed, I landed more on the forefoot, thus making good use of the exceptionally responsive carbon plate. However, at tempo pace, I landed more on the midfoot. I then transitioned to the forefoot, and at this pace, the cushioning was thicker and remarkably comfortable. Hence, Skechers Razor Excess 2 do extremely well at long, fast-paced runs or up-tempo and easy paces.

Who Should Wear Skechers GO Run Razor Excess 2? 

Skechers GO Run Razor Excess 2 is for runners who love fartlek workouts because this shoe can easily handle explosive and slow paces. It also fits someone looking for a budget-friendly marathon or half marathon racer that costs less than $200. It is also for a runner looking for a less stiff carbon-plated running shoe for moderate to easy daily runs.

Razor Excess 2 fits the bill because it is lightweight, comfortable, energetic, straightforward, mildly soft, responsive, stable, and versatile. I don’t think it is perfect for short-track racing sessions but up-tempo and longer efforts.

Note that the ArchFit insole does not replace the medial posting since Skechers did not make the arch area rigid enough. Most runners will likely think the ArchFit insole is like a true medial posting. However, the cushioned ArchFit insole lacks some form of stiffness or rigidity to prevent the medial longitudinal arch from excessive collapse.

This insole merely provides kinesthetic pressure in the arch without giving actual stability. As a result, runners looking for arch support will not like Razor Excess 2. Still, those receptive to stability measures will love this shoe. The good thing is that I have not found the build-up in the medial arch created by the ARCHFIT insole to be restrictive but sufficient to offer subtle guidance. It is molded to fit my semi-high arches. So, it may not work for some runners. 

What runners say

It has a super smooth ride; the toe box has volume and is a big improvement over the previous version. 

“Great shoe! I have been enjoying my pair of Skechers Razor Excess 2 for a while now. I also love the original version, which now goes for a discounted price,” Says Helen.  

Jenny doesn’t understand why some people underestimate Skechers. In 2014, Skechers won the Boston Marathon. Her pair of Skechers Ride 8 has clocked 1010 miles. “The Razor Excess 2 too is an amazing marathon racer.”  

“I run in Razor Excess 2, and I am amazed by how it handles all terrains. It has a high comfort level, and the responsiveness, cushioning, and grip are excellent. The midsole is flexible, and my foot strikes feel natural when running in Razor Excess 2. It is also comparable to Puma Nitro 2. I am glad I am getting value for money, Says Craig.

Cody says, “I have started running on the Razor Excess v2 and I love the feel and ride. They forefoot is quite firmer but not harsh. The ride is incredibly smooth and I can pick the pace fast. I have also ordered for another pair of the Razor Excess v1 which is now sells at $60.” 

Buy Women's Razor Excess 2   

 Buy Men's Razor Excess 2   

 Buy Discounted Skechers Razor Excess v1 On Amazon

Any qualifying purchases via the Amazon affiliate links earn us small commissions, which will help us continue with the excellent work of bringing you quality shoe reviews.

 Reviewd by Charles Allen

Allen lives in Honokaa, Hawaii, with a wife and three kids. He is a regular trainer and has been running for the last eight years. Sometimes he competes in short marathons. He also provides personal training services to spice up his training sessions, especially on weekends.