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Skechers GOrun Razor Excess 2 Review

Published: July 18, 2022

Razor Excess Goes Carbon

Hyperburst foam and a carbon fibre plate improve the already great Razor Excess

Likes

  • Cushion-to-weight ratio
  • Smooth ride
  • Bouncy and energetic
  • Improved upper fit

Dislikes

  • Added weight
  • Firmness in forefoot
  • Aesthetic

What's New

The Skechers GOrun Razor Excess 2 is a lightweight performance running shoe that can handle anything from daily training to uptempo workouts. The midsole is comprised of the same bouncy Hyperburst as the previous model, but now the shoe features a carbon fibre H-plate embedded in the forefoot for extra snappiness at toe-off. The stack height and width of the shoe have been increased to provide a more cushioned and stable ride that adds to the versatility. Meanwhile, the upper is light and breathable while still providing a great lockdown for faster running, and the outsole is a full-length Goodyear rubber that provides excellent grip and great durability.

The Bottom Line

Our testers enjoyed the original GOrun Razor Excess, as they thought it was a fast, lightweight trainer that felt more forgiving than the standard GOrun Razor. With this new update, the GOrun Razor Excess 2 gained a bit of weight and lost a bit of speed. However, this wasn't a bad thing, as the shoe is now a more versatile option with more comfort for a wider range of runs and runners. The carbon fibre H-plate provides a lively toe-off and the added millimeters of Hyperburst foam in the midsole help cushion landings on even the longest runs. Our testers remarked that they kept reaching for this shoe for daily training or when they were planning a faster distance run, but not as much for slower recovery runs or all-out efforts. Overall, while the Razor Excess 2 has gained some new features, it's still a versatile and fun shoe that runners can rely on for just about any run.

Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe BoxTrue to Size
Midfoot VolumeMedium to low
Heel WidthMedium
Arch HeightHigh

Shoe Specs

WeightMen's: 7.9 oz (size 9) | Women's: 6.5oz (size 8)
Stack Height34 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot)
TerrainRoad
StabilityNeutral
SizingTrue to Size

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Matt: "The Skechers Razor Excess has one of my favourite midsole foams on the market. The Hyperburst midsole is lively, protective, and soft in a fun and energetic way. This isn't a pillowy-soft underfoot feel, but on impact, the foam does cushion the foot well and provides a comfortable feeling. I took the Razor Excess 2 on a 15 miler, and the amount of foam and overall experience made me want to grab it for even more of my easy days and longer runs since it was so comfortable."

Risa: "There is a soft step-in feel that is really nice when slipping this shoe on and walking around in it. It does firm up a bit while running, but I still really enjoyed the level of softness."

Skeches GOrun Razor Excess 2 shoe

Ride/Energy Returni

Matt: "This shoe is loaded with energy-efficient characteristics. First off, the midsole is resilient and responsive, which allows runners to bounce into the next stride with little effort. The rocker geometry makes for an efficient land and toe-off. And finally, the added H-plate in this version provides a snappier toe-off that saves a significant amount of energy. I had a slight tempo in the middle of one of my long runs, and this shoe worked like a dream. I think because of the cushion-to-weight ratio and efficiency benefits, this shoe's sweet spot is those longer, tempo-y efforts where you don't have to reach top speed, and where you have to crank a ton of miles."

Risa: "I've found the Razor Excess 2 to be pretty responsive — not at the level of my Saucony Endorphin Speed, but definitely snappy and fun to run in. For me, this is the ideal type of shoe for my everyday runs: soft, bouncy, and lightweight."

Skeches GOrun Razor Excess 2 shoe

Underfoot Protectioni

Matt: "I think the underfoot protection of this version of the Razor Excess is way better than the last iteration. The foam feels slightly denser and offers a more comfortable landing. I was able to shred double-digit miles in this shoe with no problem and I always felt recovered. The only issue is that some runners might find the forefoot where the plate is to be slightly more firm, which could cause some foot pain."

Risa: "I feel like the underground protection is typical for a lightweight shoe. There is some ground feel, which I personally prefer for my daily runs. I would choose a more cushioned shoe for long runs or recovery runs."

Skeches GOrun Razor Excess 2 shoe

Flexibilityi

Matt: "There isn't much flexibility to the Razor Excess 2. Now that there is a plate in the midsole, the shoe lacks any significant flex. But the rocker and efficient design make up for the lack of flex while running."

Risa: "The shoe does feel slightly firm while running, probably because of the H-plate. However, it provides quick transitions and a smooth ride."

Skeches GOrun Razor Excess 2 shoe

Upper Supporti

Matt: "This upper is way more built up than the first version of the Razor Excess. Last year's model felt sloppy and thin, but this second model has a more traditional upper design, giving it a daily trainer-type feel. It's a traditional mesh that fits well and can adapt to some different foot types."

Risa: "I have a slightly narrow foot, and sometimes I have trouble getting a solid lockdown. I do not have that issue with this shoe. I think it could accommodate a variety of foot types, though it might not be the best choice for people with feet more on the wide side of the spectrum."

Skeches GOrun Razor Excess 2 shoe

Individual Thoughts

MattOverall Score: 8.5/10

When the Razor Excess line dropped last year, it was immediately one of my favourite shoes to grab every single day. While this newest version has a more traditional upper, giving it a daily-trainer vibe, the addition of the H-plate in the midsole makes this shoe one of the most comfortable and versatile options out there. The Razor Excess 2 was able to handle my longer runs, easy runs, and lengthy tempos. This shoe feels efficient and smooth underfoot, allowing me to find a solid rhythm when going longer. While it isn't the most aggressive plate design, the H-plate provides a subtle snappiness that runners will appreciate when they need to pick up the pace. I found that getting under 6:00 min pace in the Razor Excess 2 was no problem. Finally, the lively but soft foam holds up well for any type of recovery run. Overall, the Razor Excess 2 gains some new features, but still stays true as a versatile option that runners can use any day of the week.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable
RisaOverall Score: 8/10

This was my first time running in a Skechers shoe, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! I might just be a Hyperburst foam convert. The Razor Excess 2 is one of those shoes I was excited about from the minute I tried it on. As mentioned above, I love shoes that are soft, bouncy, and lightweight for my daily runs, so this one checks all of my boxes. My only hang-ups: the shoe firming up while running (the carbon-infused H-plate adds some stiffness and stability) and also the look. The upper is pretty subtle, but it's just not my personal style. Overall, pretty minor complaints. I will definitely be adding the Razor Excess 2 into my rotation!

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable