Skechers Aero Burst Review
When Skechers unveiled the Aero Burst at The Running Event 2024, it was clear they were stepping up their running game. This shoe is part of their new Aero series, sitting alongside the Aero Spark and Aero Tempo, but with one key difference—it’s the max-cushioned option of the trio. Designed for daily miles, recovery runs, and runners who prioritize comfort over speed, the Aero Burst promises a plush ride without sacrificing responsiveness.
But does it live up to the hype? I took a deep dive into its specs, tested it on different runs, and here’s my honest take.
Key specifications:
Brand: Skechers
Model: Aero Burst
Weight: 10.9 oz (309g) for US 9 model
Heel: 42 mm
Toe: 36 mm
Heel drop: 6 mm
Carbon plate: Yes
Cushioning & Ride
Amount of cushioning: Highly cushioned
Purpose: Daily Trainer
Price of Skechers Aero Burst
Price: $150 USD
Release date: May, 2025
Upper
The engineered mesh upper is where the Aero Burst starts to impress. It’s breathable, moderately flexible, and has just enough structure to keep your foot secure without feeling restrictive. Unlike some max-cushioned shoes that run hot, this one manages airflow well, making it suitable for longer runs in warmer conditions.
- Fit & Lockdown: The lace-up system is straightforward, with just enough padding around the tongue to prevent pressure points. The heel collar is plush but not excessive, offering a snug fit without rubbing.
- Heel Counter: There’s a semi-rigid heel counter that provides stability without being overly stiff—great for neutral runners who don’t need aggressive motion control.
- Arch Support: Skechers included their Arch Fit® insole, which is removable and designed with podiatrist-certified support. If you have high arches or need extra structure, this is a nice touch.
Overall, the upper feels premium for the price, striking a balance between comfort and functionality.
Midsole
This is where the Aero Burst shines. The HYPER BURST ICE™ midsole is a dual-density foam, meaning it’s soft yet stable—ideal for daily training. Compared to traditional EVA, it’s lighter, bouncier, and more durable.
- Responsiveness: The foam has a nice rebound, making it enjoyable for easy and moderate-paced runs. It’s not as propulsive as a super shoe, but it’s far from a dead, mushy ride.
- HYPER ARC® Technology: This helps with smoother transitions from heel to toe, reducing fatigue on longer runs.
- Carbon-Infused H-Plate: A surprising addition for a daily trainer! This isn’t a full carbon plate, but the H-shaped carbon-infused piece adds subtle rigidity and energy return, especially when picking up the pace.
If you’ve tried Skechers’ previous Hyper Burst models, this one feels plusher yet still responsive—a great update.
Outsole
Let’s be honest – when you’re dropping over $100 on running shoes, you want to know they’ll last. After putting about 15 miles on these across various conditions, I can confidently say the Goodyear outsole is the workhorse of this shoe. That first drizzling morning run was my “aha” moment. While other shoes may slip on wet pavement, the Aero Burst’s tread pattern gripped the ground like it was dry. The rubber compound has just the right balance – sticky enough for confidence, but not so soft that it’ll wear down quickly.
What surprised me most was how they handled light trails. I took them on a mixed gravel/dirt path expecting to feel every rock, but the outsole’s thickness and those clever flex grooves made the transition surprisingly smooth. No, they’re not trail shoes, but they’re more versatile than your typical road trainer. I’d bet these will easily hit 400+ miles before needing replacement. The only downside? That same durability makes them a tad stiff out of the box – it took about 20 miles to really break them in.
Who Should Buy the Skechers Aero Burst?
✅ Best For:
- Daily/recovery runners who want a soft yet stable ride
- Neutral runners (no major overpronation)
- Heavier runners (75kg/165lbs+) who need extra cushioning
- Long-distance trainers
- Those with arch support needs (thanks to the removable Arch Fit insole)
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Racers or speedwork enthusiasts (it’s cushioned, not a tempo shoe)
- Severe overpronators (not enough stability features)
- Minimalist shoe lovers (it’s a max-cushion shoe with a 42mm stack)
Verdict
The Skechers Aero Burst is a well-rounded daily trainer that delivers on comfort, durability, and a touch of responsiveness. It’s not a speed demon, but it doesn’t try to be—instead, it excels at easy miles, recovery runs, and long-distance comfort.
If you’re looking for something lighter and faster, the Skechers GoRun Razor 5 is a better pick for tempo runs and race days. On the other hand, if you want maximum cushioning with a propulsive feel, the Skechers Max Cushioning Propulsion offers a more aggressive rocker for forward momentum.