Skechers Aero Tempo Review: The "Sports Car" Transitioning from Speed to Race Day
GEAR & SHOE REVIEWSLATEST
Skechers has long been a quiet powerhouse in the performance world, but with the release of the Aero Tempo, they aren't being quiet anymore. This is the shoe designed for the "in-between"—aggressive enough for the starting line, yet durable enough to survive your mid-week threshold repeats.
Think of it as the "Miata" of your shoe rotation: lightweight, snappy, and designed to make you feel like you’re flying, even if you’re just hitting your standard tempo paces.
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Model and Purpose
The Aero Tempo is a dedicated performance trainer built to bridge the gap between daily mileage and high-stakes racing. It is specifically designed for:
Tempo & Threshold Sessions: Keeping you efficient when the heart rate climbs.
Interval Training: Providing the snap needed for 800m or mile repeats.
Budget Racing: An elite-feeling ride for runners who want carbon tech without a $250+ price tag.
Skechers has positioned this as a "speed demon" that isn't afraid of the daily grind, offering more durability than a pure race-day shoe while maintaining a feather-light profile.
Specs and Measurements
In a size 7, the Aero Tempo is listed at 7.6 oz (215g). Interestingly, our real-world testing of a Women's size 8.5 came in at a nearly identical 7.6 oz (216g). It is rare to see a larger size weigh in so close to the base model, marking a significant win for Skechers' weight management.
The geometry is built around a 4mm drop, with a 37mm heel and 33mm forefoot. This lower drop, combined with Skechers' signature Hyper Arc rocker, encourages a fast, efficient midfoot strike and a snappy transition to toe-off.
Color Options & Price
Skechers keeps the naming conventions simple and the aesthetics vibrant. The Aero Tempo currently comes in two main options:
Coral: A bright, high-energy look featuring a beautiful metallic blue and purple gradient on the rear—perfect for those who want to feel fast.
Black Multi: A tamer but stylish dark option for those who prefer a classic performance look.
Price: $160. At this price point, you are getting supercritical foam and a carbon-infused plate for nearly $100 less than most flagship marathon racers.
Key Features
Hyper Burst Midsole Created using a "Super Critical" process, this nitrogen-infused foam is full of thousands of tiny, bubble-like cells. It’s firmer and more resilient than a pure race foam, providing a stable, "grounded" pop that won't "bottom out" during long efforts.
Carbon-Infused Winglet Plate While you can't see it through a window in the sole, the internal winglet plate provides the necessary stiffness for high-level energy return. It acts as a mechanical spring, especially when you are leaning into your faster paces.
Woven TPU Mesh Upper This "plasticky" feeling mesh is the secret to the shoe's lockdown. It has zero stretch, ensuring your foot stays centered over the plate during sharp turns. It feels smooth enough to wear barefoot, and as an added bonus, it is officially machine washable.
Goodyear® Performance Outsole Using the same rubber technology as elite tires, the outsole is notoriously grippy. Whether it’s rain or slick pavement, this shoe offers traction that most "slick" super shoes simply can't match.
On-Foot Running Experience
When you first step in, the Aero Tempo feels sleek and aggressive. Despite the lower-sitting heel collar, the internal padding cups the foot securely without any slippage. At slower warm-up paces, the shoe can feel slightly firm, but once you "tip" into the rocker, the shoe truly wakes up.
During speed intervals, the responsiveness is undeniable. It excels when you are putting weight on your toes, offering a buttery-smooth transition that saves your calves from the fatigue usually associated with lower-drop shoes.
Final Verdict
The Skechers Aero Tempo is a "Zone 3 Champion." It thrives when you are pushing the pace and rewards an aggressive stride with mechanical efficiency.
Choose the Aero Tempo if:
You want a durable, plated trainer that can handle 300+ miles.
You prefer a 4mm drop and a stable, rockered geometry.
You frequently run in wet conditions and need superior Goodyear® grip.
You want a "washable" shoe that stays looking fresh after messy road runs.
Stick with a Max-Cushion Racer if:
You have a very wide foot (the TPU upper is unforgiving).
You prefer the "squishy," max-stack height feel of 40mm+ of foam.
