The MaxRoad 6 is a whole lot of shoe
Silke:
I have never run in Skechers running shoes before. So I was interested when I got the chance to test the new iteration of the big chonker of their road running models, the MaxRoad 6.
First thing to say is: be careful with the size! I usually wear a US W 8.5 which is a European 40, but with Skechers it is a 38.5. Don’t choose your regular European size because it will run too small! If you choose by your European size, convert it by a classic sizing chart and order a US W size. That said my US W 8.5 fits true to size with a enough length for my toes. The weight is 260g in my size.
The engineered mesh upper is nice and soft, keeping your feet a bit on the warmer side. This is due to a dual layer upper. I don’t think this is necessary for the fit and it just adds the weight up. The well padded tongue is not gusseted. It is, however, held more in place by the lace loop on its top. Skechers own Arch Fit insoles are replaceable. There are lots of structural elements at the midfoot on both medial and lateral side. These synthetic almost rubberlike overlays cumulate to a compact heel part with a pull tag. The heel cup is designed low and it is also nicely padded. All in all the fit is comfortable and plush.
Ivan
Let me be frank about it, the upper on this specific item doesn’t rank among my favourites. Firstly, it is excessively thick, uniformly throughout rather than in specific areas. Every piece of fabric appears to be bulked up. As a result, all this padding adds weight to the shoe, and it also causes discomfort by becoming uncomfortably warm. Moreover, it tends to absorb an excessive amount of moisture or water, making the overall experience unpleasant and burdensome.
I might have been able to tolerate these drawbacks if it provided a secure fit, but unfortunately, that is not the case either. The fit is rather loose. Despite the thick padding around the heel collar and tongue, I still had to employ a heel lock, and the midfoot wrap was too wide and didn’t offer a sense of security. All things considered, although it is actually soft, pliable and doesn’t directly cause discomfort, I would likely change almost everything about the upper if given the opportunity. However, it’s important to note that this is a matter of personal preference, and I can understand that others may enjoy such excessively padded uppers, particularly those who prioritise maximum plushness over functionality.
Andy
I agree with Ivan’s assessment of the upper of the MaxRoad 6. There is just too much of it. The tongue is absurdly padded. It isn’t an uncomfortable upper to stand in but once the run starts, that’s when the issues begin. As Ivan said, the shoes run incredibly hot. My socks have come back soaked from every run which I have taken in the shoes.
Along with the thickness of the upper, I also found an issue of size like Silke. I received the shoe in my usual US 8.5. Being a sample, there is no label inside with size conversions to be seen. However, I could go down at least half a size. Perhaps even a whole size. Make sure you try before you buy. With the upper, I also had to use the runner’s knot on every run to make the fit work for me without some unpleasant heel slippage.