When Training for a Stairclimb, Make Sure Your Shoes Measure Up

Signed up for a stairclimb and not sure how to prepare? Just like the climb itself, you’re going to want to start from the ground up.

Stairclimbing can be an intense aerobic activity, challenging even for endurance athletes. Proper footwear can make all the difference.

For this primer on proper footwear, we’re looking at two shoes from Skechers — the new GOrun Forza 3 stability model and the fast GOrun 6. Skechers Performance will be showcasing both of these at Chicago’s next stairclimb event, the Hustle Up the Hancock on February 25th.

Drop weight when you climb.

When picking the best shoes, the key is to pick a shoe that offers every advantage without sacrificing the essentials. For a climb, that comes down to weight.

Take the Hustle Up the Hancock, for example. There are 1,632 steps between you and that spectacular view from the 94th floor 360 CHICAGO observation deck.

At that distance (or rather, height) shaving off even one ounce each step can really add up. The lightweight Skechers GOrun Forza 3 weighs in at 9.2 for a typical men’s shoe and 7.3 for a women’s (that’s size 9 and size 7, respectively). Compared to a typical stability running shoe — which can weigh almost 11 ounces — that's a difference of 1.5 ounce or more.

Time for some quick math.

• 1.5 ounces times 1,632 steps = 2,448 ounces

• 2,448 ounces divided by 16 ounces (one pound) = 153 pounds

That means climbing with the GOrun Forza 3 means carrying 150 fewer pounds to the top floor.

The Skechers GOrun 6, their neutral stability offering, is even lighter — just 6.7 ounces for an average men’s shoe and 5.3 for women’s. We averaged our most popular neutral shoes at a weight of 10 ounces.

Let's do some more math.

• 10 ounces (weight of average neutral shoe) minus 6.7 ounces (weight of GOrun 6™) = 3.3 ounces.

• 3.3 ounces times 1,632 steps = 5,385.6 ounces.

• 5,385.6 ounces divided by 16 ounces (amount of ounces in a pound) = 336.6 pounds

That's a lot of pounds to take off your legs. Imagine how much more fresh your legs will feel when you drop that amount of weight.

But don’t sacrifice the bounce.

Why the weight advantage in Skechers Peformance? Much of it is due to the new cushioning introduced in its latest models.

Skechers has developed the new FLIGHT GEN cushioning, and it debuted with the GOrun 6 and GOrun Forza 3. The midsole foam is considerably lighter than competitors, while also being responsive and flexible. 

That advanced cushioning means you’ll feel less impact from each step. While stair climbing bears much less impact on your body running or even walking, it still adds up. A 2009 study found that climbing up stairs can feel like almost twice your body weight or more on your hips, knees and ankles.

The right amount of cushioning can reduce the peak impact.

Big caveat here on cushioning: More cushioning is not always better, and some studies suggest that a lighter, less cushioned shoe can sometimes be better for you, as it allows your body to feel and anticipate the ground. The best thing always when picking out running, walking or climbing shoes is to go through a Fit Process and see what feels best.

Fortunately, Skechers Performance will have try-on pairs at the Hustle Up the Hancock. Look for the Skechers Performance booth in the Hustle Up the Hancock pre- and post-race expo at the Hilton Chicago, and stop by to test out a pair for free.

GOrun Forza 3

GOrun 6