Skechers took a step back after some big years working with Kara and Meb, but now they are ready to comeback full force. The Skechers Aero Spark is just one of the three new styles in their new line – a reliable, versatile daily trainer that offers the perfect balance of comfort and responsiveness.
The Aero Spark offers middle ground between daily trainers and plated speed shoes – giving them versatility, a firm-but-responsive feel. A smooth ride that helps you hit your goals on speed workouts while still giving enough cushion to feel comfortable through the process.
Since I got the Skechers Aero Spark I’ve taken them out for runs, mostly ranging from 3-6 miles. These runs have ranged in training purpose from sprints/anaerobic to simple base runs, proving just how easily these shoes can suit a wide range of needs. I’ve also worn them on roads, some mild trails, and the treadmill – and they held up in all settings.
If you’re hesitant to believe that good old Skechers can make a name for themselves among the running shoe titans we’re used to hearing about, keep on reading to learn more about the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Aero Spark.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet: With a tighter fit around the midsole and no wide options available, this isn’t the best suited for runners looking for a roomier fit.
- Heavier Runners: Solid base and firm foam offer stability, though some may want more cushioning.
- Long Runs: A lightweight design allows these to be a good fit for medium-long runs, but may feel too firm for a full marathon or longer distances.
- Front of the Pack: The Hyper Arc technology, a carbon-infused H-plate, gives these a boost, leaving you feeling like you’re flying.
The Skechers Aero Spark is a solid pick for runners looking for a plated shoe that doesn’t feel over-the-top or unstable, allowing it to carry you through both speedwork and everyday runs.
Skechers Aero Spark Overview
One thing is clear about the Spark – this shoe is built for speed and versatility.
I put them through a wide range of paces, from more relaxed base runs to anaerobic efforts and sprints, across a mix of road, treadmill, and mild trail terrain. No matter the surface or pace, the Aero Spark delivered a ride that felt light, springy, and energizing.
The Aero Spark is all about balance – striking a great balance between responsiveness and comfort. The Hyper Burst cushioning leans more towards the firmer side, but not in a harsh or fatiguing way – it delivers a springy, bouncy ride that feels energetic from the first stride.
Compared to softer daily trainers, the Aero Spark offers more of a performance-driven feel, without feeling rigid.There’s just enough give to keep things comfortable, without sacrificing ground feel, and that touch of rebound really comes alive during faster paces and harder efforts.
One of their most standout qualities from the start was just how responsive the shoe feels, especially when pushing the pace. During sprints, it really helped achieve my goal pace while feeling like I was flying with each step.
Despite its relatively light cushioning, the Hyper Burst midsole doesn’t feel harsh underfoot. Instead, it strikes a sweet spot between ground feel and comfort, making it a strong choice for runners looking for that just-right balance between everyday training and speedwork.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, lightweight trainer that can hold its own through a range of runs – and give you a bit of extra oomph – the Aero Spark delivers. It’s not trying to be a plush, cushioned daily trainer, and it doesn’t need to be. Instead, this shoe is all about efficient movement and making the most out of every step you take.
Skechers Aero Spark Specs
- Weight: 9.7 oz Men’s, 7.8 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 36 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 4 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Sketchers.com for $130
Do you like bright and bold colors? Then the Skechers Aero Spark most likely has the perfect pair for you.
As someone who tends to lean towards more dark neutrals, I can’t say that the white/multi color variation is my absolute favorite, consisting of pink, blue, orange, and of course the base color white. Ignoring the color, the Aero Spark brings a variety of textures to the plate, making it stylish and something that in any other color variation could be easily incorporated into casual wear as well.
Skechers Aero Spark Fit and Feel
The Skechers Aero Spark fits true to size and delivers a secure fit right out of the box. The toe box offers a comfortable amount of room for a natural toe splay without feeling overly spacious – just the right amount of room for a solid everyday trainer or speed shoe.
Through the midfoot, the fit tightens up slightly giving it a more locked-in feel that may not appeal to runners with wider feet. There isn’t much give throughout this area, but personally I never felt the need to adjust the laces to accommodate my feet; the snugness felt intentional and added to the stability of the shoe.
Thanks to the built-in structure of the Arch Fit insole, the Aero Spark provides arch support, which felt unobtrusive while also ensuring that my arches felt supported through my miles.
They offered more underfoot support than many more neutral trainers. Plus, the midsole offers enough cushion to take the edge off road miles, while remaining on the firmer side, which nicely complements the shoe’s more responsive nature.
The tongue is minimal and unobtrusive, staying in place without drawing attention during runs – doing exactly what it’s meant to do. The laces are generous in length, making it simple to double knot or adjust the laces however you may need to ensure the perfect feel, and once tied they stayed put.
Around the heel there’s a good amount of structure that made my feet feel secure without any concerns of my heel slipping out during runs. All in all, the Aero Spark strikes a nice balance between comfort and control.
Despite how lightweight the shoes felt, they never felt unstable. In fact, one of my biggest takeaways from testing these out was how secure I felt at a variety of paces and on different surfaces.
My ankles never had to work overtime to keep me upright, even when I picked up the pace or hit uneven terrains. The Goodyear Performance Outsole helps the Aero Spark hold their own on a range of terrains.
The mesh upper is breathable and light, and the lacing system – paired with a well-shaped heel – contributes to a locked-in fit that enhances the shoe’s overall stability.
Offering a great middle ground that feels built for tempo days, strides, and even the occasional easy run, the Aero Spark is a study in balance.
Skechers Aero Burst vs. Aero Spark
As Skechers released the Aero Burst, they also released a full Aero series of running shoes, including the Aero Spark, which we also got to try out to review for you. While the shoes both boast the
The Aero Spark is also a daily trainer from this lineup, but that shoe features a Carbon H-plate at the forefoot for a snappier, faster ride than the Aero Burst. This shoe feels lighter out of the box than the Burst, and it comes in overall lighter at 7.8 oz.
Both shoes feature the HYPER BURST ICE™ midsole and a carbon-infused H-plate.
Unlike the Aero Burst, the Aero Spark is a stack height of 36mm versus the Aero Burst’s 42mm stack height.
And while the Aero Spark is best as a daily trainer too, its better suited for faster, shorter workouts than the Aero Burst with its lighter, more minimal design.
This certainly makes the Aero Spark feel less plush and cushy than the Aero Burst, so if you’re looking for comfort over versatility, the Aero Burst is likely a better option for you.
Both shoes are a lot of fun and make a great combo for your weekly workouts when incorporated together for your different runs. I found that the Aero Burst was best for my long, easy days and my recovery days, where the Aero Spark had just enough pep that it could get me through interval workouts and lighter, quicker miles with some more variety as a trainer.
Check out the full review of the Skechers Aero Burst here.
I’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
If you like plated shoes that aren’t overly aggressive and still give you ground feel, the Aero Spark fits the bill. It’s ideal for runners who want a “do-it-all” option that can handle workouts, strides, and moderate daily mileage without the bulk or price tag of flagship racers.Similar Shoes to the Skechers Aero Spark
Our Verdict
Who Tried it
Hi, I’m Brittni! I’m a content strategist for a small web design and marketing company. I also have a background in biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and libraries – so I’ve done a little bit of everything! I got into running in 2020 and have since run a handful of half marathons and a marathon. My current half PR is just under 1:55, and I’m aiming to get that closer to 1:50, while also shooting for a sub-4 marathon. Feel free to follow my running journey (and personal nonsense) on Instagram: @brittni.anne
What to Read Next?
- Best Lightweight Running Shoes (without plates)
- Burning Feet When Running? What You Need to Know
- Is It Ok to Run in Carbon Plated Shoes Everyday?
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