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Skechers Aero Tempo Review

Name: Men's Skechers Aero Tempo
Brand: Skechers
Rating: 4.3 (1 reviews)

WeeViews

Posted Aug 13, 2025

The Skechers AERO Tempo is a lightweight, plated trainer built for speed and tempo work. Testers praised its grip, stability, and turnover, but noted a narrow fit and upper issues for some. Best for faster paces; less suited for wide-footed runners.

Total

Form

Performance

Value

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Aero Tempo

4.3/5

(1)

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Pros

Lightweight, fast feel
Great grip on wet/dry from Goodyear outsole
Stable platform at speed
Good energy return from carbon-infused plate
Breathable upper
Rocker geometry aids turnover
Performs well for tempo and speed sessions
Affordable plated shoe option

Cons

Narrow fit and toe box pressure
Upper discomfort (tongue slip, panel folds, lace bite)
Short/thin laces
Break-in period needed for midsole
Lockdown issues around collar
Not ideal for wide feet

Designed to bridge the gap between speed day and race day, the Skechers AERO Tempo packs a carbon-infused plate, responsive HYPER BURST® cushioning, and a grippy Goodyear® outsole into a lightweight, 8.5-oz package. We put this fast trainer in the hands (and on the feet) of four testers—Scott (51 miles), Jenna (50 miles), Michael (56 miles), and MaryAnn (30+ miles)—who covered everything from track intervals to marathon training long runs. The verdict? A fast, stable shoe that shines at tempo and threshold paces, with standout traction and turnover—but a narrow fit and upper quirks may keep it from being a universal favorite. Here’s how it performed from multiple perspectives...

Skechers Aero Tempo At-a-Glance

How the Aero Tempo Stacks Up

In the crowded category of plated tempo trainers, the Skechers AERO Tempo finds itself compared to some well-known names. Several testers likened it to the Saucony Endorphin Speed series, noting a similar blend of speed-oriented geometry and plated propulsion—though the Tempo’s stiffer carbon-infused winglet plate delivered more snap at faster paces, while its woven TPU mesh upper offered standout breathability.

Scott drew parallels to the Topo Phantom 4 and Hoka Mach 6 in terms of specs, but found both alternatives more accommodating for longer runs.

Jenna, a fan of Skechers’ AERO Burst and AERO Spark for their plush cushioning, saw the Tempo as the speed specialist of the lineup—less cushioned, but quick, stable, and grippy when the pace picked up.

Bottom line? The Tempo holds its own among plated tempo trainers, with exceptional grip, stability, and turnover at speed. But for those seeking max-cushion comfort or all-day mileage, competitors and Skechers’ own Burst or Spark may be the better pick.

Performance & Versatility

Across the board, testers agreed the Skechers AERO Tempo is built for speed. Its firm-yet-responsive HYPER BURST® midsole, carbon-infused winglet plate, and rocker geometry work best at tempo, threshold, and race paces, where the shoe’s stability and quick turnover can shine. The Goodyear® outsole was universally praised for grip on both wet and dry roads, giving runners confidence to push the pace without slipping.

Michael Young

It’s a shoe made to go fast and does the job well. At slower paces the plate just made for a stiff ride, but when I really pressed into it at faster paces, this shoe excelled.

While the Tempo can handle some longer efforts, most testers found its sweet spot in faster sessions rather than easy or high-mileage days. The firmer ride and snug fit make it less forgiving for recovery runs, but ideal for track workouts, fartleks, and tempo intervals.

Upper

The AERO Tempo’s woven TPU mesh upper delivers impressive breathability, keeping feet cool even in hot conditions. Several testers appreciated its lightweight feel and sleek look, with no issues overheating during workouts. However, fit and lockdown drew mixed reviews. The narrow toe box created pressure points for some, and multiple testers experienced tongue slippage, short laces, or panel folds that led to blisters or hotspots early on. Heel slippage was also mentioned, though in some cases it disappeared once running pace increased.

Jenna Busch-Henderson

The open mesh kept my feet cool on a 90-degree day… but the tongue is so light it tends to slide around, and the panels inside the upper fold easily, leading to blisters.

For runners with narrow feet or those accustomed to a snug, performance-oriented fit, the upper may feel dialed-in. For others, it can take creative lacing or a break-in period to find the right balance.

Midsole

The AERO Tempo’s midsole pairs Skechers’ HYPER BURST® foam with HYPER ARC® rocker geometry and a full-length carbon-infused winglet plate. The result is a firm, stable platform that comes alive at faster paces. Several testers noted that the foam starts out on the firmer side but breaks in after 20–30 miles, offering a more comfortable, spring-loaded ride. The rocker smooths transitions from landing to toe-off, while the plate delivers notable energy return, especially when pressing into the shoe during tempo or downhill running.

Scott Hilton

It was almost too firm at first, but after about 28 miles the foam started to feel quite good underfoot. On the track, the shoe felt great—really at home at higher paces for me.

This is not a max-cushion setup—the relatively moderate stack and firmer tuning make it less forgiving for long, easy miles, but perfect for runners who like a connected, responsive feel at speed.

Outsole

The AERO Tempo uses a Goodyear® Performance rubber outsole that all four testers praised for its exceptional grip. Whether on wet asphalt, slick newly rained-on roads, or dry pavement, the traction inspired confidence at speed. The outsole also contributed to the shoe’s stable ride, helping keep form in check during hard efforts and on curves.

Michael Young

Minus La Sportiva, I haven’t felt this secure on road or trail. We had a bunch of rain… and these had zero problems cruising at fast speeds across slick roads.

Durability feedback was mostly positive—after 30–56 miles, testers reported little to moderate wear, though Scott noted some early signs in high-wear areas due to the softer rubber compound. Still, most expect it to easily outlast typical tempo shoe mileage.

Who Should Buy the Aero Tempo?

Best for:

Runners seeking a lightweight, plated trainer for speedwork, tempo runs, and race day
Athletes who value firm, responsive cushioning over max softness
Those who want exceptional traction in wet or dry conditions
Narrow- to medium-footed runners who prefer a snug, performance fit
Fans of the Saucony Endorphin Speed or similar plated tempo shoes

Who should skip it:

Wide-footed runners or those sensitive to a narrow toe box
Athletes wanting plush cushioning for recovery or high-mileage easy runs
Runners who struggle with upper lockdown issues or need extra room in the forefoot
Anyone seeking an out-of-the-box comfort shoe without a break-in period

Mary Ann Ratajczak

It’s a great shoe with excellent performance for the person who is into a more speedy run from the carbon plate for energy return and the Goodyear performance outsole technology.

Final Verdict

The Skechers AERO Tempo delivers exactly what its name promises—a shoe tuned for tempo. With its firm HYPER BURST® midsole, carbon-infused plate, and grippy Goodyear® outsole, it excels when the pace picks up, offering stability, quick turnover, and confidence-inspiring traction. Testers agreed it shines in speedwork, threshold runs, and as a budget-friendly plated race day option.

However, a narrow fit, occasional upper quirks, and a break-in period mean it won’t be the perfect match for every runner—especially those chasing plush comfort or all-day mileage. For the right foot and the right purpose, though, it’s a fast, capable partner built to make quick work of hard miles.