The new Skora FIT arrived on my doorstep recently and after a few runs in them I just had to share my enthusiasm for this shoe before posting a full review later.
Since discovering Skoras in the second half of 2013, I’ve been fortunate to run in nearly every model they offer. I feel a bit like a dog when I talk about their shoes – “ooh, CORE! My favorite! – ooh! FORM! My favorite!…” Well, the first 50+ miles in the FIT have me reaching for a more superlatives. The FIT borrows some of my favorite things from their other models – the “last” (platform, sole, pick your term) is like BASE and FORM. The asymmetric lacing is present as well. The two game-changers in the FIT are 1) more cushioning (although you’re not going to mistake them for HOKAs); and 2) a wonderful light, stretchy upper.
Just lacing these shoes up is a joy. The combination of the stretchy upper and the asymmetric lacing makes it super easy to get a “Goldilocks” fit. If you’ve ever taken off on a run and felt like you laced up too tight or too loose, you know what I’m talking about. That is not going to happen with the FIT.
Also, the reverse dimpling in the removable insole is a little more pronounced than other models – I like it – it’s stimulating in a good way when you put the shoe on but not at all intrusive.
It was just a perfect day today – 70s when I got home from work, so I stretched and headed out for 8 miles. I don’t stretch much – just active stretching – a few squats…
a few lunges…
oh, and you can’t forget the “useless shoulder stretch before running:” for KK 🙂
I might not be doing that right, but does it matter?
Before I could take off, a friend wanted to say “take me with you!” I had to substitute a treat. I keep my “me” runs and “Ellie” runs separate. Messes with my gait too much.
Ooh, FIT, my favorite!
The FIT has been a boon to some indoor speedwork I’ve done recently. The constant curves on an 1/8 mile indoor track can lead to friction, but I had zero problems in the FIT in a great 6×300 8 mile session. They felt great – heels locked in, room in the toebox but not slippy. I’ve had them out on 17 and a 20 mile long runs on pavement the last two Saturdays and they’ve pretty much convinced me they’re going to be my Boston Marathon shoe. Just a perfect balance of cushioning and weight.
Check out the FIT:
cretanrunning 
Hope that useless shoulder stretch is working out well for you 😉
How do they fit compared to the Phase?
That’s a tough question. I am going to go from memory, then actually try both on when I get home tonight and post a follow-up. My perception is that the FIT’s fit is more snug than the PHASE, but I think the FIT’s upper gives it a broader range of “just right.” I am willing to go to a different size shoe than what I measure at if it’s necessary. However, my foot must be right in the middle of Skora’s sizing, because I have always found them true to size at my 11.5, with slight variations between models. I seem to recall you thought you were a tweener on PHASE – one size too big, one too small. I would add a half size to the PHASE size you thought was too small.
Sounds good. I might have to give these a shot. Every review I’ve seen so far is off the charts awesome.
Here’s the promised follow-up. I tried on the FIT and PHASE this am one right after the other. I perceive PHASE as having a little more volume in the toe box – I can wiggle my toes more freely. FIT may lock down the heel just a wee bit more. I want to stress that these are fine distinctions – IMO not on the order of 1/2-size differences between the two. If you try FIT, I hope you like at as much as I do. I recall you are a no-sock guy. I am going to give that a try with FIT and write that into my longer review. I have been reevaluating my thoughts about socks lately. I’ve concluded that the toe socks I wear occasionally inhibit toe splay rather than encourage it, since my toes are longer than average. The socks fit like a glove a size too small – my toes don’t go all the way in. However, most of the time I wear some sort of traditional ultralight sock.
Socks are a scam, lol
(Totally kidding, but it does amaze me how much people will pay for them)