SKORA FORM Review: Hands On – Run Real, For Real

I’ve tested out a great many pairs of minimalist running shoes over the last two years. As someone who trains Parkour, and who travels on foot most of the time, “awesome shoes” have become one of my many obsessions. After all, there’s almost nothing more satisfying that a great new pair of shoes.

The trouble is that finding that perfect pair of minimalist running shoes (or even running shoes in general) has been quite the challenge. As more and more people have jumped on the “barefoot movement” and demand for this style of shoe has increased, we’re seeing a lot more variety. Unfortunately, many of the companies designing these shoes, well… kind of suck. That’s why, after testing out a pair of SKORA FORMs – a relative newcomer to the running shoe scene – I feel that I’m two steps closer to finding the perfect minimalist running shoe.

The SKORA FORM

What I like about the the FORM

The FORM is incredibly light, weighing in at just 8.2oz. There’s something really liberating about a light shoe, especially for those of us who previously wore shoes with heavy soles. Onitsuka Tigers have been my staple for a few years now, and even those are heavier than a pair of FORMs.

As with most minimalist running shoes, the FORM is very flexible, from the sole to the uppers. The key difference is that the top of the shoe doesn’t crease uncomfortably when I flex my toes. This is invaluable when I’m climbing around or balancing on things.

The entire shoe is well designed and constructed. The asymmetrical lacing works well, ensuring a snug fit, and the lack of a free floating tongue means that you won’t have to go digging inside your shoe when the tongue slides down. Simply put, it doesn’t slide down at all, because it can’t.

If you enjoy wearing your shoes without socks, then you’re in for a treat. The FORM has better breathability than just about any shoe I’ve tested. I’m all for manufacturers using non animal-based materials when possible, but in this case, Pittard’s “Armor Tan” goat leather is absolutely incredible. Even after faux-jogging along the canal without socks in the scalding summer heat, hardly any sweat accumulated in my shoes.

For someone who trains Parkour, or relies on a tough, grippy sole, you can count on the FORM to deliver. I’m very fussy about the rubber used on shoes, and I actually found the tread/rubber type better than that used in VIVOBAREFOOT’s EVO II line, which I already liked quite a bit.

I always find it difficult to objectively review minimalist running shoes, because by their very nature, I feel they are, in general, far better than “traditional” running shoes by being so much thinner and lighter. Having said that, I enjoyed reviewing the FORM more than any other running shoe in recent memory. It isn’t the lightest or the thinnest, but it feels like the most “complete package” to me. SKORA has done a good job adding in just about every useful feature I could want in a minimalist running shoe, while maintaining a high level of construction quality. What more could a man ask for?

If you’re interested in finding out more about the technology behind SKORA shoes, or learning more about their company, then you can do so by heading to the official SKORA website.

The Skora FORM retails for about $185 USD, and you can order a pair on the official website or on Amazon. If you’re already buying on Amazon, then you may as well order it there and save on the shipping cost. It’s a nice little perk, especially when you’re spending almost $200 on a pair of shoes.