Pink ribbon shoes are awesome. Cancer sucks.

It’s just a crummy disease. I’ve known too many people who have had their lives turned upside down by the big C. My own mother has beaten breast cancer twice, my grandmother has had 3 occurrences. I honestly live with the thought of WHEN I get breast cancer, not IF I get cancer. That’s a kind of disturbing thought. I’d like it to be eradicated so I don’t have to have that fear.

So when I was asked if I wanted to participated in a campaign sponsored by Skechers Performance I agreed because I support this cause so much.  See, after my mom’s second breast cancer diagnosis we decided that we would do something BIG after she was better. And after batting around several ideas, none of which seemed like they were the right celebration, we finally landed on MARATHON. That’s big. It’s huge! And it just felt right.

So we trained and did the PF Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Phoenix marathon in January 2008. It was an amazing experience and it has led both of us to do many more races together. This first marathon adventure is what made me a lifelong runner.

Skechers Performance is supporting the American Cancer Society by releasing a special line of shoes. The lineup consists of the GOrun3 Awareness, GOrun Sprint, GOfit Awareness and GOwalk2 Flash Awareness. Since I’m a runner, I received a pair of the GOrun shoes to test and review.

Designed for speed with innovative performance technologies to promote a midfoot strike, it fosters a barefoot running experience while offering cushioning and impact protection.

• Improved breathability and flexibility
• Roomy forefoot. 3 layer Power-prene mesh on front panel allows for support while offering ample room for toe splay
• GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a responsive running experience
• M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike
• Custom Fit insole is removable for an even more minimal feel
• 4mm Heel Drop to bring you closer to a natural barefoot experience
• Resalyte™ Midsole – Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
• Nearly seamless flexible mesh upper with lace up front

I really love how light the shoes are (a mere 5 oz!) and the upper is very comfortable. I do have to admit, the M-Strike Technology™ makes the shoe feel like it has a strange rocker in the middle of the shoe. It definitely promotes a midfoot strike! It feels kind of weird walking in them, running is far more comfortable. I do like that it comes with a removable insole so you can bring yourself a little closer to the ground or you can give yourself a little more cushion, depending upon personal preference or even needs that day. (Maybe I should call it an insertable insole, since it doesn’t come in the shoe by default!) And I felt ever so slightly like Kara Goucher when I put the shoes on, that’s a bonus, right? Actually, I kind of wondered if she and Meb had a learning curve to get their form right when they started in these shoes, because they absolutely feel different from any other shoe I’ve worn for running. Skechers are also one of the most affordable brands of running shoes out there, these ones retail for just $85!

 

But even more important is how Skechers Performance Division is planning on helping the cause, right?

1. Skechers is donating to the American Cancer Society. All of the apparel/shoes in their Awareness line will featured the ACS logo and messaging.
2. Skechers is hosting the American Cancer Society San Francisco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales of Skechers shoes on-site that day.
3. Skechers Retail stores are offering a gift with purchase for customers who purchase a pair of limited-edition Awareness shoes. The gift with purchase will be either a canvas awareness tote or a pink water bottle.
4. Skechers is launching a register round-up program in Skechers Retail stores in which customers can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar to benefit American Cancer Society for the entire month of October. If consumers donate $5 or more, they will also receive a 20% off discount for their next visit. This will offer anyone shopping for any item in a Skechers retailer store the opportunity to give back and support the cause.

And while breast cancer has hit my family particularly hard, I like that Skechers Performance is supporting the American Cancer Society in this endeavor… because ALL cancers suck and I like that the ACS is out to beat all forms of cancer. I am sure every single one of us has been affected by some kind of cancer in our lives… whether it is a family member, a friend or ourselves. I have a co-worker battling brain cancer right now and it makes me so angry that this disease is zapping so much from him.

So if you need to get running shoes anyway, you may as well get something that helps support a cause at the same time, right?

Thanks to Skechers for sponsoring today’s post!