Saucony Freedom ISO Shoe Review
While living in Alabama, I committed one a runner sin. I was underprepared shoe wise for 6 weeks. While I could have gotten a pair of shoes I’ve already run in, I decided to try the Saucony Freedom ISO. Before leaving, I had tried them on at work. They seemed like they would be a good shoe for me.
This is the first model so there is nothing to compare it too. I have run in multiple other Saucony shoes including the Kinvara, Zealot ISO 1 and 2, Ride 9 and Triumph ISO 1 and 2.
The Saucony Freedom uses Saucony’s signature Everun midsole material. It is the first of the Saucony running shoe line to use a full-length everun. What does this mean? As someone who strikes extremely far to the front, there is plenty of cushion up there too. There are actually very few shoes with a full length cushioning in the forefront too (most shoes have a lot of cushioning in the heel and it tapers to the front).
Saucony Freedom ISO Fit:
Just like the Saucony Triumph and Zealot, the Saucony Freedom ISO uses the ISO fit. It fits more like slipper than an actual shoe. I find the ISO fits my foot better, but the shoe does run short. Typically I wear a size 10 but I found the 10.5 to be the best fit. I do think the toe box of the Saucony Freedom ISO runs slightly short. I even contemplated doing an 11 or a men’s size 9 because I could use more width. I would recommend going up at least a half size if not more.
Saucony Freedom ISO Ride:
The ride of the Saucony Freedom ISO was interesting. I could feel the extra cushion in the forefront immediately. My first run in the Saucony Freedom ISO was an easy 7 miler. The Saucony Freedom ISO felt comfortable the moment I put it in on. It was soft, yet responsive and resilient ride. The extra cushion in the Saucony Freedom ISO was immediately noticed. Plus the flex outsole in the Saucony Freedom ISO gives it responsiveness with the toe-off.
Saucony Freedom ISO Pros:
- Full-length everun gives the Saucony Freedom more cushion in the forefront
- Lightweight and resilient ride
Saucony Freedom ISO Cons:
- Sizing
- Cost ($160 makes it one of the most costly neutral shoes on the market)
Similar options:
There aren’t a lot of options with extra cushion in the front. Both the Saucony Kinvara and Zealot ISO 2 have a 4mm drop and are the closest by far. The Asics Nimbus or adidas Energy Boost has a good amount of cushioning in the front as well.
Current Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Freedom ISO (long runs, daily runs)
Brooks Ghost (any run)
Brooks Launch (shorter runs, speed work)
Saucony Type A (speed work)
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Questions for you:
Where do you wear out a shoe first?
Which shoes are you currently running in? Have you tried the Saucony Freedom ISO?