The Saucony Type A9 is the first racing flat I’ve bought in years. Like many people, I got swept away in the carbon-plated craze. After several years, I’ve been reintroducing traditional racing flats back into my rotation. I think they work better for my body. I will have a longer post about that eventually…
I haven’t run in the Saucony Type A in several years, but it was always a favorite of mine. I figured that’s what I started with when getting back to racing flats.
Saucony Type A9 Quick Facts:
Weight: 5.2 oz women’s
Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm
Price: $99.99
Saucony Type A9 Fit:
Racing flats never really feel “great” in terms of fit. They are usually tighter and hug the foot. They aren’t meant to be extremely comfortable but comfortable enough that you run fast and feel good.
The Saucony Type A9 features a sleek new update using 3D Print overlays this year. What does this mean? It has a dynamic fit and adapts to your foot.
The Saucony Type A9 has a secure upper that hugs the foot. Unlike many racing flats, it isn’t too tight and actually runs fairly try to size. Occasionally the upper with bunch up if you squeeze the laces down, but other than that, it feels great.
Like many Saucony running shoes, the collar is lower on your ankle bone but has plenty of padding. Sometimes this causes people to feel like they are “slipping,” but you won’t slip out of the Saucony Type A9.
In running shoes, I wear a women’s size 10-11 wide. In the Saucony Type A9, I’ve usually worn a men’s size nine or women’s size ten, and that’s exactly what I wear.
Saucony Type A9 Ride:
The midsole is precisely what an “old school” racing flat should feel like. It’s a thin slab of EVA between you and the pavement. There is minimal to no cushion, but that’s why it’s designed as a racing and workout shoe: not an easy run or daily run shoe.
The Type A9 features the same SSL EVA as previous versions. Saucony claims it can be used up to a full marathon, but it depends on your biomechanics. It’s a racing shoe. I would take time patience to do so. Otherwise, you might end up with a stress fracture. The SSL EVA makes the Type A9 soft but responsive. It’s softer than the Nike Streak Lt 4 with a little more cushion too.
Traction and Durability: Of any racing flat, the Saucony Type A9 has more traction than most. It’s been updated to include even more traction. No racing flat will last over 150 miles, but the Saucony Type A9 is going to last a fairly long time. I’ve put about 30 miles on mine, and it looks fairly new.
As far as traction, this isn’t your offroading or mud run shoe, but it performs well in inclement weather and probably better than any of the carbon plated racing shoes. The stack height is low and with minimal, and the rubber on the bottom keeps you from sliding around.
For me, this is purely a workout or racing shoe. I don’t want to beat my body up more than it needs to, so there is no reason to run easy runs in it. If you prefer feeling the ground during workouts or races, this is the right shoe for you.
Saucony Type A9 Conclusion:
the Saucony Type A9 is one of the best racing flats out there. If you are looking for a lightweight racing shoe without a carbon plate, you might prefer them. If you are going straight from a trainer to a road racing shoe, you might want to slowly start adding them into your rotation (don’t just hop into a marathon).
Nike Zoom Streak LT versus the Saucony Type A9:
The Nike Zoom Streak has slightly more cushion but is also more firm. If you have a wider foot, the Type A9 is more forgiving. There isn’t a lot of difference in the ride of the shoes, but the Type A9 does fit better.
Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro versus the Saucony Type A9:
The Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro is under 4 oz but is also $250. The Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro does have significantly less cushion, so if you are injury-prone, the Saucony Type A9 is a better option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, adidas Ultraboost 22
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Saucony Type A9, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite racing shoe?
Have you tried the Saucony Type A9?