Saucony Fastwitch 6

If you are in need of a lightweight runner that can correct over pronation, then look no further than the Saucony Grid Fastwitch. Saucony has finally released the latest version of their shoe collection, which is the Fastwitch. For years, runners have always been looking for something light and comfortable for trainings, travels, and track running. The Saucony Grid Fastwitch 6 is indeed a competitive shoe that can rival some of its own popular siblings, like the Saucony Kinvara and Saucony Virrata. However, this product is made for speed works and it offers adequate mid foot protection for mild and over pronators.

Arch Support and Pronation Control 

The Saucony Grid Fastwitch is considered a stability runner, even if its measurements and weight could rival minimalist and neutral shoes on the market. Stability runners are technically constructed with a post on the midsole in order to decelerate over pronation and improve the impact absorption when running. Medial posts could be in the form of dual density foams, which helps over pronators with mid foot stability, and thermoplastic units placed in the midsole foam. For Saucony Grid Fastwitch, the brand chose a Midfoot Support Bridge. In terms of pronation control, the Midfoot Support Bridge is efficient. However, it could lead to a stiffer transition to toe off and decrease the flexibility for mild and over pronators.

Terrain                                                 

The outsole of the Saucony Grid Fastwitch has a standard tread style and an almost flat undersurface, which belongs to the pavement.  In terms of stability, this shoe is used best on even and hard surfaces like track and gravel. Terrain with slight irregularities (nature trails) could also be handled by the shoe, although the traction is not reliable. Wet environments could also be a problem because the outsole has holes, which could be penetrated by water. Without the insole, the feet would be soaked by water puddles and mud. It also lacks an aggressive rubber outsole to keep stability on slushy and wet surfaces.

Use

As a stability runner, the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is aimed mostly for training. It has a good set of cushioning systems needed by beginners and casual runners. In short, it is perfect for a leisurely jog or a walk around the park. However, the product is lightweight enough to be used as a pair for marathons as well. The weight of the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is surprising, since stability shoes usually weigh more than 283 grams. With the combination of cushioning, comfort and lightness, the Saucony Grid Fastwitch could be used for both training and racing.

Durability

Durability is one of the strongest suits of the Saucony Grid Fastwitch. From the upper to the outsole, Saucony only uses premium materials with high wear resistance. The upper’s Ultralite Mesh and FlexFilm overlays are stretchable enough to accommodate the flexing of the foot. They are not stiff, which means they would technically last long in the pavement. The Ortholite insole is also a trusted part of the shoe that provides a step-in comfort. Its durability-boosting properties are commendable, given that most shoe manufacturers of today only use it in performance shoes. Lastly, the XT-900 outsole has a durable traction that delivers.

Outer Sole

The outsole of the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is not far from its predecessor. It is made from the XT-900 carbon rubber material, which is common among Saucony performance shoes. The rubber delivers decent traction, which may not fare well in wet environments. However, it has a high wear resistance that improves the overall durability of the shoes under the surface, which is the part that is most vulnerable to road damage. The outsole feels responsive and firm while running, which are standard definitions for racing shoes. Despite the stiffness, the forefoot flexibility is still good and does not restrict the lateral movements of the runner.

Midsole

The Saucony Grid Fastwitch has a Midfoot Support Bridge, which acts as the medial post. Medial posts are incorporated in stability runners to decrease over pronation and improve overall cushioning in the midsole. The Midfoot Support Bridge is in the form of a thermoplastic unit, which is an outdated post material. More shoe companies are adapting dual density foams, but Saucony is not one of them. The Midfoot Support Bridge runs from the mid foot to the heel and aims to improve the shoe’s torsional rigidity. This means that the flexibility in the midsole will be compromised to make way for a firm and stable platform while running. The midsole part is also home to the dual density SSL (Saucony Super Lite) EVA midsole material. It covers the midsole, from the mid foot to the forefoot, improving the comfort and rebound properties of the shoe. 

Upper

The new upper of the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is made from a combination of Ultralite open mesh and FlexFilm welded overlays. The overlays provide the support in running, while the mesh improves the breathability and flexibility of a shoe. When running in marathons, these aspects could enhance the runner’s performance and render comfort to the feet, so it will not be as beat up in the end.  

Nobody could deny that the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is better than its predecessors in the series in many aspects. It continues to be a lightweight stability runner that can be used for both training and racing. The Midfoot Support Bridge still provides medium support for those who tend to over pronate while running. It is also firmer than other stability shoes for the lack of cushioning technologies. Improvements may have been put into place, such as the Ultralite mesh upper, a spacious toe box, a premium sock liner, and FlexFilm overlays, but it feels just the same with the old ones in terms of feel and performance.  For a price of $90, the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is not a bad deal if you are just getting the version for the first time. However, if you have the Saucony Grid Fastwitch 5, you might as well stick to it until new shoe technologies come along.

Price

Originally priced at $90, the Saucony Grid Fastwitch is considered a bang for the buck especially that the shoe technologies being incorporated in its construction made it better than its predecessors.