Comments on: Saucony is Hacking Heels Again: Fastwitch 5 is Going to 4mm Drop

By: Charlie

Charlie — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think that we will continue to see more dialed down racing shoes in the future because these large shoe companies want to appear to a wider audience for their shoes.

By: Fitz

Fitz — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This is awesome news. I've been wearing the Fastwitch's for about 4-5 months now and this will give me a good reason to continue towards increased minimalism. It can be hard when you're running 9-10 miles a day, but a transition like this is a good first step.

By: Niki Lacoste

Niki Lacoste — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I bought a pair of Kinvaras based on your positive review. Altough the low heel drop did feel super nice I didn't like the pointy toebox. Wow they are super syper narrow around the toes. I can't see how the toes can splay at all in these shoes I am looking for a shoe for my long runs as an alternative to my 5Finger Bikilas. Are all Saucony shoes narrow and pointy?

By: Prc1

Prc1 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Woody.

I love the 4s, ran IM Wisconsin in them. Just got the 5s and I don't like them at all. Toebox is smaller and the overall fit is different. Trying to find someone who has old 4s in stock size 11. Still have some A2s with low mileage. Using them in the meantime.

By: Staffan

Staffan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Seems like good news but why so catious design of the new Fastwitch 5? I like the look of the fastwitch 4, in general I like a more distinguished, colourful look on racer shoes differing them from the normal white/silver/blue colouring of other running shoes.

thanks again for great blog. I follow it very regularly!

My blog although you wont get very much out of it (in Swedish...)

Kind regards,
Staffan Dahlgren
Sweden

By: Sandy

Sandy — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I own a pair of Fastwitch 3's that need be replaced soon...I'm liking the updates to the 5!!!

By: Mark

Mark — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I like the Fastwitch but what is the difference between it and the Kinvara? They both seem to be nearly the same weight.

By: ChicagoDan

ChicagoDan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I liked the FT3's and absolutely LOVE the 4's. Haven't tried the 5s yet, but based on reviews / specs seems like they added a small post to the kinvara and changed the name. Some how the 5s got 0.8oz heavier than the 4s? Seems like this shoe competes w/ the kinvara whilst potentially losing market share in those who liked the light-weight 10+mm drop shoe. I was hoping that Saucony wouldn't go the way of Nike (i.e. marketing trendy shoes to back-of-the-packers) but it appears so though that's where they're heading. Off to hunt down as many pairs of the 4s i can find in a size 12.

By: Maxwell L

Maxwell L — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Just wondering how the Saucony Mirage compare to this, same heel drop but I like my shoes flexible.

By: Pedn55

Pedn55 — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Jamieofthenorth.

Can someone tell me if the Fastwitch is the same as the Kinvara in the ankle region? I bought a pair of the Kinvaras but they cut into my ankle bone. I'm hoping the Fastwitch is cut a little lower, or at least a little more padding in that area.
Can anyone tell me?

By: Guest A

Guest A — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Espen.

hi, you can use myusa.com or borderlinx.com for shipping outside the US.

By: Espen

Espen — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I hate this new trend!
Im a super big fan of the Fastwitch and I love my Fastwitch 3 and 4.
Im also a midfoot striker but I do prefer the heel drop 10mm.
The fastwitch is my no 1 shoe for short and long races. I use them in 3k's and full maratons. Im a runner on the heavy side, and no problem using the fastwitch during a 3:03 maraton for me.

I also own the Saucony Tangent (superb shoe!) kinvara and Grid a4. Last two with low heel to toe like new fastwitch. Kinvara i dont like. A4 is light so i use it now and then - would never use it in a race though.

Bottom line. Im ditching my favourite brand Saucony because of two reasons. 1) Because they no longer export shoes outside USA (cant buy from runningwarehouse no more) and 2) because of heel-to-toe.

Im switching over to Adidas and I find the Adidas Adizero Adios a good replacement for the fastwitch 3/4. Same profil and better sole :)