Comments on: Saucony Fastwitch 5 Running Shoe Review

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 18:04:35 +0000

In reply to Guega. If they feel good on a few training long runs, no reason you can't use them for a marathon.

By: Guega

Guega — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 03:29:40 +0000

Hi, thanks for your review. I had questions about if is better de Kinvara or Fastwitch5, but now I´m clean!.
I wan to ask something from your experience, Do you recommend me FASTWITCH to run my first marathon?
regards, an keep running!

By: K

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 05:54:26 +0000

In reply to Cettu. Does this technique really work because I wore these shoes in a half marathon and lost it after mile 9. My right arch started hurting really bad. I figured the insole switch would work.

By: JD

JD — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As a Fastwitch 5 fan I found your review on a web search. You mentioned the pronation effect, and I noticed it too when I first ran with the FT5s. In comparison, the Kinvara and Mirage essentially have full contact outsoles while the FT5 replaces the outsole under the arch with the support bridge. Perhaps the lack of contact under the arch is allowing for overpronation at certain paces.

However, at faster paces, I don't notice any overpronation and the firm tuning of the midsole really comes into its own. I also find that the lower overall midsole height of the FT5 compared to Mirage (which I have also worn) really is a benefit.

I previously wore the Fastwitch 3, and while they performed fine, the outsole durability was really poor and the shoes simply felt too "tall." Saucony has addressed these issues with the FT5.

I prefer a bit of beef built into shoes, and for me the Fastwitch 5 are close to the prefect balance between too much and too little structure.

By: Luis

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

I asked for a pair of the Fastwitch 5’s (Red/White/Black) as part of my Christmas wish list. I was looking forward to this new pair as I have worn the previous model Fastwitch in several half marathons. I even planned on wearing the new 5’s during the Disney half marathon this past weekend. My first run in the new 5’s was an 6 mile tempo run. I had been wearing Kinvara 2’s for the past 200+ miles. As soon as I put the 5’s on, I immediately felt a very stiff sole and restrictive top area of the shoe. I tried on a previous model of the Fastwitch and noticed a significant difference in feel. The new 5’s felt heavier also. I was obviously very dissapointed and decided to go out for an easy 4-miler. The arch of my foot started hurting after about a mile. I guess after wearing Kinvara 2’s for a while now, I just can’t get used to the new 5’s. This is definitely a different feeling shoe compared to previous models. I raced they Disney half in the Kinvara 2’s and have placed the new Fastwitch 5’s on ebay. Very dissapointed with this shoe. I will try the new A4 which just came out.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Gilbert.

Sorry, been hard finding the time to write as many reviews as I'd
like. The 101 is a great shoe - it probably fits my foot better than
any shoe I own. My only complaint would be that the heel is a bit
higher than I like, but other than that it's near perfection.

Pete

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Luis.

I had the same experience with the Fastwitch 5 - too firm and stiff for my taste.

By: Cris

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

Thanks for the review. A question for you:

I normally use the Kinvara as a trainer, and race in the Fasttwitch 3 -- I like the greater cushion of the Kinvara for easy runs, but prefer a bit more stability (helps with form breakdown near the end) and better "feel for the road" of the Fasttwitch for races and workouts.

However, the Fastwitch 5 seems to be a bit heavier now, and no longer is really a racing flat. Any idea what might be a good replacement for it as my racing shoe? (criteria: slight stability, low heel height, not too padded, equal to or lighter than Kinvara). I would prefer to stick with Saucony, as I have a very narrow heel, and Saucony tends to fit me better than other brands.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Cris.

Check out the Saucony Grid Type A4. Should meet most of those criteria.

Pete

By: RunToTheFinish

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

I am in love with my Kinvara's and haved wondered some about these other styles, good review!

By: Cris

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

In reply to Pete Larson.

Thanks so much!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to David Burns.

F6 is much firmer than the Virrata, and fit in the forefoot is a bit wider. A6 is also a great shoe from Saucony for a firmer ride.

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