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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Fastwitch Review}} The Saucony Fastwitch is a great shoe, similar in many ways to my long time favorite in this class, the Asics Gel..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Saucony Fastwitch Review}}
The Saucony Fastwitch is a great shoe, similar in many ways to my long time favorite in this class, the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. While the Fastwitch it's often marketed as a 'racing shoe', I prefer to think of it as an optimal shoe, providing everything most runners need without the weight that comes with the over engineering of traditional running shoes. It's a 7oz shoe that I'd happily run the marathon distance in, and if I needed more cushioning than the Fastwitch I'd look to the Maximalist [[Hoka Clifton]]. The Fastwitch has the cushioning of shoes weighing (and costing) far more. It's only major problem is that the shape does not match the human foot, a failing shared by most running shoes. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Fastwitch has outstanding cushioning for its weight, which is on par with the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. It's slightly heavier than the Hyper Speed, but it's a little bit more equal fore/rear. The cushioning feels smooth and even, feeling like you're running on a cushioned track, which is how it should be.
* {{H:drop}}. The Fastwitch has 4mm of drop when loaded, which is a tad more than I'd like, but it shouldn't cause any biomechanical problems. The main issue with that level of drop on a lightweight shoe is that it puts more of the cushioning in the rear and less in the forefoot, rather than balancing it out.
* {{H:structure}}. The Fastwitch is a nice simple shoe that does not attempt to manipulate your stride. There's a single density of foam and only a slight rise under the midfoot that shouldn't create undue pressure on your arch.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Fastwitch has great flexibility that allows the shoe to move naturally with your foot. This flexibility is rather greater than I might expect given the construction; it seems to come partly from the gaps in the outsole, but mostly from the midsole foam. Unlike many shoes that want to flex in just one place, the Fastwitch flexes more naturally.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Fastwitch has harder wearing rubber outsole under most of the contact area, providing reasonable abrasion resistance. Like most shoes with an outsole, the limit on longevity will be the midsole which will compress with mileage. There are some small gaps in the outsole, but I didn't find any problems with them catching stones.
* {{H:shape}}. The Fastwitch is not designed to fit a human foot, so I [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]] to prevent my toes getting crushed and so my foot could move naturally. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is inflexible and mostly unpadded, but quite comfortable. The upper is largely seamless, having just a little padding around the rear of the foot and around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Fastwitch has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is rather more padded than the rest of the shoe.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Fastwitch has flat laces which have tiny bit of elasticity that seems to improve comfort and I've never had them come undone.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Fastwitch has rather more of a heel counter than I'd like. This adds weight and does not good, but it's also unlikely to cause any issues by rubbing or digging in.
{{FastBlr|saucony/type-a6-597|597|Saucony Type Fastwitch}}
=How Far Can I Run in the Fastwitch? =
Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a [[Maximalist]] shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Saucony Fastwitch and Nike Zoom Streak LT3 ==
The [[Nike Zoom Streak LT]] isn't as well cushioned as the Fastwitch, nor is its cushioning-to-weight-ratio as good. However the Streak is a far better shape than the Fastwitch and it's one of the few shoes I can wear without cutting open the toe box. It also lasts far longer than the Fastwitch and it's quite a bit lighter.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 top]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 inside]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
{{FastBlr|nike/zoom-streak-lt2-1090|1090|Nike Zoom Streak LT}}
==Saucony Fastwitch and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Fastwitch and the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] are really close, with the Hyper Speed providing slightly better cushioning for the weight.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==Saucony Fastwitch and New Balance RC5000v2==
The Fastwitch is quite light, but it's nearly twice the weight of the [[New Balance RC5000v2]]. The RC5000v2 provides just enough cushioning to improve [[Running Economy]], so it will be a faster shoe than the Fastwitch. However, I suspect most folks will appreciate the extra cushioning of the Fastwitch.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Saucony Fastwitch is a great shoe, similar in many ways to my long time favorite in this class, the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. While the Fastwitch it's often marketed as a 'racing shoe', I prefer to think of it as an optimal shoe, providing everything most runners need without the weight that comes with the over engineering of traditional running shoes. It's a 7oz shoe that I'd happily run the marathon distance in, and if I needed more cushioning than the Fastwitch I'd look to the Maximalist [[Hoka Clifton]]. The Fastwitch has the cushioning of shoes weighing (and costing) far more. It's only major problem is that the shape does not match the human foot, a failing shared by most running shoes. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Fastwitch has outstanding cushioning for its weight, which is on par with the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]]. It's slightly heavier than the Hyper Speed, but it's a little bit more equal fore/rear. The cushioning feels smooth and even, feeling like you're running on a cushioned track, which is how it should be.
* {{H:drop}}. The Fastwitch has 4mm of drop when loaded, which is a tad more than I'd like, but it shouldn't cause any biomechanical problems. The main issue with that level of drop on a lightweight shoe is that it puts more of the cushioning in the rear and less in the forefoot, rather than balancing it out.
* {{H:structure}}. The Fastwitch is a nice simple shoe that does not attempt to manipulate your stride. There's a single density of foam and only a slight rise under the midfoot that shouldn't create undue pressure on your arch.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Fastwitch has great flexibility that allows the shoe to move naturally with your foot. This flexibility is rather greater than I might expect given the construction; it seems to come partly from the gaps in the outsole, but mostly from the midsole foam. Unlike many shoes that want to flex in just one place, the Fastwitch flexes more naturally.
* {{H:outsole}}. The Fastwitch has harder wearing rubber outsole under most of the contact area, providing reasonable abrasion resistance. Like most shoes with an outsole, the limit on longevity will be the midsole which will compress with mileage. There are some small gaps in the outsole, but I didn't find any problems with them catching stones.
* {{H:shape}}. The Fastwitch is not designed to fit a human foot, so I [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box]] to prevent my toes getting crushed and so my foot could move naturally. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is inflexible and mostly unpadded, but quite comfortable. The upper is largely seamless, having just a little padding around the rear of the foot and around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Fastwitch has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. The tongue is rather more padded than the rest of the shoe.
* {{H:lacing}}. The Fastwitch has flat laces which have tiny bit of elasticity that seems to improve comfort and I've never had them come undone.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Fastwitch has rather more of a heel counter than I'd like. This adds weight and does not good, but it's also unlikely to cause any issues by rubbing or digging in.
{{FastBlr|saucony/type-a6-597|597|Saucony Type Fastwitch}}
=How Far Can I Run in the Fastwitch? =
Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a [[Maximalist]] shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Saucony Fastwitch and Nike Zoom Streak LT3 ==
The [[Nike Zoom Streak LT]] isn't as well cushioned as the Fastwitch, nor is its cushioning-to-weight-ratio as good. However the Streak is a far better shape than the Fastwitch and it's one of the few shoes I can wear without cutting open the toe box. It also lasts far longer than the Fastwitch and it's quite a bit lighter.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-top.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 top]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-bottom.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-inside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 inside]]
|[[File:Nike Zoom Streak LT 3-outside.JPG|none|thumb|200px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|}
{{FastBlr|nike/zoom-streak-lt2-1090|1090|Nike Zoom Streak LT}}
==Saucony Fastwitch and Asics Gel Hyper Speed==
The Fastwitch and the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] are really close, with the Hyper Speed providing slightly better cushioning for the weight.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==Saucony Fastwitch and New Balance RC5000v2==
The Fastwitch is quite light, but it's nearly twice the weight of the [[New Balance RC5000v2]]. The RC5000v2 provides just enough cushioning to improve [[Running Economy]], so it will be a faster shoe than the Fastwitch. However, I suspect most folks will appreciate the extra cushioning of the Fastwitch.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Type-Fastwitch-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Saucony Type Fastwitch outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000v2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000v2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}