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From Fellrnr.com, Running tips
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* {{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. Apparently there's a [[Pronation| Medial Post]], but I never noticed it. 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.
=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.
=Update after 200 Miles=
I've enjoyed running in the Fastwitch, but after 200 miles it's worn out. There is more wear on the outsole than I'd have expected, with the tread worn down a little under the ball of the foot and on the edge of the heel. Saucony claim the rubber outsole of the Fastwitch provides "three times the traction", which might be why it's worn down more quickly than expected. While I never had any traction concerns, I wouldn't say it was any better than other shoes. The upper hasn't changed in the 200 miles since I cut open the toe box, and overall it's been comfortable. Like most running shoes, the limiting factor on the lifespan is the foam midsole breaking down. As the foam wears it becomes compressed, which not only reduces the cushioning you get, but more importantly the compression is uneven. This means that the areas of greatest pressure, such as under the ball of your foot, become lower than the surrounding areas. This can twist your foot in strange ways, and I suspect in may contribute to a number of injuries. I've been surprised just how much the midsole of the Fastwitch has collapsed, and it's now 5-6 mm thinner under the ball of the foot than when it was new.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
