Changes

* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Freedom doesn't have a heel counter in the traditional way. If you look at the photos above, you'll see a black band that runs roughly where the top of the heel counter would go. This black band is relatively thick plastic that acts as a skeleton of a heel counter. To me, this seems like an unusually pointless bit of design and it's hard to imagine that anyone would think that this provides any functional benefit. I'm guessing that the designers felt that a running shoe must have a heel counter so late put something in regardless of the futility.

{{FastBlr|Saucony/type-a6-597|597|Saucony Freedom}}

After 200 miles, the midsole of the Freedom is remarkably untouched. There are no signs of any compression or breakdown, showing the promise of the TPU is being delivered. Likewise, the outsole is barely touched, with just the faintest hint of wear on the heel. Sadly, the same can't be said for the insole, which was dead after 100 miles. The insole started off about 4.2mm thick in the forefoot, but it's down to 2.5mm depressingly quickly. I used this as an opportunity to start testing some [[Replacement Insoles]], which helped restore the Freedoms to their original state. The other approach is to remove the insole completely, which works fairly well. The insole adds a fair bit of cushioning and some comfort, but once the insole has worn it doesn't add much but a bit of weight (0.6oz). The upper is a little dirty, but otherwise in perfect condition (except for where I've cut open the toe box.) I've got used to the slightly weird feel of the Freedoms, but I've found the extra weight to be increasingly annoying. I should view the extra weight as a useful form of additional training stress, but I'd much rather run faster in a lighter shoe. I'd have to say I've tolerated the Freedoms rather than enjoyed them. If I was looking to save money on running shoes, then the Freedom is probably a good approach as I think they'll last a lot longer.

=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=

{{:Shoes-include}}