Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• PWRTRAC outsole provides three times the traction of standard rubber• Arrow-shaped lugs for additional traction• EVA foam midsole• Flex grooves in the forefoot• Anti-microbial and anti-odor Ortholite sockliner• Reflective detailing• Water drainage ports• Flex Film overlays• Protective toe cap
Upper
One of Saucony’s biggest changes to this shoe involves the design of the upper. The Fastwitch 8 has a soft, breathable mesh upper just as the Fastwitch 7 did. However, instead of welded overlays, this shoe utilizes FlexFlim overlays which are incredibly thin, nearly translucent, and just as strong. This is the biggest factor in the shoe’s weight reduction. The Ortholite Premium sockliner does an excellent job of providing the foot with extra comfort as well as giving the shoe its anti-sweat, anti-microbial, and anti-odor properties. A traditional lace system is used on this shoe rather than the quick-lace systems that some running shoes are implementing.
Midsole
The Fastwitch 8’s midsole contains very a light molded EVA foam insert. The insert covers the entire length of the shoe, providing you with the comfort, support, and responsiveness you need. The midsole is designed to create a quick and efficient transition from landing to take off. Although it’s lightweight, it’s still surprisingly stable. This is largely due to the medial post under the under, designed to help those with mild over-pronation. The density of the Fastwitch 8’s midsole is noticeably different from the Fastwitch 7. Many runners found that the 7 bordered on being too firm. Saucony did a great job of solving this problem and it is no longer an issue with the Fastwitch 8. While it’s still on the firmer side, it strikes a nice balance between too firm and too cushioned.
Outsole
The Fastwitch 8 utilizes Saucony’s exclusive PWRTRAC rubber outsole for incredible traction. Saucony advertises their PWRTRAC outsole as providing three times the amount of traction as standard rubber does. Additionally, arrow-shaped lugs are attached to the bottom of the shoe, all the way from the heel to the forefoot, to improve traction even more. The lugs do a great job of providing reliable grip even in slick conditions. A vertical line from the heel to half the midfoot is carved for extra flexibility and a smoother ride. Flex grooves in the forefoot provide the toes with a full range of motion, which is especially important in the toe-off phase of your run.
Breathability
One of the greatest changes in this shoe compared to its predecessor is the addition of numerous holes for enhanced ventilation. The lightweight, breathable upper still does an excellent job of ensuring that the foot doesn’t become excessively hot or sweaty, and the ventilation holes add an extra layer of confidence. It can be difficult to find a running shoe that both offers superior support and remains breathable. The Fastwitch 8 scores excellently in both of these categories. This is a great shoe for anyone who frequently runs in hot or humid conditions.
Comfort
The soft, stretchy mesh used in this shoe makes it easily accommodate both runners with average-width feet and those with slightly wider feet. The soft mesh upper moves freely with your foot while providing breathability and ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry on those hot days. Additionally, it’s designed to be comfortable against the skin, without causing blisters or irritation. Most runners find that the Fastwitch 8 runs true to size. The shoe’s toe box has ample room for toes to splay, so you’ll have no need to worry about your toes feeling cramped or restricted. Overall, the fits of this shoe is excellent. The heel has a medium-to-snug fit and the toe box is wider than the majority of the racing shoes on the market. The midfoot fit snugly, but without being so tight that your foot feels restricted. Saucony definitely did an A+ job with designing the Fastwitch 8 to conform perfectly to the natural shape of the foot.
Style
Unlike its predecessor, the Fastwitch 8 has a plastic-like finishing, purely for aesthetic appeal. The shoe is currently only available in one color scheme: black and citron (yellowish green). Neon reflective detailing around the lace area gives the shoe a modern, sleek look. “Saucony” is diagonally printed on the left side of the shoe in gray and black lettering and “Fastwitch” is on the right. Overall, the Fastwitch 8 is a very visually appealing shoe.
Durability
While the Fastwitch 8 is not as heavy-duty as some higher drop shoes are, its high-quality construction ensures that it’s not going to fall apart any time soon. Although the outsole is very flexible, it still maintains sufficient durability. If you’re looking for a shoe to carry you through your runs on tricky, technical terrain, this probably isn’t the shoe for you. You’re going to want something with a bit more protection. But if you’re looking for a road shoe with plenty of support and comfort, the Saucony Fastwitch 8 is an excellent choice.
Protection
The Fastwitch 8 has a heavy-duty, thick outsole base all around the shoe for protection against mud and other debris. A protective toe cap keeps the toes safe from impact against rocks and the like. While the tongue and collar are both great in terms of comfort, they don’t offer much cushioning, therefore, pebbles and other debris have the potential to enter the shoe. One of the biggest changes in terms of protective features with the Fastwitch 8 is the addition of reflective details on the shoe. For those who frequently run in low-light conditions, this is an excellent feature to have. The Ortholite sockliner provides anti-sweat, anti-microbial, and anti-odor properties, ensuring that the shoe stays as fresh and clean as possible. However, unlike some other Saucony shoes on the market, this shoe is not water resistant.
Responsiveness
The Fastwitch 8 was designed to be a bit softer than Saucony’s previous shoes, which gives it a very responsive feel rather than an overly firm one. The EVA foam cushioned midsole provides excellent shock absorption while running on any type of terrain. The shoe is designed to provide forgiveness upon landing, making for a smooth, responsive, comfortable ride.
Support
The Fastwitch 8 provides excellent support, mainly due to its lightweight EVA foam midsole. Many runners have reported wearing this shoe for miles with no issues of lack of support or discomfort. The heel cup holds the foot in place and provides excellent shock absorption with each stride.
Terrain
The Fastwitch 8 is a versatile shoe, but it’s not necessarily designed for the rocky or tough terrain. This shoe does best on road-like surfaces and tracks. It’s technically a racing shoe, so it performs extremely well on such terrains. Additionally, keep in mind that the shoe is not water-resistant, so it’s best to avoid trails that may hold puddles of rainwater.
Price
Considering how well-made this shoe is, it’s very reasonably priced. In terms of running shoes in general, it’s priced on the low to moderate side of the scale. It’s priced averagely in comparison to Saucony’s other shoes on the market. Purchasing a worthwhile running shoe is always an investment, but with the Saucony Fastwitch 8, you’re getting top-of-the-line quality with a price tag that won’t break the bank.
Drop
The Saucony Fastwitch 8 has a heel to toe drop of 4mm, making for a shoe that’s fairly low to the ground. Running shoes with a lower drop (typically 4mm and less) promote an efficient stride more so than those with a higher drop. Generally speaking, low-drop shoes have durable soles and flex easily. The downside of low-drop shoes is that they have less debris protection which could potentially lead to injury. Saucony is one of the industry leaders in low-drop running shoes. If you’re thinking about someday transitioning to minimalistic style running, the Fastwitch 8 is a great shoe to serve as a link between the traditional and minimalistic styles.
Stability
The Fastwitch 8 does a great job of securely locking the foot down and holding it in place. The heel cup tightly hugs the heel and ensures that the foot does not exit the shoe while running. A dual-density post in the midsole provides extra stability for runners who need it during longer runs. The shoe’s lacing system is resistant to unintentionally coming undone, so your foot maintains a snug, secure, yet comfortable fit throughout your entire run.
Flexibility
Many aspects regarding flexibility were taken into account by Saucony when designing the Fastwitch 8. One of the most notable features is a vertical line that’s carved on the bottom of the outsole. It runs from heel to the half-way point of the midfoot and is designed to add more flexibility to the shoe. Additionally, forefoot flex grooves are utilized to improve flexibility further. Many runners comment that this flexibility contributes to an easy and powerful toe-off, ultimately maximizing performance.
Traction
The Fastwitch 8’s outsole does an amazing job in terms of traction. Runners have reported running in pouring down rain and still maintaining incredible grip and stability. A racing shoe that’s able to still provide you with great traction on wet roads is a rare find, but the Fastwitch 8 pulls it off. The PWRTRAC rubber outsole provides three times better traction than standard rubber does. You’ll feel the difference immediately.
Bottom Line
The Fastwitch 8 is overall an excellent running shoe. It’s incredibly lightweight, yet stable and secure at the same time. The shoe strikes a perfect balance in terms of the firmness of the midsole. An improved upper, designed for increased breathability, offers extreme comfort and flexibility. The outsole is incredibly well-constructed, and the addition of arrow-shaped lugs provide maximum traction, even on slippery surfaces. If you’re looking for a racing shoe that still offers superior stability, the Saucony Fastwitch 8 is the shoe for you. This shoe is one of the best currently on the market. Considering the price, you’re getting an excellent high-quality shoe. Based on other runners’ reviews alone, you won’t be disappointed with the Fastwitch 8.
