Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Crystal rubber outsole with added flexibility• Everun midsole provides more cushioning• Upper made of brand new ISOKNIT• ISOFIT system offers a sock-like fit• Available in neutral and bright colors• Low drop platform of 4mm
Upper
The Freedom ISO 2 is the first model to feature Saucony’s brand new ISOKNIT upper material. With vents placed at the front and sides, it allows for airflow to target hotspots and keeps the runner comfortable. While it seems almost identical to the previous model’s stretch mesh upper, reviewers quickly noticed how much more breathable this shoe’s upper is. An ISOFIT system is still in place to maintain a secure, sock-like fit. The newer model’s tongue and collar are also paddled in order to provide more ankle support Finally, a plastic support frame wraps around the heel to stabilize the foot and keep it in place.
Midsole
Just like the Freedom ISO, Saucony’s trademarked Everun material still makes up the midsole of this line’s second model. Reviewers are also pleased to know that, because its platform height has been raised 3mm, even more of this material has been added. Comprised of thousands of TPU beads that have been fused together, Everun is similar to Adidas’ Boost material in that it is much more cushiony and responsive than standard EVA foam. This results in softer landings and a greater spring with each step.
Outsole
The Freedom ISO 2 features the same crystal rubber outsole found on the original Freedom ISO. This material is engineered to be more pliable and long-lasting than the standard carbon-based rubber used in shoe manufacturing. In turn, it provides an extremely durable wear that buyers can depend on for continuous use as they run errands, go on multiple jogs, or endure multiple gym sessions. Unlike its predecessor, however, additional grooves are cut into the tread pattern of this model’s outsole in order to provide more flexibility. Reviewers who said that the previous model felt too heavy or stiff took notice of this change in design and were incredibly pleased.
Breathability
The Freedom ISO 2 has successfully maintained the same level of breathability found in the original Freedom ISO. In this version, however, Saucony’s brand new ISOKNIT takes the place of the previous model’s stretch mesh upper. Its open vents featured on the front and sides of the shoe allow for greater targeting of hotspots and work more efficiently to wick sweat away and keep the foot cooler throughout long hours or heavy activity. It’s this quality that makes it an ideal running shoe during warmer weather.
Comfort
For the most part, the Freedom ISO 2 has successfully maintained the same level of comfort as its predecessor. In fact, several reviewers say that this feature has actually been improved. Its Everun midsole has been raised by 3mm, giving the wearer more cushioning and further reducing the likelihood of long-term pain and discomfort. Its brand new ISOKNIT upper offers more targeted breathability and the ISOFIT system wraps around the midfoot area like a sock to give a secure fit that adapts to the runner’s movements. Reviewers have also stated that these are more true to size than the previous model, which was considered to be too narrow and not offer enough toe space.
Style
While the company may not be as famous as other brands such as Adidas or Nike, Saucony still puts out some incredibly stylish models that runners love. And its Freedom ISO model is no exception. Its sleek design is complemented by the brand’s trademarked logo on either side, as well as the shoe’s ISOFIT lacing system. Just like its predecessor, this model also comes in some very eye-catching color choices. Those who prefer to keep it neutral can go for black, white, or grey. Those who really love that pop of color can choose either a bright red and black option or a blue with neon citrus lining.
Durability
Those who were drawn to the original Freedom ISO due to its highly durable features were pleased to learn that the newer version is just as sturdy. The bulk of this quality is still provided by the shoe’s crystal rubber outsole, which withstands even the most prolonged everyday usage and protects the rest of the shoe from possible damage. The Everun midsole is designed to be even stronger and more pliable than standard EVA foam and will provide long-lasting cushioning and energy transfer for the runner. While no information can be found about how durable the new ISOKNIT upper is, some descriptions suggest that it holds up to wear and tear just as well as its predecessor’s stretch mesh material.
Protection
Though very little information is given about the Freedom ISO 2’s protective features, descriptions suggest that it competently shields certain areas of the foot from everyday elements. The crystal rubber outsole protects the rest of the shoe from harsh pavements, and the Everun midsole is expanded further to absorb the impact of each step and reduce the likelihood of long-term injuries. Furthermore, the breathability of the shoe’s ISOKNIT upper works to prevent any irritations or infections that may result from excessive sweating. It is suggested, however, that this shoe cannot protect the foot from outside wetness. The outsole performs poorly on wet terrains, and there is no indication that this shoe’s upper had any kind of water repellency.
Responsiveness
Thanks to some minor changes, the Freedom ISO 2 has proven to be a more responsive shoe than its predecessor. Added grooves in its crystal rubber outsole give the runner more flexibility while still maintaining its sturdiness. The inclusion of additional Everun in its midsole means that the wearer will experience greater cushioning during their runs, as well as stronger energy transfer with each step. Its new ISOKNIT upper works to better target internal hotspots and allow for greater breathability, keeping the foot cooler and dryer during heavy activity and warmer weather.
Support
The Freedom ISO 2 contains all of the same supportive features found in the previous model, along with some much-needed improvements. The crystal rubber outsole provides the perfect base for the rest of the shoe, and added grooves cut into its tread pattern allow the wearer greater freedom of movement. Added Everun in this model’s midsole gives even stronger cushioning and energy transfer, and the ISOFIT system provides a comfortable yet secure fit that moves with the foot. A plastic support frame wrapped around the heel ensures that the foot is better kept in place as the wearer moves around. The low drop platform, however, still may not provide enough ankle support for some buyers.
Terrain
As a lifestyle shoe, the Freedom ISO 2 is designed specifically for all everyday surfaces. This includes cement and concrete roads, as well as any surface found inside a house or fitness center. The outsole’s durability ensures a smooth and safe run on rough surfaces, and its low drop platform allows for a natural stride while still providing some support. That said, this model’s outsole doesn’t provide much grip on wet surfaces. This and the indication that its ISOKNIT upper is not water repellant indicates that it is not an all-weather shoe.
Price
As with the previous model, the Freedom ISO 2 runs for $160. This price can be found across all online outlets, from Road Runner and Eastbay to the Saucony website. Reviewers seem to be quite split when it comes to opinions on the cost. Some find that the shoe’s durability and versatile nature make it well worth the price tag, while others believe it doesn’t offer enough to justify paying the full price. On average, it does cost more than a typical lifestyle shoe. Amazon does offer this model for a much-reduced price, although buyers would be wise to check the reviews before making a purchase.
Drop
The Freedom ISO 2 features a low drop platform, with only a 4mm difference between its heel and toe height. While this doesn’t quite fit the zero-drop category, it does mean that those who prefer a much more natural stride will be drawn to this model. Also, according to some professional reviews, this shoe’s platform has been raised by 3mm overall. The heel height for both men and women is 22mm, while the toe height is 18mm.
Stability
Those who are in need of added stabilizing features won’t be satisfied at all with the Freedom ISO 2. The bulk of its stabilizing comes from the sturdy crystal rubber outsole, aided further by the Everun midsoles ability to perform in lower temperatures. While this shoe does offer a sufficient amount of structure for the neutral runner, in the form of its snug ISOFIT lacing system and supportive heel frame, its lower than average heel leads to a lack of arch support. While the ISOKNIT upper does offer great comfort and breathability, it provides no structural benefits. Those with flat arches or any form of severe pronation can find other Saucony shoes that will work for them.
Flexibility
Reviewers have noticed that the Freedom ISO 2 offers much more improved flexibility than its predecessor. A common complaint among buyers was that the original Freedom ISO felt too bottom heavy and, therefore, didn’t allow for very natural movement. Saucony corrected this by adding additional grooves into the outsole, which give the wearer greater freedom to move naturally. In addition, its Everun midsole moves along with each stride to ensure better cushioning, and the ISOFIT system built within its upper ensures a sock-like fit that adapts to each movement while still keeping the foot secure.
Traction
Little to no online information can be found about how much traction the Freedom ISO 2 offers. Reviews of the previous model indicate that, while it was suitable for everyday terrains, it did not perform well on wet and icy conditions. This was primarily due to the outsole’s crystal rubber, which provides less grip than the carbon-based rubber used for most of Saucony’s older models. The Freedom ISO 2 only slightly rectified this by creating additional grooves in its outsole, and even then its grip on wet surfaces is still quite weak. Still, reviewers are very happy with how well it performs on road surfaces and at indoor fitness centers.
Bottom Line
While it is still extremely similar to it predecessor, the Freedom ISO 2 comes with some minor adjustments that have not only pleased reviewers but assured them that Saucony had listened to their critiques. The outsole is more flexible, the midsole is more cushiony, and the upper now has more targeted breathability. Even more, those who felt that the previous model was too narrow are pleased to learn that its successor is much more true to size. Though its price tag is still considered to be too high by some, and those in need of more stability won’t be happy with this model, fans of the Saucony brand are still thrilled with this improved version of a much-loved lifestyle shoe.
