Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
4 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cushioned
Key Features
• First ever full-length EVERUN midsole• Engineered stretch mesh upper• ISOFIT for a dynamic fit• TRI-FLEX Crystal Rubber Outsole• Unique built-in support system for mild to moderate over-pronation
Upper
The uppers of Liberty ISOs are constructed with an elastic mesh knit. This offers great breathability and may prevent injury if you have wide feet or are prone to blisters. In addition, the Liberty line also features a slightly denser upper and an all-new Support Frame that offers additional support along the midfoot and heel.
Midsole
The Liberty ISOs come with the first ever full-length EVERUN midsole, providing even more cushion than their celebrated Zealot ISO predecessors. EVERUN is created by stream-fusing TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): a dense, highly durable, and flexible rubber. TPU is extremely durable and especially resistant to splitting, tearing, and chemical erosion. Although EVERUN is similar to Adidas’ Boost Technology, Saucony’s design offers even more responsiveness and energy return. Interestingly, Saucony adapts their polymer, molding process, and assembly to fit their runner’s unique needs. The molding process for these shoes has been specifically tailored to prevent and/or reverse over-pronation. Plus, the additional cushioning of an EVERUN midsole provides extra comfort for those of us who are pursuing running as a form of weight management.
Outsole
The Liberty ISO also introduces a highly stylish, durable, TRI-FLEX Crystal Rubber outsole: Perfect for retaining traction even on abrasive streets and running tracks. Constructed from three-ply natural rubber, TRI-FLEX outsoles resist abrasion and help maintain the integrity of the chevron-inspired tread. In addition, this Saucony outsole features uniquely placed flex grooves to further assist in providing metatarsal support.
Breathability
Thanks to an engineered stretch mesh upper, the Liberty ISO is as breathable as it is lightweight. If you’ve worn the Freedom ISO line in the past, you’ll be pleased to hear that while the exterior mesh of Liberty ISOs is slightly more dense than their predecessors, their bootie construction is softer, stretchier, lighter, and more breathable than ever before.
Comfort
With a fully-lined EVERUN midsole and plush lining, Liberty ISOs offer an outstanding level of comfort for long-distance runners. In fact, Saucony claims that their EVERUN technology is three times more durable and three times less temperature-sensitive than other midsoles constructed from EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) foam. Moreover, this shoe provides supportive, corrective comfort (even in daily wear) for those of us who have mild to moderate supination. For those with a neutral gait who enjoy long-distance running, these shoes are also exceptionally comfortable as they lock the foot in place and prevent over-pronation that often occurs due to muscle fatigue.
Style
The Saucony Liberty ISO features one of the widest ranges of colorways in running shoes. Men’s colorways include Tan, Black, Blue, Blue/White, Blue/Citron, Grey, Orange/Citron, Salmon, Slime Black. Women’s colorways include Berry/White, Black, Blue, Blue/Citron, Citron/Purple, Grey, Grey/Denim, Berry/Pink, Pink/Purple, and Red. From neutral to bold color options, Liberty ISO has a style to suit your taste.
Durability
Because Liberty ISOs are constructed with elastic mesh and seaming on the uppers, this shoe might not last through many triathlons. In fact, long-term exposure to water may cause early stitch breakage and cause the bonding agents between the topsole and midsole to deteriorate. Still, runners have worn the Liberty ISO without complaint during other competitive events (like the Boston Marathon) without complaint. However, the Saucony Liberty ISO line has resolved the durability issues some runners faced with the Kinvara 7s. Although Liberty’s also lack an extended rubber outsole on the forefoot, extreme forefoot strikers will be pleased to find that Saucony’s new design should prevent their shoes from showing early signs of wear thanks to an external heel support system and added a vertical plate on the medial.
Protection
Liberty ISOs offer a standard degree of protection against rocks, gravel, and dirt. However, it’s important to note that these shoes are specifically designed for track and street runs rather than hiking and trail running.;Where Liberty ISOs really shine is their superior attention to muscle protection for long-distance runners and mild to moderate over-pronators. Equipped with a slight vertical plate and extra-dense outsole pattern on the medial these shoes are designed to prevent metatarsal strain caused by mild to moderate supination. Reinforcing these technologies even further is a supportive, dense fabric upper along the midfoot and an all-new Support Frame that offers external heel support.
Responsiveness
The Liberty ISOs are equally responsive and supportive thanks to their unique ISOFIT construction. ISOFIT takes advantage of the Liberty ISO’s inner mesh bootie by connecting it to the internal support frame. This allows the shoe’s structured interior to securely wrap your foot as you lace up. However, because these are primarily meant to be running shoes, the ISOs aren’t very responsive to the lateral moves you need to make during CrossFit training sessions.
Support
The Liberty ISO’s unique ISOFIT technology adapts to your unique gait, balancing light support and comfortability. Plus, the Liberty’s slight vertical plate and dense outsole pattern on the medial combined with their all-new Support Frame technology makes this shoe specifically designed to provide additional metatarsal support for longer, more intense runs. Because of these features, you’ll likely find the Liberty ISO on this year’s lists of the best shoe for those with over-pronation (excessive inward rolling of the ankle during your walk/run cycle). In fact, several buyers preferred the Liberty ISO to its sister shoe the Kinvara 7 Runshield.
Terrain
With their grippy chevron design and a high number of flex grooves, Liberty ISOs are well-suited for the track and street. However, because they offer limited lateral support, it is not recommended these shoes be used for activities that require multi-directional agility like hiking or CrossFit.
Price
Saucony running shoes may be seen as a little expensive. Still, their broad range of colorways and reputable name make this a fairly reasonably priced shoe.
Drop
With a barely-there 4mm drop (22 heel stack/18 forefoot stack), the Saucony ISO is a running shoe that offers a natural strike. If you’re used to maximal, highly cushioned running shoes, however, it’s likely you won’t be able to immediately transition to the Liberty ISO line without some discomfort (especially in your shins).
Stability
At its core, the Saucony Liberty ISO is a trainer designed with stability in mind. As perhaps one of the biggest keys to success in marathons and the Olympian Games (other than training, of course), stability in a shoe can often mean the difference between injury and minor irritation. Liberty’s EVERUN midsole (with extra dense rubber on the outsole) offers incredible stability – even for those who have over-pronation issues.
Flexibility
Because of their elastic knit uppers and lightweight design, Saucony Liberty ISO shoes are highly flexible. In fact, Saucony frequently tops our “best of” lists when it comes to lightweight, minimalist shoes. Their EVERUN midsole technology claims to offer twice the amount of flexibility found in standard running shoes and trainers. However, because of the Liberty ISO’s unique midfoot support system, these shoes are specially designed to restrict foot movement to some degree.
Traction
The Liberty ISO’s TRI-FLEX Crystal Rubber outsole offers great traction on urban surfaces and beginner-level trails. Thanks to the chevron detailing and unique flex groove pattern on their tread, they give the wearer a sturdy, powerful, push-off across a fairly wide range of surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Liberty ISO is a breathable, lightweight, supportive running shoe perfect for those who experience over-pronation and are looking for a shoe to keep up with their daily run. Liberty ISOs are a great choice if you’re looking for a well-cushioned shoe that can offer extended stability and support. Plus, they come in a surprising array of colorways (the most I’ve ever seen in a daily wear shoe). The only downside is that all that highly-tailored technology comes at a price nearly twice that of a bargain trainer.
