Details
Brand
Saucony
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Saucony Swerve• XT900 outsole featured in the heel for increased durability• iBR+ outsole material is grippy, durable but also lightweight• Tri-Flex construction enhances the flexibility of the outsole• Flex Grooves in sole• Angled lugs provide traction• Mesh upper• FlexFilm technology in upper enhances flexibility• RunDry interior provides an extra layer of padding and has wicking properties• Powergrid midsole provides even cushioning and responsive ride
Upper
The upper of the Saucony Swerve features lightweight mesh that fits nicely around the wearer’s foot. The Flexfilm material that makes up the upper adds an element of flexibility. Inside the shoe, the RunDry liner provides a plush padding and it has the ability to wick moisture really well. Despite this comfy interior, I wouldn’t recommend wearing the shoe sockless. There quite a bit of texture on the inside of the shoe and without a seamless interior you’ll likely end up with painful blisters.;Another issue is the toe box. Many reviewers commented that it was a little too snug for their liking. They go on to say that they would have preferred if the forefoot was wider to accommodate natural toe splay. In the Swerve, toes tend to bunch up a bit too much. Another reviewer also pointed to the badly constructed tongue. It’s a tad too short and isn’t very comfortable. It could definitely be improved in future versions of the shoe.
Midsole
The midsole of the Saucony Swerve is composed of Powergrid cushioning. This type of padding provides a nice amount of rebound for the wearer. The cushion is evenly distributed and provides a plush platform for runners. The Swerve sits at the middle of the pack in terms of cushioning so you’ll get a good deal of padding without all the added bulk of a maximally cushioned trainer. The feel of the shoe is really similar to the Jaxx but you get a bit more padding in the midsole to absorb shock even better than before.
Outsole
The outsole of the Saucony Swerve is made up of XT900 rubber and iBR+ material. The XT900 rubber has been placed in the heel for increased resistance to wear while the iBR+ material covers the sole everywhere else. The iBR+ rubber is highly resistant but lightweight. It also adds a bit of padding underfoot. The nearly full-contact outsole uses Tri-Flex technology rendering it flexible enough to produce a smooth ride. Additional Flex Grooves underfoot also help to enhance flexibility. On the bottom of the shoe, you’ll also find sharply angled lugs which provide a nice amount of traction.
Breathability
The Saucony Swerve is a breathable shoe. The upper does all the work to ensure your foot doesn’t overheat and that air circulates inside the shoe. The mesh material allows air to enter the shoe which helps to ensure your feet remain dry. Of course, the RunDry interior also helps to promote a dry environment inside the shoe. The padding material can wick moisture that’s the result of a rainy day or moisture that builds up as a result of foot sweat. Keep in mind that although the shoe tends to wick moisture well, you shouldn’t go sockless in the Swerve. The inside of the shoe is not seamless, so even if you stay dry, there are likely to be friction points that may cause hot spots and/or blisters. The problem is likely to get worse with sweat build up.
Comfort
Runners who found the Saucony Jazz comfortable will enjoy the equally comfy Saucony Swerve. In this shoe, you get even more cushion in the midsole and a supremely plush interior. The breathable upper also contributes to the overall comfortability of the shoe. Reviewers also appreciated the flexible construction which provided some give. Some reviewers commented that the shoe felt a bit snug but going up a half size remedied the problem. The shoe is also suitable for overweight runners, tall heavy runners, or runners who simply have a hard footfall since its midsole is generously cushioned with Progrid material.
Style
The Saucony Swerve is an attractive looking shoe with fresh colorful design offerings. While some reviewers weren’t overly enthusiastic about the color options, I am particularly impressed with the beautiful orange and blue offering for women that’s accented with gorgeous baby blue laces. It’s not advisable to purchase a running shoe based solely on its colorway but in this case, it’s tempting! Also available for women is a fun grey/purple/blue combo. For men, a red color option and grey/blue version with neon accents are both attraction options.
Durability
The Saucony Swerve can handle a lot of pounding. From sole to upper, the shoe is constructed using resistant materials. The outsole features XT900 material in the heel, to ensure the rear foot doesn’t degrade quickly. The iBR+ material in the sole covers the rest of the outsole and is intended to ensure the shoe can hold its own. The midsole has a lot of Progrid cushion that will stay fresh and bouncy throughout your training. And, the upper of the Swerve is tough enough to withstand a high amount of use.
Protection
There’s nothing extremely special about the Saucony Swerve when it comes to protection. You get the standard durable outsole and a nicely fitting upper to keep you from wobbling back and forth. The midsole’s Progrid cushion is also present to prevent wearers from feeling too much of the impact of the sport. The cushion is well distributed some you’re covered from heel to toe. Whether you’re a heel striker or midfoot striker, you should feel enough shock absorption to get a comfortable ride out of the shoe.
Responsiveness
The Saucony Swerve’s Progrid midsole delivers a decent amount of energy return. Reviewers found that the shoe delivered a very responsive ride. A lower than normal drop of 8mm definitely helps to promote a natural, smooth ride. There’s also the added factor of the shoe’s weight. It’s lighter than the Jazz so most runners will definitely feel an extra spring in their step.
Support
There’s enough support in the Saucony Swerve to serve neutral runners. The lighter package still manages to provide a nicely padded midsole which delivers a supportive base. The upper also helps to support the wearer, although some found the snug fit of the upper to be a bit oppressive. A few reviewers needed to size up in the Swerve. Quite a few Jazz fans found they needed to size up as well but sizing up did not negatively affect the shoe’s support. A moderate amount of arch support is also present in the midfoot of the shoe. It’s perfect for flatfooted runners who need a bit of a boost in that area.
Terrain
The Saucony Swerve was built for road running. There’s no reason you couldn’t take it out for a weekend trail run, but there’s not enough support for it to be considered a dedicated trail shoe. In addition, the shoe’s angled lugs just aren’t fit for providing extra grip on a particularly gnarly terrain. The Swerve is meant to provide a reliable ride on pavement. Stick to the roads and you’ll get the most out of this shoe. The interior of the shoe dries fairly quickly, which is an added bonus if you live in a place where it rains a lot.
Price
The Saucony Swerve is offered at a very fair price just above $100. For a moderately cushioned shoe, it’s a bit of a steal. You get a nicely padded midsole, a durable package, and a comfortable fit. What a value purchase! There’s no reason to steer clear of the Swerve and there’s definitely no problem with its price point. The majority of reviewers were extremely pleased with their purchase and even Jazz fans found themselves happy with this replacement model.
Drop
The 8mm drop of the Saucony Swerve is a fairly common drop that’s seen in most modern Saucony brand shoes. This drop angle is meant to be most conducive to a smooth feeling ride. It’s low to the ground without being minimalist.
Stability
The Saucony Swerve is a neutral shoe so you’re not going to find traditional stability features in this shoe. Just because you’re a neutral runner, though, doesn’t mean you deserve to be wobbling around like you’re on stilts. The 8mm drop is conducive to a more stable ride. The flexible but secure upper material ensures you stay inside your shoe. The evenly placed Progrid cushion also contributes to the shoe’s overall stability. And, the outsole provides the magic formula for a no-slip ride: XT9000 and iBR+ rubber.
Flexibility
Reviewers found the Saucony Swerve was very flexible. Its lightweight construction helps to promote a pliable feel. But that’s not all, the shoe also features some flex grooves in its sole. These help the shoe to bend a bit as you move. In fact, the outsole actually uses Tri-Flex technology to further boost the shoe’s overall flexibility. The upper also does a stellar job when it comes to flexibility. It features a Flexfilm material which enhances flex and provides a bit of extra give for the wearer. There’s virtually no stiffness with the Swerve.
Traction
You’ll get an average amount of traction out of the Saucony Swerve. The shoe’s outsole features materials that enhance durability but they also provide some degree of grip. The XT900 material provides the bulk of the gripping qualities of the heel. The iBR+ rubber pads underfoot and will help ensure you feel and remain stable while running in the Swerve. You probably want to avoid tough surfaces like technical trails in this shoe, but generally, you should be fine if you’re just running around your neighborhood or sticking to indoor runs on the treadmill.
Bottom Line
The Saucony Swerve is a great option for non-overpronating runners. You can rest assured that when choosing the Swerve, you’re getting a good deal. A durable construction means that you’ll get lots of mileage out of the shoe. You also get a super trendy design that can be worn outside of training. You won’t feel the need to slip off your shoes because they’re attractive enough to be worn casually and they’re comfortable. This Jazz replacement is a nice change. It’s got added cushion but with an even lighter weight. The ability to grip remains the same, and although the fit might have changed slightly (you might need to size up) you won’t have to worry about breathability or comfort.
