Saucony Freedom 4
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By Tara Summerville Editor’s Conclusion
The Saucony Freedom 4 is a neutral running shoe that is built to tackle just about anything. What I love most about this daily trainer is that it boasts a lightweight and responsive midsole that is made of one of Saucony’s newer technologies that are only found in the Freedom series. It doesn’t provide that soft and plush feel like some running shoes but really shines once you start to pick up the pace.
It’s a great option for runners that want something that is able to easily transition off of the sidewalks or treadmill and into the gym. It’s great for nice and easy tempo runs but doesn’t quite provide enough cushioning or support for long-distance running.
What it lacks in distance, however, it makes up for in versatility. This is a shoe that you can wear on the track, and then transition into cross-training or weight lifting. It’s simple, sleek, lightweight, and versatile. Overall, it’s a fantastic neutral runner made to conquer nice and easy tempo runs or shaving a few seconds off of your PR.
It’s a great option for runners that want something that is able to easily transition off of the sidewalks or treadmill and into the gym. It’s great for nice and easy tempo runs but doesn’t quite provide enough cushioning or support for long-distance running.
What it lacks in distance, however, it makes up for in versatility. This is a shoe that you can wear on the track, and then transition into cross-training or weight lifting. It’s simple, sleek, lightweight, and versatile. Overall, it’s a fantastic neutral runner made to conquer nice and easy tempo runs or shaving a few seconds off of your PR.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Very responsive
Boasts an incredibly durable outsole
Semi-gusseted tongue
Breathable mesh upper
PWRRUN PB cushioning is great for lateral movements
Cons
Not ideal for long distances
Lacks the flexibility of previous versions
Not very cushioned
Key Features
Key Features
MIDSOLE
The midsole of the Saucony Freedom 4 is composed of PWRRUN PB foam, which is an improvement on the classic PWRRUN+. Classic PWRRUN+ utilizes TPU to boost stability that offers a smooth and supportive ride with excellent energy return. While TPU is great, it can feel a little hard and still, as well as add to the overall weight of the shoe. PWRRUN PB swaps out TPU and replaces it with Pebax. The Saucony Freedom 4 is the only shoe that includes this style of midsole without the addition of a carbon plate.
I took a brief crash course into the make of Pebax material and learned a little bit about copolymers and polyamide and how these materials are manipulated. It was pretty boring. What I gleaned from my brief science lesson is that Pebax is a material that provides the support of plastic without the extra weight and stiffness.
Overall, it creates a midsole that is lightweight, flexible, and more responsive than classic TPU materials. Overall, the PWRRUN PB is much more flexible and adaptive than the classic PWRRUN+ material.
OUTSOLE
One of the biggest changes made to this Saucony shoe is the construction of the outsole. Previous versions utilized a crystal rubber outsole that allowed you to twist this shoe in any direction.
With the Freedom 4, Saucony dropped the twisty crystal rubber and replaced it with something that is a little firmer. This updated rubber limits the flexibility of the shoe but makes it much more durable. What I also love about the firm rubber is that it is built to last for hundreds of miles, and provides more energy return than the squishy crystal rubber.
The outsole of this shoe also wraps up around the midsole, which provides runners with a little extra stability and control. The lugs boast subtle flex groves to boost flexibility and make your stride feel natural, but these lugs are a tad shallow. While other neutral trainers are equipped to take on sidewalks and modest trails, this shoe is designed specifically for flat surfaces.
Runners also found that the shallow lugs limit your control on wet surfaces, and can get a little slipping when running on rain-soaked sidewalks.
UPPER
What I love most about this design is the fit and feel of the upper. It is composed of super-soft mesh that is thin enough for hot days, but thick enough for cooler morning runs. It walks that fine line between breathable yet insulating, which is something where other neutral trainers often struggle. I love that this upper is super soft and contours to the shape of my foot to boost lockdown and comfort.
This upper also boasts a few extra features to help improve your ride. It has a semi-gusseted tongue with modest padding that sticks in place and helps to limit hot spots and chafing.
The heel collar has modest padding as well to boost lockdown and cut down on the initial break-in period of this shoe. The Freedom 4 has a few missteps, but the construction of the upper is not one of them!
PERFORMANCE
I would recommend this shoe for those in the market for a versatile neutral running shoe. It is composed of responsive and lightweight features that allow you to pick up the pace as needed without heavy materials holding you back.
The performance of the PWRRUN PB midsole isn’t quite as cushioned as other Saucony midsole options, but it really shines when you have the need for speed. By utilizing this super flexible and responsive midsole without a carbon plate, you have a higher range of flexibility that makes this shoe incredibly versatile.
It’s a great option for runners that like to go on nice and easy tempo runs or that want to shave a few seconds off of their PR. However, the midsole isn’t quite as soft and cushioned as other neutral trainers, which can make it a little uncomfortable for long-distance running. The durable outsole is designed for hundreds of miles, but this shoe falls a little short in cushioning and support for longer runs.
I recommend sticking to shorter runs, or wearing them while engaging in HIIT or cross-training. It’s even a great option for weight lifting as well.
FIT
Based upon reviews from previous users, this shoe runs true to size. If you are a size 10 in other Saucony trainers, the same can be said for the Freedom 4. If you are new to Saucony, be sure to take ample measurements of your feet and compare those numbers to Saucony’s detailed sizing chart. If you have the option, it’s always helpful to head down to your local shoe store to give them a test run before you make your purchase.
One thing that I loved most about the overall fit of this shoe is that it is built wide. It has a wider forefoot with a stretchy mesh upper that allows for excellent flexibility without hindering your overall lockdown. It also has a nice and roomy toe box that allows your toes to naturally splay inside of the shoe for added stability and comfort.
STYLE
Personally, I love the overall style of this shoe. It’s sleek and modern and boasts a low profile that sits low on your foot. At first glance, it looks like a simple pair of casual sneakers. The embossed logo is subtle and really pops, and has reflective properties that shine in low light conditions.
I also love that it comes in a wide variety of color options that include neutral shades as well as bright and poppy color options for those that like their trainers to be noticed.
PRICE
I’ll be honest - the price tag on this shoe was just a tad higher than I had expected. While it’s a neutral runner with minimal additional comfort and performance features, it clocks in at a price point that is more in line with high-performing stability trainers.
However, the enhanced durability of this shoe allows you to gain hundreds of high-quality miles with this shoe, making the price point a little more reasonable. If you can swing the slightly higher price point, this shoe is worth the investment!
The midsole of the Saucony Freedom 4 is composed of PWRRUN PB foam, which is an improvement on the classic PWRRUN+. Classic PWRRUN+ utilizes TPU to boost stability that offers a smooth and supportive ride with excellent energy return. While TPU is great, it can feel a little hard and still, as well as add to the overall weight of the shoe. PWRRUN PB swaps out TPU and replaces it with Pebax. The Saucony Freedom 4 is the only shoe that includes this style of midsole without the addition of a carbon plate.
I took a brief crash course into the make of Pebax material and learned a little bit about copolymers and polyamide and how these materials are manipulated. It was pretty boring. What I gleaned from my brief science lesson is that Pebax is a material that provides the support of plastic without the extra weight and stiffness.
Overall, it creates a midsole that is lightweight, flexible, and more responsive than classic TPU materials. Overall, the PWRRUN PB is much more flexible and adaptive than the classic PWRRUN+ material.
OUTSOLE
One of the biggest changes made to this Saucony shoe is the construction of the outsole. Previous versions utilized a crystal rubber outsole that allowed you to twist this shoe in any direction.
With the Freedom 4, Saucony dropped the twisty crystal rubber and replaced it with something that is a little firmer. This updated rubber limits the flexibility of the shoe but makes it much more durable. What I also love about the firm rubber is that it is built to last for hundreds of miles, and provides more energy return than the squishy crystal rubber.
The outsole of this shoe also wraps up around the midsole, which provides runners with a little extra stability and control. The lugs boast subtle flex groves to boost flexibility and make your stride feel natural, but these lugs are a tad shallow. While other neutral trainers are equipped to take on sidewalks and modest trails, this shoe is designed specifically for flat surfaces.
Runners also found that the shallow lugs limit your control on wet surfaces, and can get a little slipping when running on rain-soaked sidewalks.
UPPER
What I love most about this design is the fit and feel of the upper. It is composed of super-soft mesh that is thin enough for hot days, but thick enough for cooler morning runs. It walks that fine line between breathable yet insulating, which is something where other neutral trainers often struggle. I love that this upper is super soft and contours to the shape of my foot to boost lockdown and comfort.
This upper also boasts a few extra features to help improve your ride. It has a semi-gusseted tongue with modest padding that sticks in place and helps to limit hot spots and chafing.
The heel collar has modest padding as well to boost lockdown and cut down on the initial break-in period of this shoe. The Freedom 4 has a few missteps, but the construction of the upper is not one of them!
PERFORMANCE
I would recommend this shoe for those in the market for a versatile neutral running shoe. It is composed of responsive and lightweight features that allow you to pick up the pace as needed without heavy materials holding you back.
The performance of the PWRRUN PB midsole isn’t quite as cushioned as other Saucony midsole options, but it really shines when you have the need for speed. By utilizing this super flexible and responsive midsole without a carbon plate, you have a higher range of flexibility that makes this shoe incredibly versatile.
It’s a great option for runners that like to go on nice and easy tempo runs or that want to shave a few seconds off of their PR. However, the midsole isn’t quite as soft and cushioned as other neutral trainers, which can make it a little uncomfortable for long-distance running. The durable outsole is designed for hundreds of miles, but this shoe falls a little short in cushioning and support for longer runs.
I recommend sticking to shorter runs, or wearing them while engaging in HIIT or cross-training. It’s even a great option for weight lifting as well.
FIT
Based upon reviews from previous users, this shoe runs true to size. If you are a size 10 in other Saucony trainers, the same can be said for the Freedom 4. If you are new to Saucony, be sure to take ample measurements of your feet and compare those numbers to Saucony’s detailed sizing chart. If you have the option, it’s always helpful to head down to your local shoe store to give them a test run before you make your purchase.
One thing that I loved most about the overall fit of this shoe is that it is built wide. It has a wider forefoot with a stretchy mesh upper that allows for excellent flexibility without hindering your overall lockdown. It also has a nice and roomy toe box that allows your toes to naturally splay inside of the shoe for added stability and comfort.
STYLE
Personally, I love the overall style of this shoe. It’s sleek and modern and boasts a low profile that sits low on your foot. At first glance, it looks like a simple pair of casual sneakers. The embossed logo is subtle and really pops, and has reflective properties that shine in low light conditions.
I also love that it comes in a wide variety of color options that include neutral shades as well as bright and poppy color options for those that like their trainers to be noticed.
PRICE
I’ll be honest - the price tag on this shoe was just a tad higher than I had expected. While it’s a neutral runner with minimal additional comfort and performance features, it clocks in at a price point that is more in line with high-performing stability trainers.
However, the enhanced durability of this shoe allows you to gain hundreds of high-quality miles with this shoe, making the price point a little more reasonable. If you can swing the slightly higher price point, this shoe is worth the investment!
Comparisons to Previous Versions
Comparisons to Previous Versions
The changes made to the Freedom 4 are big changes, and they are a little controversial among Freedom fans. Overall, the changes made to this shoe make it a little more stiff and less cushioned than previous versions. Some runners love these changes, and others feel that the changes made lose the magic of the original.
The biggest change made to the construction of this shoe lies in the outsole. The Freedom 3 had a squishy and insanely flexible outsole that allowed you to turn on a dime, and almost felt like you were running in your socks!
Saucony dropped the crystal rubber outsole and replaced it with a firmer rubber material that doesn’t provide the same level of flex. While the outsole is stiffer, it is much more durable and provides a little extra spring to your step. Some runners love the change while others hate it.
The biggest change made to the construction of this shoe lies in the outsole. The Freedom 3 had a squishy and insanely flexible outsole that allowed you to turn on a dime, and almost felt like you were running in your socks!
Saucony dropped the crystal rubber outsole and replaced it with a firmer rubber material that doesn’t provide the same level of flex. While the outsole is stiffer, it is much more durable and provides a little extra spring to your step. Some runners love the change while others hate it.
Verdict
Verdict
The Saucony Freedom 4 suffers a few design flaws that some runners flat out don’t like. The omission of the crystal rubber outsole limits the flexibility of this shoe but also enhances its overall durability and performance. Some runners also feel that the modest PWRRUN PB midsole isn’t quite as soft and squishy as they would have liked, but all of these changes to the overall design boil down to a matter of personal preference.
Personally, I feel that these changes create an incredibly responsive, supportive, and versatile running shoe that provides an excellent ground feel and a good range of motion when compared to other neutral running shoes out there on the market. If you are on the hunt for a simplistic yet versatile neutral running shoe, the Saucony Freedom 4 is worth checking out!
Personally, I feel that these changes create an incredibly responsive, supportive, and versatile running shoe that provides an excellent ground feel and a good range of motion when compared to other neutral running shoes out there on the market. If you are on the hunt for a simplistic yet versatile neutral running shoe, the Saucony Freedom 4 is worth checking out!
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