Saucony Liteform Feel

The Saucony Liteform Feel’s name doesn’t lie – it’s light, doesn’t offer much structure, but feels very comfortable and cushioned in return. The simple yet effective combination of IMEVA cushioned midsole and the mesh upper makes for a good design that’s not flashy and doesn’t need to be. The refined TRI-FLEX outsole with XT-900 rubberized overlays is extremely flexible and will move in sync with your foot, providing good traction and grip on flat surfaces. While this racing shoe is only good for runners that don’t need additional support and stability, which will make a lot of runners frown, it only has one drawback that’s downright a mistake: the non-removable sockliner that prevents customization. Everything else is a choice, not a flaw.

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Pros & Cons
Pros
  • TRI-FLEX rubber outsole
  • Lightweight
  • Responsive
  • Breathable
  • Very flexible, with smooth heel-to-toe transition
  • Cushioned
  • Comfortable
  • 4mm natural drop
  • Great price that makes up for the average durability
  • Simple and elegant design
  • Cons
    • No arch support
    • No stability features
    • Non-removable insole
    • A few runners have sensed discomfort due to the narrow insole
    • Average durability
    • Key Features
      Outsole
      The outsole of the Saucony Liteform Feel is one of the most flexible in the industry. It’s made out of refined TRI-FLEX rubber compound that features XT-900 overlays. This choice of compounds for the outsole results in good ground contact, traction, and amazing flexibility. The TRI-FLEX rubber works in unison with the EVERUN topsole we’re going to talk about in a second, creating a sole that disperses the impact force energy while running, effectively protecting the foot. EVERUN is a durable topsole that keeps the cushiony feel through the entire ride, while also providing some bounce and energy return as well. The XT-900 overlay is a rubber material that increases traction of the outsole and prevents untimely wear and tear. The outsole itself features arrow-shaped lug pattern throughout the entire length of the sole, with the exception of rubberized heel and toes for swifter toe-off.
      Midsole
      Like many other lightweight running shoes on the market, the Liteform Feel makes great use of the injection-molded EVA foam midsole that is thick, lightweight, cushioned and flexible. Together with the flexible outsole, the midsole build offers quick heel-to-toe transition as well as swift toe-off, which makes increasing speed in this shoe a piece of cake. Like any other IMEVA compound, you can expect this midsole that skews to the softer side to flatten a bit after the first 100 miles, and you’re bound to see creases that will form as you run and walk in this sneaker. The creases won’t compromise the quality of the midsole, but they will make the shoe look a bit worn out.
      Upper
      The upper of the Saucony Liteform Feel running shoe is pretty simple and straightforward, which isn’t to say that it isn’t high-quality and well thought-out. The upper is made out of synthetic mesh material that provides heaps of ventilation. The lacing system of the Liteform Feel is traditional and the vamp has a slightly rounded shape, which increases the forefoot comfort significantly. The upper also features the FORM2U Memory Foam sockliner, which is a high-quality footbed that offers comfort and adjusts to the shape of your foot. The bad thing about this sockliner is that it’s non-removable, which can be a deal-breaker for some runners. The collar of this lightweight running shoe features a padded collar and pull loops on the top of the tongue and the back of the heel, making putting the shoe on and taking it off very easy. Lastly, the mesh upper features sleek neoprene lining which adds just a tad of structure to the nimble fabric.
      Weight
      At 7.2oz for a men's half-pair size 9 and a staggering 5.9oz for women’s half-pair, this is an incredibly lightweight shoe that you literally won’t notice on your feet. Even if you’re used to wearing lightweight shoes, to begin with, you will definitely notice the difference in the Saucony Liteform Feel, which will make you feel like sprinting, without having any weight pull you down, which means that it will take longer for you to get tired while on the road in this shoe.
      Breathability
      The mesh upper, as we’ve mentioned, is quite predictable, but in a good way. It offers lots of breathability and air flow, and it won’t allow your feet to sweat or become irritated and develop blisters from sweat and overheating. While this can’t be a dependable winter shoe, it sure is a great running shoe to have in rotation if you live in a warm and dry climate.
      Comfort
      The vast majority of runners have praised the Liteform Feel for being very comfortable, cushioned and lightweight, with several customers even stating that they have never had a shoe as comfy as this one. On the other hand, one runner noted that the memory foam sockliner is a few millimeters narrower than the rest of the foot platform, which caused some, although not too much discomfort because they felt the edges of the sockliner along the length of the foot. Also, keep in mind that the IMEVA foam midsole offers a lot of cushion and dampens the ground feel somewhat. If you’re a type of runner that likes to experience the ground beneath your feet, this might not be an ideal option for you.
      Style
      The Saucony Liteform Feel is the type of running shoe that is low-key and modest, while still looking sharp. This shoe won’t draw anyone’s attention to it and will fit into almost any workout or casual outfit imaginable. The colorways of this shoe are subdued and elegant, and the Saucony logo can be seen on the top of the tongue, while the neoprene lining adds some elegance to the otherwise common-looking mesh upper. However, if you do like flashy, over the top shoes, these might not be a good choice.
      Durability
      Generally speaking, if a company’s going for great durability and comfort, something’s gotta give. In the case of the Saucony Liteform Feel, the balance has proven to work in the favor of the shoe. While it won’t last you 600 miles like some other, sturdier shoes would, the soft and cushioned IMEVA midsole will hold up for quite some time, even though it will start to chip and flatten after 150 miles. On the outsole, the rubberized toe and heel areas are there to increase the durability of the midsole as well. As far as the upper goes, it looks like the synthetic mesh it’s built from is prone to tearing, but a number of runners have actually been quite surprised at how resilient the upper fabric actually is. Durability is a characteristic that depends on a lot of factors, some of them being your pronation, whether you’re a heel striker or not, the terrain you’re running on, as well as your overall running style – all of which could prolong or shorten the lifespan of this shoe. However, for most runners out there, the durability it offers, especially for the price, is more than acceptable.
      Protection
      This is an extremely cushioned shoe that will really disperse the energy generated from the impact forces on your each and every stride, protecting your feet from pain and tiredness and prolonging the time you feel comfortable to run. The FORM2U Memory Foam sockliner provides additional cushioning and dampens the ground feel even more. However, the cushion is the beginning and the end of the Liteform Feel’s protective properties. There is a lot of runners who only search for cushioning when it comes to foot protection, in which case the Liteform Feel will perform perfectly. But if you prefer some more technology-oriented shoes, these might not be the right choice for you.
      Responsiveness
      The EVA midsole along with the EVERUN topsole makes for a satisfyingly springy and energized ride that isn’t too soft or too firm. The arrow-shaped pattern on the outsole ensures a swift heel-to-toe transition, allowing you to amp up the pace and achieve a smooth running performance.
      Support
      When it comes to support, it’s worth noting that the Saucony Liteform Feel is a neutral running shoe, aimed at approximately 50% of runners that have high, medium-high or normal arches. However, the lack of overall support has been widely complained about with the Liteform Feel, and we’d recommend you get this shoe only if you have high and medium-high arches, otherwise, you’ll experience a level of discomfort while running in his shoe. Had the company made the memory foam insole removable, this would have been another story, given the fact that you could just take out the unsupportive insole and replace it with your custom made, arched insoles. We couldn’t find an obvious reason why the company opted to make the insole non-removable, and our best guess is that it’s an oversight that will end up being a deal breaker for quite a few people.
      Terrain
      The Saucony Liteform Feel is a running shoe suitable for closed spaces, as well as roads, pavements and any other type of flat, non-technical surface that won’t cause too much abrasion to the sole. For instance, if you’re looking for a great treadmill shoe that won’t break the bank, you’ve just found it.
      Price
      The price of this balanced running shoe is more than affordable. The great price point makes the average durability seem fantastic, given the fact that two pairs of this shoe cost more or less like one pair of Adidas or Nikes, without any obvious reason. Given the price, it’s no wonder why so many people swear by the Saucony running shoes and favor them above some other brands for years.
      Traction
      The arrow-shaped TRI-FLEX rubberized outsole offers good traction, especially on dry and non-slippery surfaces. Given the softness and the flexibility of the sole, the grip this shoe will provide on adequate surfaces will be very good.
      Flexibility
      Flexibility is one of the strongest points of the Saucony Liteform Feel running shoe. The sole of the shoe is extremely flexible, to the point you can twist it, bend it at 90 degrees or more, and it bouncing right back into its original shape in less than half a second. This immense flexibility, coupled with the mesh, flexible upper, enables the Liteform Feel to bend and completely adjust to your foot’s movements.
      Stability
      There aren’t many – if any, stability features in the Saucony Liteform Feel. Unlike the non-removable sockliner, this isn’t a mistake. The shoe lacks stability features on purpose. The name itself implies that it is aimed at runners who prefer not to be constrained in any way while running, including any corrective and/or stability features others might look for in a shoe. The Liteform Feel lets you do your thing and makes your ride comfy, flexible and cushioned. Other than that, you’re on your own.
      Drop
      This shoe features a 4mm heel-to-toe drop that might feel flat, especially if you’re used to to the standard 10mm drop most running shoes have nowadays. That being said, the Liteform Feel will be a joy to run in for midfoot strikers, and the heel won’t get in their way in the slightest. The sole itself is medium-thick, with the heel measuring 22mm and the forefoot stack height measuring 18mm.
      Key Features
      ● TRI-FLEX rubber outsole
      ● EVERUN topsole for increased responsiveness
      ● IMEVA midsole
      ● Breathable mesh upper
      ● Extremely lightweight
      ● Average durability
      ● Comfortable, although some runners think the sockliner is too narrow
      ● Excellent price point
      ● Lack of arch support
      ● Road, track and treadmill shoe
      ● Extremely flexible
      ● No stability features
      ● 4mm drop
      Bottom Line
      While the Saucony Liteform Feel does have some obvious drawbacks, such as the complete lack of arch support, stability features, and protection – other than the most basic aspect, this racing shoe has a lot going for it as well. It is extremely lightweight and flexible, moderately responsive, comfortable, cushioned and breathable, all of which are great aspects that will suit runners who don’t require any (and we mean any) additional support and stability. The 4mm drop is a welcome nod to the midfoot strikers that encourages a more natural gait cycle and can be used as a good transition drop for runners that want to transfer from 12mm to zero-drop shoes. The price point is also something to be thankful for when it comes to the Liteform Feel. However, if you’re looking for a sturdier shoe that can correct your stance and gait cycle, this shoe really won’t do much for you.
      Where to Buy
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      Last updated:
      Runnerclick
      Where to buy
      Best offer on: Mar. 17. 2024