If you’re a runner who suffers from mild overpronation due to flat feet, then you should already be aware that running in the wrong kind of shoes can lead to severe pain and potential injury. It’s always best to choose a pair of shoes that are designed to be used by people with flat feet. Saucony has developed a strong reputation in the running shoe industry for their quality durable and comfortable shoes.
The Saucony Echelon 7 has been specially engineered to offer support, comfort, and stability to both neutral runners and those with mild cases of flat-footedness. It provides strong arch support for people suffering from mild overpronation.
Fast Facts About this Offering
- Designed for runners with mildly fallen arches
- Weighs 11.7 ounces (men's), and 10 ounces (women's)
- Saucony SuperLite EVA foam cushions every step
- PowerGrid technology in the midsole ensures a smooth run with extra cushion and maximum rebound
- Sauc-Fit technology hugs the midfoot for a secure fit
- RunDry collar lining repels moisture and promotes dryness
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Performance and Use
If you’re not familiar with the Saucony brand, you should be aware that they’ve developed quite a reputation for creating very durable running shoes that are built to last for hundreds of miles of use. The outsole of the fifth installment of the Saucony Echelon series has an XT 900 outsole made from carbon rubber.
This is the same material used to make tires and offers a fantastic amount of tread on both wet and dry surfaces. This carbon rubber outsole provides total traction, meaning you’ll never have to worry about taking a hard fall when running on wet or slick roads. The additional inclusion of Injection Blown rubber into the outsole provides even more control and comfortability and significantly increases the lifespan of the shoe.
The rubber makes this shoe perfectly suitable for running on concrete, roads, and tracks but running on rough roads or surfaces could damage the shoe and significantly reduce its lifespan. The heel to toe drop of this shoe is 8mm. This offers better balance than the standard 12mm drop, especially for runners with fallen arches. The midsole is composed of a high-quality SSL EVA foam called Saucony SuperLite. It ensures maximum rebound with each step and is very durable.
The patented PowerGrid technology in the midsole is a lightweight and durable, high-quality cushioning foam that delivers a smooth ride and a lot of rebound. During each strike of the foot, this technology centers the foot and distributes the impact evenly and safely, making for an incredibly responsive ride.
Cushioning and Comfort
The Echelon 7 is built for comfort. The upper of this shoe is made from a lightweight open mesh fabric that circulates air to keep the feet cool and dry during your run, which promotes ventilation and breathability. As is usual with their shoes, the Echelon 7 is lined with Saucony’s RunDry collar lining, which is a unique fabric that repels moisture and helps to promote a dry, chafe-free run. It also works to prevent unwanted odor buildup. Saucony has included their Sauc-Fit technology in the Echelon 7, which is composed of stretchy components that hug the midfoot and allow the heel and forefoot of the shoe to flex and move with each and every step.
This is in answer to some consumer criticism about the lack of flexibility in the Echelon series. The inclusion of the Sauc-Fit tech keeps the fit of the shoe feeling secure and snug without feeling overwhelmingly tight and suffocating. The midsole PowerGrid technology, which is an upgraded version of Saucony’s older Grid technology, offers superior shock and pressure absorption as well as a lightweight cushion from head to toe. PowerGrid is lighter and more responsive than the older Grid tech. The footpad is wide enough to accommodate runners who use orthotics, which allows for further comfort options.
Value and Cost
Saucony is known for creating long-lasting and affordable running shoes, and the Saucony Echelon 7 is no exception. This shoe runs near the middle of the pricing spectrum. These shoes are both affordable and durable thanks to the addition of several of Saucony’s technologies.
The XT 900 outsole is made of highly durable carbon rubber, as well as added injection blown rubber for extra durability. The inclusion of new and updated PowerGrid technology in the midsole also offers another layer of value and strength. All of this culminates in a shoe that is both affordable and built to last.
Saucony Echelon 7: The Pros
- Extremely comfortable. The Echelon 7 is filled to the brim with comfort thanks to the tech that Saucony has packed into it. The midsole provides optimum cushioning with every step thanks to the Saucony SuperLite midsole and lightweight PowerGrid foam cushion. The water-resistant RunDry collar lining in the upper part of the shoe provides extra padding as well as moisture and odor control.
- Superior Durability. These shoes are built to last. Saucony is known for developing shoes that last even after hundreds of miles of use. The sole is packed with tech to improve both comfort and durability. The outsole contains XT 900 carbon rubber and added injection blown rubber, which is built to last runners for quite a long time. The midsole has Saucony Superlite and PowerGrid foam which are designed to bounce back to their original shape after every step, even after taking a beating.
- Contemporary Design. Many runners have raved about the sleek and modern design of the Saucony Echelon 7. These shoes are a much stronger option if you’re looking for a modern fashionable running shoe. The shoe comes in both men’s and women’s styles and offers two color variations on each. A navy-black combo and a grey-red-blue combo for men, and a grey-pink combo and a grey, mint, and blue combo for women.
Saucony Echelon 7: The Cons
- Very sturdy but lacks flexibility. The same technology packed into the sole that makes these shoes so comfortable is also what makes one of its biggest complaints. Saucony very clearly chose to sacrifice flexibility to make more room for stability and control in their Echelon line. And while this fifth installment in the line is an improvement to its predecessor, it still possesses similar flexibility issues. They’ve improved upon this somewhat with the stretchable Sauc-Fit tech on the upper part of the shoe. If you like a shoe that’s more flexible than it is supportive, then the Echelon 7 may not be for you.
- Sizing runs wide. which can be a blessing or a curse. In their attempt to prevent narrow feet, to cater to those who use orthotics, and to allow for room to breathe, the standard sizes of these shoes tend to run a bit wide. If you have narrow feet, then you might want to consider buying a half- to full size down.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Saucony Echelon 7 has been specially engineered to provide superior comfortability, support, and durability for runners who suffer from flat feet and those who are neutral runners. It offers mild support without going overboard on the arches. If you’re a runner with a mild case of flat feet, then this pair may be the perfect fit for you.
Saucony has developed an industry reputation for making durable and high-quality running shoes, and the Echelon 7 is a beautiful and deserving addition to the brand. So, if you’re looking for a new pair of shoes that offer support and stability without feeling bulky, then the Saucony Echelon 7 just might become your new favorite pair of running shoes.
The Saucony Echelon 7 is included in our comprehensive guide to the best running shoes for flat feet.
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