Saucony Switchback ISO Ride and Performance
Traction from the array of lugs beneath the Switchback ISO provided a surprising amount of grip in some nasty conditions.
One tester took the shoes on a trip to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado where she encountered dirt roads and fresh snow, and then she brought them home to a nine-miler on soft dirt trails studded with rocks and roots. The Switchback performed admirably in all conditions.
“These shoes don’t have particularly chunky tread, but they handled well on dirt road and regular dirt trail,” she says. “The traction felt good, and I didn’t have any problems even in deep snow. I think these would be perfect for doing a trail speed workout or race in.”
Saucony advertises its EVERUN midsole as flexible, durable and energetic through your entire run. Made by fusing together thousands of TPU beads, Saucony says EVERUN gives runners an 83 percent energy return on each step and is three times more durable than traditional EVA foam, meaning it will stay peppy through the life of the shoe.
In real use, our testers say the cushion feels soft and bouncy while being lightweight and protective on rugged trails.
"I have enough ground feel that I can easily move around rocks with quick feet and navigate technical terrain without feeling disconnected," one tester says. "They’re also light and flexible, which helps me feel fast and agile."
Saucony Switchback Long-Term Review
The Switchback is one of our favorite trail running shoes because it hasn't let us down yet.
After hundreds of miles of hard trail running, three trail races and countless soakings during rainstorms or stream crossings, the Switchback never wavered. The BOA lacing system endured the worst we could throw at it, and it still cinches down to the ideal fit
One Fleet Feet runner says she takes these when she travels because they're lightweight, versatile and ready for just about anything.
"I ran a trail half marathon, a trail 10K and another a 5K race on a cross country-style course in the Switchbacks this year," she says. "Mine probably have about 200 miles on them at this point and they still seem to be full of life."
In wet conditions, the shoe continues to drain well, and none of our runners have had problems with blisters or chafing.
With a stellar fit and top-notch durability, we feel confident in recommending the Switchback again and again.
"These shoes have withstood some hard miles in varying conditions in different parts of the country," one tester concluded. "They are absolutely a favorite pair of shoes for me."
Conclusion
A Saucony trail running shoe with a full-length EVERUN midsole? We’re sold.
"The shoe feels fast and nimble," says our ultra tester. "To me, the perfect shoe is just there, and it works. Basically, I don’t really want to notice my shoe; I want it to be an extension of my body. The Saucony Switchback achieves that better than any shoe I’ve worn on the trails in a long time. I give them a 10 out of 10."
The Switchback ISO checks all our boxes for trail running shoes: protective cushioning, superior traction and spacious fit. Throw in a Boa lacing system that makes getting in and sliding out a breeze, and you’ve got a shoe that’s confident on any adventure.
Still not convinced? Don’t sweat it. Fleet Feet's return policy means you can test drive your shoes and gear without risk. If you’re not happy with the way your gear performs, looks or fits, we’ll take it back within 30 days. Plus, you’ll get free return shipping on all fleetfeet.com orders. That's our Happy Fit Guarantee.
