While some might prefer the larger offset, it’s worth saying that plush cushioning and the lower drop was a unique combo that we don’t see in any other shoe in Saucony’s lineup, which is still there, but a little less pronounced in this newer version. The only aspect some runners might pick for a negative is that the 3 has more heel-toe offset than its predecessor-moving from 5.7 to 10 mm for the men’s version and from 5.2 to 9 mm for the women’s-according to our lab data. (The new, simpler setup accomplishes the locked-in, “made-for-me” feeling that the ISO2 was reaching for, but didn’t quite nail.) With less weight and a lower profile, the Freedom fills the slot in Saucony’s lineup for runners who wanted the plush comfort and bounce of the Triumph 17, but shied away from its bulk. The ISOfit upper is gone-a polarizing ghillie lacing system that was a dream for some runners but nightmarish for others-and has been replaced by traditional, old-school laces and a beefy contoured insole. It now uses a PWRRUN+ midsole, an Adidas Boost-like foam made from fused TPU beads, which helps shave off a full ounce of weight and gives the shoe a seriously smooth, lively, and flexible ride. But the shoe did a lot of growing up over the past year and a half, and in my opinion, its third iteration is an all-around improvement from the Freedom ISO 2. Engineered mesh upper improves breathabilityĬompared to Saucony shoes like the Triumph and Hurricane-trainers with long lineages of 17 and 22 models, respectively-the Freedom is still just a kid.Grippy crystal rubber outsole is flexible and lightweight.

PWRRUN+ foam offers impressive energy return and forefoot softness.The RW Takeaway: The Freedom 3 is a flexible, bouncy, and lightweight trainer best for fast-finish daily runs and longer uptempo efforts.

Saucony ride 3