Saucony Freedom ISO 2 Performance Review

The Good

Thomas: 10.6 ounces or 300 grams isn’t too bad for a daily trainer, especially with this much bounce under the foot. The EVERUN can compete with the BOOST and React foams. The application of the ISO fit is the best I have experienced on a Saucony model yet. I went back and looked at the original Freedom review, Deja vu. It most likely has something to do with the knit upper softening up the feel. The tongue and the collar fit comfortably. The Freedom ISO 2 fits true to size. Overall the shoe looks good and fits well. The EVERUN cushioning doesn’t die, the full coverage of crystal rubber will take forever to wear through, and knit tops are durable AF. This shoe should be able to handle the punishment doled out on daily runs.

Meaghan: Well, the original Freedom ISO was kinda meh for me, so I had pretty low expectations for V2. With that said, let’s talk about the good stuff. They’ve updated the sizing! The original Freedom ISO was too short for me. Holding V1 next to V2, there is about 1/4″ – 1/2″ more length. They fit great.

The new model still has the full-length EVERUN midsole (that’s the stuff everyone was so jazzed about in the first model) and paired it with their new ISOKNIT. They’ve essentially taken the structure of the ISOFIT and combined it with a new engineered knit. It’s stretchy and comfortable. The EVERUN is dense, but very bendy. It gives the shoe a smooth transition and comfortable ride. I wouldn’t take this shoe out for any serious speed work, but for everyday, easy running they are great.

The outsole of the Freedom ISO 2 is made of the same crystal rubber used on the previous version, however they’ve dug out more space between each lug. I imagine this was an attempt to keep the weight down (that didn’t work).

The Bad

Thomas: I don’t like this shoe for running. The Freedom ISO 2 is “slappy” with its slab of EVERUN with a full bottom of crystal rubber. There is no structure to the midsole so it is a bit sloppy. Slappy and sloppy is no way to go through life. I complained about the original Freedom being bottom heavy and the heel having nonexistent support. I was hoping Saucony might fix the issues in the Freedom ISO 2, but alas no. The heel counter on the Freedom ISO 2 is an unstructured soft mess that adds to the problem of having no support in the midsole’s heel of the shoe. While running in the shoe, it felt like my heel was landing below my forefoot despite the 4mm drop. After running in the Freedom ISO 2 my Soleus flared up, I believe it is due to the soft heel in the Freedom, but I can’t be sure.

Meaghan: First of all, I hate when companies make the EXACT SAME colorway for the men and women. Don’t do that. Couples with matching shoes are the freakin’ worst. Anyway, the black colorway I received looked like it had already been worn. I doubt it was, but the black-faded knit coloring was not a good choice. Ok, enough about aesthetics. My W7.5 got heavier, from 7.85 to 8.3oz. It’s not terribly heavy for a daily trainer, but most of the weight is under foot. Not great for tired legs, or any legs for that matter.

Saucony Freedom ISO 2 Conclusion

Thomas: This shoe will be a lifestyle shoe in my collection. The Saucony Freedom ISO 2 feels fantastic for walking around and the black knit looks good enough for casual wear. If I were to recommend the Freedom ISO 2 to a runner, it would be to a lower mileage runner. I am not confident that the lack of support in the shoe is good for higher volume running. Feel free to prove me wrong.

Meaghan: The Saucony Freedom ISO 2 saw some good updates, and some not-so-good updates. I’m very happy with the overall fit and feel of this shoe. They’re comfortable right out of the box. I was disappointed to find the weight increased and that the shoes still feel very bottom heavy. With all this said, if you liked the original, I think you’ll love the update (just don’t order the black colorway).