Saucony Freedom 4 Review Analysis (2021)
Last update: April 2024
The Saucony Freedom 4 is a lightweight and versatile daily trainer with a lively ride.
The Consensus
Perhaps one of the most significant improvements to the 4 may be found in the midsole. Made with PWWRUN PB technology—so far reserved for the plated models of the brand—the 4 is firmer, livelier, and doesn’t contain a plate. Runners said that overall, the midsole’s medium-level cushioning was great for tackling longer distances and snappy enough for faster speeds. It is a bit sturdier than the 3, yet still retains flexible properties and provides quick turnover when necessary. The upper is lightweight and soft while protecting the foot with a medium-mesh and thick, gusseted tongue. Finally, the outsole is composed of full-coverage rubber, which grips well to virtually any surface. It provides good stability, traction and lends itself to a decent “pop” when used on the road.
Runners didn’t have much that was negative to say about the Freedom 4. One common remark was that the 4 is less soft and flexible than its preceding model but still performs well. It’s also not the best shoe for regular, longer rides (though it can go the distance when necessary). One other note: the shoe tends to be a bit flat, requiring more effort to achieve a decent spring, according to a few testers. Apart from these technicalities, the latest Freedom model is a true upgrade from previous versions.
In short, the Saucony Freedom 4 is a lightweight, versatile, and comfortable trainer that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. While this new version may not be as soft as its predecessors, its lively ride makes it worth considering.
- Smooth and lively ride
- Versatile shoe
- Good foot lockdown
- Sturdy rubber outsole
- Lightweight (241 g/8.5 oz M)
- The firmer ride may disappoint fans of the earlier versions
- It may not be comfortable for long distances if you like extensive cushioning
Technologies
Outsole
- The sturdy rubber ensures a safe grip on urban surfaces.
- The flex grooves help the athlete to transition more quickly from heel to toes by enabling the platform to better adapt to the movements of the foot.
Midsole
- The PWRRUN PB midsole uses a polymer-based lightweight and responsive compound that gives a lively ride. According to the brand, PWRRUN PB is 20% lighter than traditional thermoplastic polyurethane midsole compounds.
Upper
- The Saucony Freedom 4’s upper is an engineered mesh that comfortably keeps the foot secure inside the shoe while letting the foot breathe, especially when it’s warmer.
- The heel counter molds comfortably to the foot to offer a safe support.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 4 mm |
| Heel stack height | 28 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 24 mm |
| Weight (men) | 241 g/8.5 oz |
| Athletes | Molly Seidel |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
| Bounce (1-5) | 3 – Moderate |
Technologies
| Outsole | Sturdy rubber, flex grooves |
| Midsole | PWRRUN PB |
| Upper | Engineered mesh, heel counter |
Use
| Speed | Moderate |
| Distance | Mid, 10k, half marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs |
Reference: Saucony
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, athletes who ran with this model confirmed that it fits true to size. Therefore, you can purchase your normal size for running shoes. Nonetheless, if this your very first pair of Saucony shoes, it may be wise to try them on in-store to avoid surprises.
Yes, this shoe should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. As such, it aims to suit all runners independently from their type of pronation. It’s not equipped with stability props to guide the movement of the foot and decrease overpronation. In any case, it should be noted that there are no empirical data proving that stability shoes are more effective than neutral shoes to prevent injury. Comfort should be the main criteria when choosing shoes, not the pronation type, although the two can correlate sometimes.
Yes, these shoes should be a good fit independently of your weight. Indeed, The Saucony Freedom 4 has a heel stack height of 28 mm, which is enough cushioning for most runners, so you can run with it even if you’re heavyweight.
Yes, there should be no concern. Indeed, the most important criterion to determine what shoes to wear during your competition should be your personal experience. In theory, any shoe could do. However, some athletes favor (understandably!) running shoes with comfortable cushioning for long distances. The Saucony Freedom 4 has a stack height of 28 mm, which makes it a good choice to run long comfortably.
